Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Puisaye-Forterre, Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses reveals its picturesque charm along the Canal du Loing and the Canal de Briare. Known for its seven historic locks dating from the 17th century, the village offers a timeless getaway. Explore an atmosphere steeped in history on the border between the Loire and Burgundy.
Village of 776 inhabitants, Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses is one of the tourist attractions of which Puisaye can be proud, with its curious work from which it takes its name. Labeled “Burgundy-Franche-Comté city of character”, it is pleasant to live there or to stay there during the holidays. Enjoy walks along the locks. Rogny appeals to travelers looking for authenticity in the heart of a region rich in surprises.
What to visit in Rogny les Sept-Écluses?
The seven locks, a historical masterpiece in Burgundy
Classified as a historic monument since 1983, the seven locks of Rogny are the main tourist attraction of the village. They attract thousands of visitors every year, who came to admire this gigantic work of art, designed by Henri IV and the Duke of Sully in 1597.
King Henry IV dreamed of connecting the Mediterranean to the Ocean and the English Channel by bringing together the Loire and Seine rivers via a canal.
Between these two rivers there was the problem of crossing the hill at Rogny. on the Loing Valley. For each problem there is a solution. The hydraulic engineer Hugues Cosnier then created a scale of locks to challenge this height difference of 24 meters, composed precisely of 6 locks joined by a seventh later. Each lock measured 28 m long and 4.80 m wide.
Work on the canal began in 1604 and brought together 12.000 workers and 6.000 troops.. Work was abandoned in 1610 following the death of Henry IV and during the Thirty Years' War. The canal was handed over to navigation in 1642 and the locks operated until 1887 before being abandoned due to long locking times (the boats could take almost half a day to pass through the locks! ) and excessive water consumption.
Today, this historic site is one of the unmissable places to visit in Yonne. Numerous development works now allow pleasant walks on the site thanks to a relatively gentle track which allows you to easily access the top of the locks.
Is the visit to Sept-Écluses free?
Yes, visits are free. The site is freely accessible all year round, 24 hours a day. Information panels on the history of the place are available at the foot of the sept-locks.
Is it possible to have a guided tour of the seven locks?
Yes, the Tourist Office organizes guided tours for groups by reservation with an approved tour guide. You can inquire by telephone on 03 86 74 10 07.
A river tourism spot in Yonne
Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses is the point of essential passage for all boaters wishing to travel via the Briare canal to the cities of Paris, Nevers and Nantes. Burgundy is also one of the top 5 most beautiful destinations for a river cruise in France..
Thanks to that nautical stopover, you will enjoy a relaxing break during your vacation by visiting this picturesque village, in a wooded region where nature is preserved. Easy walks accessible to everyone, whether on foot or by bike, will allow you to stroll along the water as a couple or as a family.
Also discover a ceramic workshop and artist exhibitions to bring back a souvenir of your stay in Puisaye. Not far from here, enjoy a getaway to Chatillon-Coligny, just 10km by boat from Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses to do some shopping and stroll through its small historic streets.
Cycle paths at the gates of the Loire by bike
The Scandibérique or EuroVélo3 is a cycling route of more than 1.700km in France which passes through Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses. Greenways are set up for safe cycling whether during a traveling trip or simply outings with the family. These courses offer the freedom to experience simple and essential pleasures, to make multiple discoveries of heritage visits, quest for well-being and reconnection with nature. Two routes are available to you from the village or from the following cities:
01
21km bike route from Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses to Briare
This Scandibérique circuit runs in the furrow of the Briare canal on a 1h30 route which evolves in the middle of a natural setting between woods and ponds. This guides you through numerous works related to inland waterways to the town of Briare, a mecca for river tourism and the start of your trip on the Loire by bike and its famous Loire castles.
02
35km bike route from the town of Montargis to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses
From the town of Montargis, the cycle route to Rogny-les-sept-écluses offers visits to charming villages in the Gâtinais such as Chatillon-Coligny. On your trip, take the opportunity to stop at the Petites Vallées cider factory in Dammarie-sur-Loing, the visits offered there are very enriching and tasty. And to finish this stage, a picnic with a view of the seven locks is magnificent here!
The Rogny-les-sept-écluses fireworks display, one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in France
It’s a unmissable summer event in Burgundy. Every year, in July, one of the most beautiful fireworks in France is set off by the team's master pyrotechnician. Ruggieri from the seven locks. A breathtaking show, lasting almost 1h30, above the water, bringing together more than 20.000 spectators! A feat achieved by a team of 300 volunteers, who will make you experience an unforgettable moment.
Prepare your stay in Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses
After having booked your accommodation and selected the restaurants to try, it is time to choose your ideas for outings and visits to make the most of your stay in Yonne.
What other leisure activities are possible in Rogny-les-sept-écluses?
- Fishing. You can fish on the Briare and Loing canals as well as several ponds which are accessible.
- La bike rental electrical at Lancieres campsite.
- Do a Horse ride. Two pony clubs are accessible to all.
- Take a ride on the water with the pedal boats.
- Hiking. An easy 10km circuit allows you to discover the surrounding nature around the village: The Seven Locks of Henry IV.
Where to sleep around Rogny?
What to visit around Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses?
- The Château de Saint-Fargeau, former home of Jacques Coeur
- Guédelon, they are building a 13th century fortified castle before your eyes
- The Château de la Bussiere and its magnificent gardens
- The castle-museum of Gien
- The Gien Faïancerie
- The castle of Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire
- The village of Briare and its canal bridge
Ideas for outings in Puisaye-Forterre
Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses is just the beginning of your holiday adventure. With its green landscapes, outdoor activities and authentic villages, this destination promises a stay rich in discoveries. Explore the surroundings, from Guédelon castle, to Colette's birthplace, via the Boutissaint animal park and the famous Toucy market and discover this exceptional region.
