Pont Royal on the Canal de Bourgogne
Accommodation in Pont Royal
Pont Royal can be explored through three closely connected landmarks: the freestanding road bridge, the Port de Pont-Royal and the Canal de Bourgogne. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Pont Royal, this connection gives the destination a clear focus: road and canal history. The port basin, toll house and light installation add various architectural and artistic aspects to the theme.
Bridge and Port: Road and Canal History
The freestanding road bridge in Pont Royal was built in 1812 under the direction of engineer Charles Forey to carry the road from Dijon to Paris via Avallon. It is part of the Port de Pont-Royal complex, which includes the nautical stop and port basin on the Canal de Bourgogne. The port was established in 1833 at the intersection of the Canal de Bourgogne and the road from Paris via Avallon. The dates distinguish two stages in the area’s history: the bridge was built in 1812, and the port was established in 1833. Their respective connections also differ: the bridge belongs to the road, while the port lies where the road and waterway meet. This allows you to place Pont Royal’s transport and construction history in context through two connected but distinct structures.
The Toll House at the Port
The toll house of Pont Royal stands on the right bank of the port. It was built from 1835 and completed in 1838. Its architecture is arranged over a ground floor and two upper floors. The building also served as a keeper’s house. Its construction therefore took place after the port was established in 1833. The sequence of floors and its dual function give the building a distinct place in the history of the port area.
Port Basin and Light Art
The rectangular port basin bears traces of a former washhouse. Since 1994, the Port de Pont-Royal has been illuminated at night by the permanent work “Eleven Columns of Light” by artist Michel Verjux. These two details link different periods: the basin points to an earlier use, while the light installation adds a later artistic layer. At the port, the story thus ranges from architectural traces to light art.
Trips and the VĂ©loroute along the Canal de Bourgogne
Trips aboard the Bateau Elza depart from Pont-Royal. During the 2026 season, the pilot tells the story of the Canal de Bourgogne and its boatmen. The trip adds a narrated perspective on the canal to the history of its structures. Check seasonal availability before your trip.
The VĂ©loroute along the Canal de Bourgogne follows the route from Migennes to Saint-Jean-de-Losne and crosses the bridge at Pont Royal. The bridge is just a few metres from the Maison du Canal. This adds another route connection to its historic role in the road network. The details about the route and its proximity place the bridge within the longer-distance route and its local course. Check local access details before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Gevrolles, Beaune, Losne, Lanthes, Bligny-lès-Beaune, Talant, Levernois, Échevronne
For the main travel overview: Cote-Dor.
