Savières Canal

TL;DR: Savières Canal is a stunning 4.5km waterway connecting Lake Bourget to the Rhône River in eastern France. Perfect for boat cruises, kayaking, and exploring charming Chanaz village. Best visited April-October with unique reverse-flow phenomenon and rich history dating back to Neolithic times.

Why Savières Canal Should Be Your Next French Adventure

Picture this: you’re gliding along crystal-clear waters flanked by emerald vineyards, past a village so charming it’s nicknamed “the Venice of Savoy,” on a waterway that literally flows backward during flood season. Welcome to Canal de Savières – one of France’s most enchanting yet underrated destinations that promises an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.

Located in the stunning Savoie region of eastern France, this remarkable canal offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and authentic French charm. Whether you’re seeking a romantic boat cruise, an active kayaking adventure, or simply a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds, Savières Canal delivers experiences that rival any major European destination.

What Makes Savières Canal Truly Special

A Natural Wonder That Defies Logic

Savières Canal is one of the rare waterways in Europe whose flow can completely reverse naturally during Rhône River floods. This unique phenomenon transforms the 4.5-kilometer canal from Lake Bourget’s outlet into the Rhône’s temporary tributary, creating a fascinating hydraulic marvel that has captivated visitors for millennia.

Ancient History Meets Modern Adventure

Used as a navigable waterway since Neolithic times, the canal served as the main communication route between France and Savoy for centuries. Famous historical figures including Julius Caesar, Pope Innocent IV, Alexandre de Medici, and Napoleon III all traveled this very route. Today, you can follow in their wake while enjoying modern comforts and activities.

Chanaz: The Venice of Savoy

The crown jewel of any Savières Canal visit is the absolutely adorable village of Chanaz. This “village of a thousand treasures” was the main regional port between the 12th and 16th centuries. Stroll through picturesque lanes where traditional artisans keep centuries-old traditions alive, from oil pressing in historic mills to fair-trade coffee roasting. MORE READ..

Planning Your Perfect Visit

When to Go

Best Time: April through October offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. Water temperatures reach a delightful 26°C (79°F) in summer, perfect for swimming and water activities.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Visit between March and May when hotel prices are generally lowest.

Important Note: From September 1st through end of season 2025, boat operators cannot accommodate wheelchair users due to exceptional Lake Bourget water level management.

Getting There

By Car:

• From Lyon: 1 hour 20 minutes
• From Grenoble: 1 hour
• From Annecy: 40 minutes
• From Geneva: 1 hour 30 minutes

By Train: Vions-Chanaz station provides easy access to the canal area.

Unforgettable Experiences on Savières Canal

Boat Cruises: Your Gateway to Wonder

The absolute must-do experience is a boat cruise along the canal. Multiple companies offer various options:

Classic Canal Tour (1 hour 15 minutes) Departing from Chanaz, explore the Canal de Savières and northern Lake Bourget, including views of Château de Châtillon and the Lamartine statue. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive overview.

Grand Tour (2 hours 15 minutes) The most complete experience covering the Canal de Savières, northern Lake Bourget, and the canalized Rhône with lock passage. This extended journey provides unparalleled photo opportunities and deeper historical insights.

Short Lock Experience (1 hour) Discover how the Savières lock functions while navigating Rhône developments. Great for travelers with limited time or those fascinated by engineering.

Pro Tips:

• Arrive 15 minutes before departure and reservations are strongly recommended
• All cruises include live commentary from passionate captains sharing regional history, wildlife, and Lake Bourget characteristics
• Choose upper deck seating for optimal views and photos

Active Adventures

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding Enjoy peaceful paddling on calm, tranquil waters with beautiful verdant shores and Chautagne wine region views. The gentle current makes it perfect for beginners, though current direction can reverse depending on lock operations.

Electric Boat Rentals Rent an electric boat accommodating up to 10 people with convertible table/sunbathing area. Navigate from France’s smallest canal to its largest natural lake at your own pace.

Cycling the ViaRhôna The ViaRhôna trail follows the river, offering walkers and cyclists a secure, scenic route with multiple interesting viewpoints.

The Engineering Marvel: Savières Lock

The lock measures 18 meters long by 5.25 meters wide with 1-meter minimum depth and 5.05-meter clearance, functioning via self-service electric controls. Lock passage takes approximately 15-20 minutes total, including 10 minutes for water level adjustment. Watching this process is genuinely fascinating and provides great photo opportunities.

Discovering Charming Chanaz

Must-See Attractions

Maison de Boigne The village’s architectural crown jewel, this historic house represents Chanaz’s rich heritage.

Traditional Mill Watch oil being pressed using traditional methods while learning about centuries-old techniques.

Fair-Trade Coffee Roastery Discover locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee in an atmospheric setting.

Gallo-Roman Museum Learn about regional history through fascinating archaeological discoveries.

Dining Excellence

Auberge de Portout Enjoy Savoyard flavors in a magical lakefront setting with average prices around €34.

Local Specialties Don’t miss regional Chautagne wines and traditional Savoyard cuisine featuring fresh lake fish, local cheeses, and mountain specialties.

Exploring Lake Bourget: France’s Natural Wonder

With 44 km² surface area, Lake Bourget is France’s largest natural glacial lake. The lake stretches 18km long and 3.5km wide, surrounded by the Épine massif, Mont du Chat, Chambotte, Mont Revard, and Bauges mountains.

Lake Highlights

Hautecombe Abbey This majestic Gothic necropolis houses the Counts of Savoy tombs and features over 300 marble statues. Audio-guided tours reveal fascinating royal history.

Aix-les-Bains This Belle Époque spa town features beautiful Roman ruins and remarkable early 20th-century palace architecture. The town offers 14 harbors and numerous supervised beaches with entry fees during peak season.

Wildlife Watching Reed beds provide natural habitat for ducks, great crested grebes, swans, and pond turtles, with Aigrettes Observatory offering optimal viewing opportunities.

Practical Information

Accommodation Options

Luxury: SHANA Hôtel & Résidence in Chanaz offers upscale accommodations with seasonal outdoor pool and concierge services.

Mid-Range: Domaine des Îles provides unique camping and unusual accommodations.

Budget-Friendly: Various gîtes and bed & breakfasts throughout the region offer authentic local experiences.

Transportation Tips

Parking: Allow extra time for parking in Chanaz, especially during peak season. Parking is available across the canal from the main village.

Getting Around: The compact area makes walking ideal for exploring Chanaz, while cycling or driving work best for wider regional exploration.

Essential Services

Tourist Information: Contact local tourist offices at +33 4 79 54 59 59 or +33 4 79 88 68 00 for maps and activity information.

Emergency Services: Standard French emergency numbers (112 for general emergencies, 15 for medical).

Beyond the Canal: Regional Adventures

Nearby Attractions

Belley (24km): Capital of Bugey region featuring stunning cathedral and historic center.

Walibi Rhône-Alpes (27km): Theme park and aquapark offering family-friendly attractions.

Bauges Regional Nature Park (30km): Charming landscape of cliffs, forests, and alpine pastures perfect for hiking.

Wine Country

The surrounding Chautagne region produces excellent wines featuring Mondeuse, Roussette, Aligoté, Pinot, and Chautagne varieties. Many vineyards offer tastings and tours.

Photography Tips

Best Viewpoints:

• Lock area for engineering shots
• Northern lake entrance for mountain reflections
• Chanaz village streets for architectural details
• Golden reed beds with blue lake and mountain backdrop create extremely photogenic panoramas

Golden Hour Magic: Early morning and late afternoon provide the most dramatic lighting for both canal and lake photography.

Cultural Connections

The region maintains strong connections to Romantic poet Lamartine, whose famous poem “Le Lac” immortalized Lake Bourget. Several locations around Châtillon, Aix-les-Bains, and Tresserve commemorate his romantic legacy.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, budget accommodation rates Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest water, longest days, all activities available Fall (September-November): Beautiful autumn colors, wine harvest season, comfortable temperatures Winter (December-February): Peaceful atmosphere, some seasonal closures, indoor cultural activities

Making the Most of Your Visit

Minimum Stay: 2-3 days allows proper exploration of canal, Chanaz, and northern Lake Bourget.

Ideal Duration: 4-5 days permits additional activities like hiking, extensive wine tasting, and day trips to nearby attractions.

Family-Friendly: Children enjoy discovering varied wildlife including beavers hidden along canal banks, while boat cruises captivate all ages.

Accessibility: Most boat operators accommodate various mobility needs (check current restrictions), and many attractions offer accessible facilities.

Savières Canal represents everything magical about France: stunning natural beauty, rich historical heritage, charming villages, excellent cuisine, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural enrichment, or romantic escape, this hidden gem delivers experiences that will create lasting memories and inspire return visits.

Pack your camera, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of France’s most enchanting waterways. Savières Canal isn’t just a destination – it’s a gateway to the authentic heart of French Savoie.