The Yonne river runs through the centre of Auxerre which is ideally positioned to access the best cruising routes. North to Joigny and Sens, south east to Tonnerre and Montbard, via the Canal du Bourgogne, or south to Clamecy and beyond via the Canal du Nivernais.
A one week cruise on Vent du Nord would be south from Auxerre to Clamecy and return, or north to Joigny or Tonnerre. Generally speaking, negotiating ten to thirteen locks in a day's cruising would be considered good progress for most boaters; bearing in mind that the lock keepers working hours are from 9 to 12 noon and 1 to 7pm, plus allowing for some 'idle' time to navigate locks during peak holiday periods.

By 5 or 6pm many people start looking for a suitable mooring for the night, relax with a drink whilst enjoying the sunset, before deciding to cook dinner or go ashore to sample one of the many excellent local restaurants.