Canal du Nivernais

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Canal du Nivernais – an ideal outdoor holiday

A perfect place to switch off and go with the flow ! For an outdoor holiday for 2 or with friends or family, come and stay in the tourist area around the canal which extends from Decize in the south to Auxerre in the Yonne dépéartement. Discover the history and picturesque villages along the Canal du Nivernais, one of the prettiest in France.

Canal du Nivernais on foot or by bike

Walk or cycle along the towpath beside the Canal du Nivernais and enjoy the tranquil scenery and typical villages. In the north, stop off at the medieval town of Clamecy to explore this former timber rafting capital. In the 16th century Paris got its firewood from the Morvan region. The wood was floated down streams to Clamecy where local people made it into huge rafts known as « train de bois » which floaters steered along to Paris on an 11 day journey.

Visit the Ecomusée du Flottage du Bois to learn all about the techniques used in making the rafts. At the entrance to the town you cannot fail to notice the tower of the collegiate church of Saint Martin with its central rose window and gargoyles. Visit the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Romain Rolland with its fine collections of Gallo-Roman archaeology, fine arts and pottery from different ages. Continue along the canal to Corbigny and explore the town with the help of a specially produced guidebook. 16km from Corbigny are the Etangs de Vaux et Baye, two lakes with an outdoor leisure activity centre where you can hire water sports equipment and electric boats to explore the Collancelle tunnels. Next still travelling south, stop off at Châtillon en Bazois to visit its fine castle with beautiful gardens classed as a « Jardin Remarquable ». Finally, following the Canal du Nivernais you come to Decize, a town which is the crossroads of many waterways (River Aron, Canal du Nivernais, Loire Lateral Canal and the River Loire) and cycle routes. Enjoy a stroll along the Promenade des Halles, a 985m walkway lined with plane trees and lime trees, and explore the town.

What to do near the Canal du Nivernais

Séjour Canal du nivernais ©S.J-Baptiste-CD58 — There are plenty of things to see and do near the Canal du Nivernais. For example, in the north of Nièvre, 7km from Clamecy, you can go rock climbing at Basseville, a protected geological and Natura 2000 wildlife conservation area where two huge blocks in the cliff, the “Muraille” and “Grande Falaise” offer around 350 climbing routes from 20m to 40m high for all levels of climbing ability. You can also go potholing here in around 15 different caves. In neighbouring Yonne département stands the « Eternal Hill » of Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and place of peace and spirituality topped by its basilica, offering 360° panoramic views. At La Machine not far from Decize, discover the history of this former mining town whose Musée de la Mine traces the story of coal and the life of the pitmen. The museum has objects, photos and models donated by retired miners and the Puits des Glénons with its mine gallery shows the harsh working conditions endured by the miners, women, children and animals.

« When the fine weather arrives, we go cycling every weekend along different sections of the towpath beside the Canal du Nivernais. The flat paths are ideal for children and as there aren’t any cars, it’s safe too », says Christel from Gites de France

To start following the Canal Nivernais at Clamecy, take A6 autoroute from Paris, exit at Auxerre, then follow signs for Clamecy.

Discover the loveliest places in Nièvre with Gites de France Nièvre : Charité sur Loire, the town of Nevers, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Destination Sancerre-Pouilly Fumé and Giennois, Puisaye Pottery, Etangs de Baye et de Vaux, Le Morvan, Lac des Settons, Bibracte."