We will be doing the Nivernais canal on a for-hire boat. The drop-off point is Corbigny in Burgundy. How can we get from there to Beaune for a 3 night stay? We are so looking forward to this time in France. It's in April,2011.
I think your best option would be to arrange to rent a car in Corbigny or in Clamecy, which is not far by bus. Possibly your for-hire company could arrange transport for you. Otherwise it looks as though you are looking at some very slow trains roundabout via Auxerre. Worst case: You hire a driver to take you to Beaune. Have a lovely trip, and don't let this throw you.
Trains! They are a wonderful experience and gives you the oppotunity to see the countryside without headaches of driving/navigating. You'll be right in the thick of local travel.