Canal du Nivernais (East of France)

Regional Highlights

Easy region to reach by car or train from Paris
World-renowned food and wine
Beautiful waterways, free of commercial traffic
Splendid châteaux and castles
Stunning views from medieval hilltop villages
Beautiful architecture; the gothic cathedrals at Auxerre and Sens
Superb network of cycle paths and flat towpaths

The charming Canal du Nivernais, reputed to be one of the prettiest in France, and its surrounding network of equally pretty waterways ~ the Canal de Bourgogne and the River Yonne ~ give access to some of the most beautiful and varied cruising areas of France.

Also available in Burgundy - Burgundy Franche Comte.

Suggested Cruises in Canal du Nivernais

Week Breaks

The Tannay Cruise

Tannay - Auxerre - Tannay

Tannay produces some fantastic wines and is reputed for its traditional wineproducing methods. Savour regional delights on both sides of the canal en route to Auxerre, the former capital of the region.

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: Return Trip
Distance:: 156 km
Locks:: 76
Cruise Time:: 38 hrs

The Decize Cruise

Decize - Baye - Decize

Cercy-la-Tour gives stunning views over the village and valley below while Châtillon-en-Bazois is home to one of the region’s most splendid châteaux. The lake at Baye provides excellent watersports facilities.

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: Return Trip
Distance:: 144 km
Locks:: 72
Cruise Time:: 30 hrs

The Wine Lover's Cruise

Decize - Tannay (or vice versa)

From the charming town of Decize head to Tannay, passing some of the region’s best-loved châteaux and castles en route at Chitry les-Mines and Châtillonen-Bazois. Enjoy wine tasting and shopping at Tannay before heading back to Decize.

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: One Way
Distance:: 99 km
Locks:: 72
Cruise Time:: 35 hrs

The Chablis Cruise

Tannay - Migennes (or vice versa)

A beautiful cruise on the Canal du Nivernais and the River Yonne visiting medieval Clamecy, Châtel Censoir and Auxerre. Clamecy is surrounded by water and known locally as the ‘town of beautiful reflections’. Wander the maze of narrow streets lined with beautiful old houses and buy delicious chocolates, spicy sausage and foie gras. ...

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: One Way
Distance:: 100 km
Locks:: 50
Cruise Time:: 28 hrs

The Classic Nivernais Cruise

Chatel Censoir - Migennes (or vice versa)

Set off on this classic Canal du Nivernais cruise from the beautiful port beneath the hilltops at Châtel Censoir. Visit Auxerre’s old quarter with its abbey and cathedral before cruising to Migennes.

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: One Way
Distance:: 65 km
Locks:: 31
Cruise Time:: 16 hrs

The Arts & Culture Cruise

Chatel Censoir - Clamecy - Auxerre - Chatel Censoir

Stop at the hilltop artisan town of Clamecy and Auxerre, the former medieval capital of Burgundy on this journey along the Canal du Nivernais and the River Yonne. Perfect towpaths make for great cycling.

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: Return Trip
Distance:: 120 km
Locks:: 58
Cruise Time:: 29 hrs

The Rennaissance Cruise

Châtel Censoir – Chitry-les-Mines – Corbigny – Châtel Censoir

From the picturesque port of Châtel Censoir, follow the beautiful Canal du Nivernais as it winds its way through the woodland and pastures of the peaceful Morvan countryside. Silver was mined in Renaissance times around the hills of Chitry-les-Mines and 17th century Corbigny was once defended by 14 towers ...

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: Return Trip
Distance:: 106 km
Locks:: 52
Cruise Time:: 34 hrs

The Burgundy Chateaux Cruise

Migennes – Tanlay – Migennes

Cruise past vibrant fields of yellow rapeseed or red poppies, fields of wheat and pretty lock houses with window boxes of colourful geraniums. Tall poplar trees line your route providing shade and tranquillity. St. Florentin has a wonderful market and good restaurants, while the ancient city of Tonnere in the heart of Burgundy, ...

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: Return Trip
Distance:: 106 km
Locks:: 46
Cruise Time:: 29 hrs

The Cathedral Cruise

Migennes – Sens – Joigny - Migennes

This is an easy cruise on the River Yonne with few locks, so you’ll have plenty of time to admire the magnificent architecture of the wonderful gothic cathedrals at Migennes and Sens, as well as for historic sightseeing, shopping and fabulous restaurants! Spend time in the delightful medieval village of Joigny ...

Duration:: One Week
Cruise Type:: Return Trip
Distance:: 88 km
Locks:: 20
Cruise Time:: 21 hrs

Longer Breaks

The Medieval Cruise

Migennes - Châtillon-en-Bazois - Migennes

This cruise takes you through the heart of the Nivernais region, stopping en route at medieval villages and splendid châteaux with art treasures of the past. Notable vineyards ensure good winetastings wherever you stop.