The canal was begun in 1676 by Robert Mahieux, a timber merchant, when he was authorized to dig a 28 km canal for the shipping of his timber to Montargis.

He conceded his canal to the Duke of Orléans who expanded it to connect the Loire at Combleux and the Loing.

[1][2] Though the canal is disused today, it is kept in a good state with its tow path being used as a cycle trail.

Along the trail, you will see some of the original locks and gates and the pumping stations used to fill the canal with water from the Loire.

24 through 28 have been restored and are in use, but there is no connection with the Canal du Loing.