The Nivernais Canal

Take a new path

The Nivernais Canal, one of the most beautiful canals in France, is very popular with boaters and river tourism enthusiasts. Discover the joys of gentle roaming, punctuated by the discovery of a exceptional river heritage and spots dedicated to relaxation.

On the Canal, time flows with the flow of water. Let yourself be carried away by the sweetness of the moment, breathe the fresh, pure air and enjoy the bucolic landscapes you pass through. By boat or by bike, from stopover to stopover and as you progress, the landscapes unfold and time stands still.

Canal du Nivernais towpath ©Emilie Rolandez BFC Tourisme

Stopovers, between Nature and Confluence

Between Achun and Panneçot, take the cycle route for a route with no difference in altitude. Take the time for a break at the most rejuvenating stopover on the canal: the “Nature” stopover. Throughout your trip, let yourself be seduced by the bucolic charm of resplendent nature and the numerous works of art that mark your route. Next to the port of Châtillon-en-Bazois, discover the 16th and 17th century castle which rises between the Aron river and the canal. From the cycle route you will see its very beautiful English park as well as Orangery gardens. Other sites are to be discovered, including theMingot lock, crypt of Alluy, Chamont fountain or Fleury needle dam in Biches.

Cercy 4 - Rives du Morvan Tourism

 

A Cercy la Tour, in the center of the Escale Confluence, enjoy the discreet charm of the waterway and its facilities. It is a flowery stopover in a pretty green setting, which awaits you in the heart of this ancient feudal fortress.

Its magnificent landscaped pool and its Marina, offer boaters and tourists a charming, quiet setting close to the historic center of the city.

 

Along the Nivernais Canal

Pedal in complete freedom

To vary the pleasures and make lasting memories, take the Greenway along the towpath for total immersion in the heart of nature. Along the route you will find all types of landscapes: bocages, meadows and forests… The Canal du Nivernais cycle route is a cyclist’s paradise, whether you are an amateur or experienced. Its low gradient and perfectly smooth surface make it an ideal cycle path for families: you will most often cycle away from motorized traffic in perfect tranquility.

La cycle route takes the canal towpaths, sometimes river banks or small roads. It allows for gentle and safe travel, while enjoying the atmosphere of the waterway, dotted with lock keepers' houses.

Our Tourist offices located in Cercy-la-Tour and Châtillon-en-Bazois are labeled “Accueil Vélo”. You will find dedicated services there during your roaming: repair kit, bike pump, tailored advice, etc.

Velo Canal Boat SMET58 - Rives du Morvan Tourism ©SMET58

Do you want to extend your discovery of other “nuggets” of the region? Borrow our secondary routes at the start of the canal. These connections will offer you some nice detours inland on secure loops. There, other hilly landscapes await you as well as other sites of tourist interest; as the spa resort of Saint-Honoré-les-Bains ou Moulins-Engilbert, the “little Morvan Venice”. Take advantage of this opportunity to benefit from all the services and shops in the town centers you pass through.

Travelogue

From Cercy-la-Tour to Achun

From the South coming from Decize, you will arrive at Cercy-la-Tour, located on a promontory placed under the protection of Notre-Dame du Nivernais, there are numerous shops and services. Along your path, a magnificent view opens up over the Loire Valley. As you progress, the environment becomes bucolic: Charolais cows, horse breeding, castles...

1 Panoramic view of Cercy la Tour ©J. Champagnat web - Rives du Morvan Tourism
Panneçot nautical stop ©Jérôme Champagnat

14 km further and arrived at Panneçot, in the town of Limanton, take the opportunity to discover the Offbeat Activity Zone de l 'Association Le Barrage. During the summer season, numerous festive events, concerts and leisure activities are offered.

Before tackling the meanders of the canal, stop at Fleury, you will find a bucolic natural setting, ideal for picnic breaks…

You then arrive at Chatillon-en-Bazois (+ 16 km) via rue du Moulin overlooking the magnificent castle with the lines of a medieval fortress. Châtillon-en-Bazois is a stopover town with all the shops and services you need, as well as a cycle route reception area where you can spend the night and benefit from sanitary facilities. You have reached the end of our stage; in the town of Achun (+12 km), where Stéphane and Delphine welcome you toChavance Lock in an old lock keeper's house. It’s time to take a refreshing break while watching the parade of pleasure boats…

To extend the trip, know that the Canal du Nivernais is one of the routes that make up the Tour de Bourgogne à Vélo…

3 Chatillon web castle and gardens - Rives du Morvan Tourism
5 marina chatillon 2 champagnat web - Rives du Morvan Tourism
2 marina chatillon 10 champagnat web - Rives du Morvan Tourism
The Chavance lock
The Chavance lock
Cast off !

A 100% H2O experience

At the helm of your boat, far from the hustle and bustle of the roads and traffic, the Canal du Nivernais immerses you in a green setting, shared between wild spaces and picturesque villages. Each stop will be an opportunity to enjoy the rich heritage, local gastronomy and chat with the lock keepers who will be happy to share their good addresses with you. Because here, there are no automatic locks: people who are passionate about their profession will give you a personalized welcome!

IMG 9241.jpg collancelle vaults - Rives du Morvan Tourism

Whether you are experienced or beginner, when it comes to navigation, the Canal du Nivernais is open to all forms of pleasure: from a simple stroll to a traveling stay. Freshwater sailors will find what they are looking for by renting a boat, by the hour or by the day, from the base Aqua-Fluvial.

A great discovery awaits you at vaults of La Collancelle ; one of the most beautiful works of the Canal du Nivernais!

For a river trip of 2 days to 3 weeks, with family or friends, you have the freedom to stop wherever you want! Rent a fully equipped boat without a license : one hour of learning is enough to become a “captain”! To prepare your river cruise, the company The Canalous has a boat rental base in Châtillon-en-Bazois, at the foot of the castle.

The Nivernais Canal in a few dates

A work shaped by man, the Nivernais Canal was built between the 18th and 19th century. Inaugurated in 1843, its role was to increase the quantity of wood transported to Paris to meet the capital's heating needs. Towards the end of the 19th century, competition from trains and coal caused its activity to fall, which became almost non-existent around 1970.

Vegetation regains its rights on certain portions of the waterway; Even today, areas classified as natural are home to many animal species. In the 1980s the Canal du Nivernais found its tourist vocation, it is now the 2nd French channel in terms of attendance.