Day 1

From Châtillon-en-Bazois to Baye

Just a few hours' drive from Paris and you've arrived at Nivernais Canal, in the paradise for fishermen that is Châtillon-en-Bazois to pick up your rental boat.

Don't worry, you don't need any special skills to be able to drive these boats.  There are only two controls to manage! After a brief introduction, you'll be ready to take to the helm! Don't forget to take your bike on board so you can stop off and explore the area around the canal.

On the deck, breathe in the pure air, enjoy the peace-and-quiet and the rural landscapes all around you. When you arrive at Vaux and Baye Ponds, take the time to look around you, admire the unspoilt natural environment and the birds. If it's a hot day, you can even go for a dip in Baye pond or hire a pedalo boat.

 

Elise BALLON / ADT Nièvre
Justine Roy
Chatillon-en-bazois sur le canal du Nivernais Justine Roy
ADT 58
Etangs de Baye et Vaux ADT 58

Practical info

1 Boat rental company

Les Canaloux in Châtillon-en-Bazois

16 kilometres
14 locks to pass through
2 Marinas and river ports
Day 2

From Baye to Chaumot/Chitry

This is an unmissable section of your trip along Nivernais Canal, where you'll be passing under the impressive arches of La Collancelle, a tunnel that is 760 metres long and where time seems to stand still.

Did you know that Nivernais Canal is a man-made creation? It was originally dug out to transport wood from Morvan to Paris, to be used as firewood for the capital.

You will then be crossing through Sardy Valley and the exceptional 26 locks in a row, known as the “Sardy Lock Staircase”. This is also an opportunity to meet the passionate lock keepers who always have some great tales to tell.

Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
Lezbroz Teddy Verneuil
Echelles de Sardy Lezbroz Teddy Verneuil
Lezbroz
Voûtes de la Collancelle Lezbroz

Practical info

15 kilometres
16 locks to pass through
did you know?

Meeting the lock keepers!

Along Nivernais Canal, there are no automatic locks. Lock keepers are there every day to help recreational boaters pass through. A great opportunity to meet them and chat to them about their profession and the secrets of the canal.

 

Day 3

From Chaumot/Chitry to Tannay

Today, you'll be passing by Chitry-les-Mines, the hometown of Jules Renard, author of the famous Carrot Top. Stop here to explore this charming village and 14th-century château by bike.

When you carry on towards Tannay, we suggest you stop off in Corbigny to discover the magnificent abbey, a historic monument and incredible place for artistic discoveries.

Practical info

13 kilometres
9 locks to pass through
2 Marinas and river ports
Day 4

From Tannay to Clamecy

You're almost at the end of your adventure and we are sure that you have become quite fond of life on Nivernais Canal. A life where you slow down the pace, enjoy the peaceful natural environment and where you can finally finish that book you started months ago...

On this penultimate stopover, the landscapes are slightly different, with the Tannay vineyards and quaint stone houses in the village of Chevroches.

Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme

Practical info

16 kilometres
9 locks to pass through
4 Marinas and river ports
Day 5

From Clamecy to Coulanges-sur-Yonne

On your last day, you'll be exploring Clamecy, a magnificent medieval town and timber floating capital. After 5 days on this beautiful canal, it is now time to learn a bit more about how it was created, at the timber floating ecomuseum. Before sailing your boat for the very last time, come and explore the picturesque streets of this town and the impressive collegiate church.

Then it's time to head towards Coulanges-sur-Yonne, your last port of call, where the impressive Basseville Rocks will appear over you. Whether you are at the top or on the canal, the view is magnificent. Why not climb to the top? The view is worth the effort!

After 5 days, 72 kilometres and 62 locks, your journey along Nivernais Canal and across the Nièvre department comes to a close here.

Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
Lezbroz
Roches de Basseville Lezbroz
Lezbroz
Promenade à Clamecy Lezbroz
9 kilometres
3 locks to pass through
1 River port
En résumé
A propos
Chatillon-en-bazois sur le canal du Nivernais Justine Roy
Etangs de Baye et Vaux ADT 58
A propos
Echelles de Sardy Lezbroz Teddy Verneuil
Voûtes de la Collancelle Lezbroz
A propos
Roches de Basseville Lezbroz
Promenade à Clamecy Lezbroz