Bourg-le-Comte: Lock, Canal and Romanesque Architecture

Bourg-le-Comte lies on high ground above the Canal de Roanne à Digoin and the Loire. Several different points of interest can guide your choice of destination: the history of canal construction at the large fall lock, the architectural design of Saint-Gervais church, and exploring the canal by boat or along the towpath. Before looking for a hotel in Bourg-le-Comte, you can decide whether engineering history, Romanesque architecture or activities by the water should shape your stay.

The lock and the history of the canal

When the canal was upgraded to the Freycinet gauge at the end of the 19th century, the large fall lock at Bourg-le-Comte replaced two consecutive locks. It was built in two stages, in 1898 and 1899. A waterfall height of 7.19 metres sits alongside a height difference of 11 metres overcome by the lock; these figures refer to different measurements and should not be read as two figures for the same height. The structure is considered one of the highest locks in France. Its construction history offers a historical perspective, while the height measurements provide an engineering perspective on the same structure.

The former brickworks is also linked to the canal: it was built in Bourg-le-Comte because of the canal’s presence. A large brick chimney is the last surviving remnant. This brings two historical connections together: the lock was built when the waterway was upgraded, while the canal’s presence prompted the construction of the brickworks.

Explore the canal

You can explore the Canal de Roanne à Digoin by péniche or electric boat, or use its towpath on foot or by bicycle. The difference is how you relate to the water: by boat, you are on the canal; on the towpath, you travel along its bank. The Point d'amarrage de Bourg-le-Comte is a nautical mooring site with an anchoring point on the canal bank.

Saint-Gervais and Romanesque architecture

Saint-Gervais church is in the centre of Bourg-le-Comte. Its Romanesque nave was extended in the modern era; it is followed by a choir bay and an apse, and the church also has a Romanesque bell tower. The nave is the main longitudinal space; the choir bay and apse follow in the described sequence of construction, while the bell tower is another Romanesque feature. The architecture can therefore be explored through a sequence of specific building elements, not just the general label “Romanesque.” The nave’s modern-era extension adds another point of reference in time to the building’s design.

The two buildings offer clearly distinct points of interest: the lock is about canal improvements and height measurements, while Saint-Gervais is about Romanesque features and the modern-era extension of the nave. This comparison can help you organise the themes of your trip.

In 2026, Saint-Gervais is open every day year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except during religious services. Check the opening hours again before your trip and take this exception into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: La Frette, Saint-Martin-Du-Tartre, Huilly-Sur-Seille, Saint-Martin-La-Patrouille, Montmort, Mont, Vauban, Gergy

For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.