France is known for its magnificent landscapes and charming towns. The canals of France are also key attractions for visitors. What better way to explore the country than by following their paths or taking a cruise on the waterways in your favourite region?
The canals of France have played a crucial role in transportation and trade for centuries. In recent times, they have been more important for tourism, focusing on boating, cycling, and leisure activities.
9 canals of France to explore
There are about 80 navigable canals in France. Here are 9 of the better-known waterways:
1. Canal du Midi (South)
The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most famous canal in France. Built in the 17th century, the canal was a groundbreaking engineering feat at the time. The canal also features numerous locks and bridges. It connects the Garonne River to the Étang de Thau, on the Mediterranean Sea—a distance of 240 kilometres—which means there’s a great variety in the landscapes, villages, and towns you’ll see along the way.
Key sites along the canal include the medieval city of Carcassonne, the nine locks of Fonserannes near Béziers, and the Cité de l’Espace in Toulouse.
A beautiful town on the Étang de Thau is Sète.
To find out more, read these Francy That! articles:
Carcassonne Will Capture Your Imagination
Sète Is For Seafood And The Sea.
2. Canal de Bourgogne (Central)
The Canal de Bourgogne links the Seine River to the Saône. Built in the 19th century, the canal was crucial for transporting timber, coal, and wine goods. Covering more than 242 kilometres, it passes through the beautiful Burgundy region, famed for its vineyards and scenic landscapes.
Dijon, known for its fascinating history and fabulous food, is a superb place to visit along the canal.
See our article Dijon Is The Heart Of Burgundy.
3. Canal de la Marne au Rhin (North-east)
Running from the Marne River to the Rhine, the Canal de la Marne au Rhin is one of the longest canals in France, approximately 314 kilometres in length. It was constructed in the early 19th century as a strategic waterway for economic and military purposes. The canal played a significant role in industrialisation and trade in the area.
It connects the major cities of Nancy, Strasbourg, and Paris. Today, it is still an important transportation route.
Find out more in Nancy: Among The Best in the Grand Est and Go Visit Strasbourg Now.
4. Canal de Nantes à Brest (North-west)
The Canal de Nantes à Brest is more than 360 kilometres long and considered one of the most scenic canals in France. Constructed in the early 19th century, it connects the cities of Nantes and Brest, passing through lush green landscapes and beautiful villages. Historically, it has served as a vital trade route, transporting goods and raw materials across the region.
5. Canal du Centre (Central)
The Canal du Centre, located in the Burgundy region, is an essential waterway that links the Saône River to the Loire. At 112 kilometres in length, it was completed in the mid-18th century and played a crucial role in the transportation of coal from the mines to the factories.
Key attractions on the canal are Paray-le-Monial and Chalon-sur-Saône.
6. Canal de Garonne (South)
With the Canal du Midi, this canal is part of the Canal des Deux Mers, a ‘corridor’ of canals linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
The Canal de Garonne takes a tranquil route of 193 kilometres through southwestern France, passing through vineyards and small villages. It’s a vital link in the Voie Verte cycle route, which offers long stretches of car-free paths that are ideal for cyclists and hikers.
7. Canal de Briare (Central)
This historic waterway was constructed in the 17th century and is one of France’s oldest canals. It runs for more than 57 kilometres and takes a scenic route through the Loire Valley.
The famous Briare Aqueduct carries the canal over the Loire River. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, and constructed between 1890 and 1896, the Briare is one of the longest steel aqueducts in the world.
8. Canal de l’Ourcq (North)
The Canal de l’Ourcq begins in the Aisne department and flows 108 kilometres to join the Seine River in Paris. It was originally intended as a water supply for agricultural irrigation; today, it is mainly used for leisure purposes.
There are trails for walking, jogging, and cycling, particularly along the Bassin de la Villette section in Paris’ 19th arrondissement. The Bassin is the largest artificial lake in Paris; it links the Ourcq to the Canal Saint-Martin. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, with parks, gardens, cafes, theatres and cultural centres. A highlight is the Parc de la Villette, which houses the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Cité de la Musique and the Philharmonie de Paris.
Navigation along most of the Canal de l’Ourcq is limited to smaller pleasure boats; on some stretches near Paris, you can take boat tours.
9. Canal Saint-Martin (Paris)
Located in the heart of Paris, this 4.5-kilometre canal connects the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine. It passes through trendy neighbourhoods and many stretches of its banks are spanned by iron footbridges and lined with shops, bars, and restaurants.
It has tree-lined pathways and is a popular spot for walks and picnics. Sections of it run underground, so boat rides through the tunnels are a great experience.
Other canals of France …
- Canal de Berry (Loire)
- Canal du Rhône au Rhin (East)
- Canal de la Somme (North-east)
- Canal du Nivernais (Central).
Exploring the canals of France
France’s remarkable canal network has more than 8,000 kilometres of navigable waterways. Following some of them is a brilliant way to plan your trip through any of the regions you might be visiting.
Boating is the most common way of exploring the canals of France. Renting a self-drive boat allows you to set your own itinerary and stop wherever the mood takes you. It’s an excellent option for those who enjoy independent travel and the thrill of navigating the waterways themselves. Part of the experience is learning how to operate the many locks (écluses) you’ll encounter as the water levels change along the route.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you might book a trip on a canal barge. These floating hotels offer comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals and organised daily excursions at stop-off points, similar to a river or ocean cruise. There’s always something to see along the way – and you won’t have to worry about steering the boat.
Other activities along the canals of France
While cruising the canals, there are plenty of other things to do, both on and off the water. Many towns along the canals provide amenities such as bike rentals, waterside restaurants, and local guided tours so you can make the most of your time ashore.
You can pedal along scenic paths, visit local markets, taste regional dishes, or have a picnic by the water.
If you’re a history enthusiast, plan your stops to explore historic towns that line the canals.
Discovering the canals of France is a holiday all on its own.
See more FrancyThat! suggestions for Places To Go.
