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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.Our bases at Migennes on the Canal du Bourgogne, and Châtel Censoir, Tannay and Decize on the Canal du Nivernais provide perfect starting points for your cruise through this ‘green land of running waters’ which is a delight to cruise whatever the time of year.
The River Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais gently intertwine as they pass peacefully between Auxerre and Decize through the beautiful Morvan countryside.
Rolling meadows with grazing Charolais cattle, hillside vineyards, rocky outcrops and ancient beech forests create stunning scenery.
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| Easy region to reach by car or train from Paris. Beautiful waterways, free of commercial traffic. Manual or Automatic locks with lock keepers |
Regional Highlights
- World-renowned food and wine
- Stunning views from medieval hilltop villages especially Chatel Censoir, Vezelay & Clamecy
- Beautiful architecture; the gothic cathedrals at Auxerre and Sens
- Superb network of cycle paths and flat towpaths between Clamecy and Auxerre
- The medieval artisan town of Clamecy - known as the town of beautiful reflections
- Sample delicious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay local wines at 'Caves du vin' en route
- Wonderful local markets for fresh produce - visit Florentin or Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
- Splendid Chateaux at Chatillon-en-Bazois and Chitry-les-Mines
- Superb watersports on the lake at Baye
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| WEEK BREAKS - Suggested Cruises in Canal du Nivernais |
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. View Cruise Map |
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 156km
Locks: 76
Cruise Time: 38 hrs. |
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. View Cruise Map |
Duration: One week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 99 km
Locks: 72
Cruise Time: 35 hrs |
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. View Cruise Map |
Duration: One week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 99 km
Locks: 72
Cruise Time: 35 hrs |
| The Chablis Cruise - |
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. View Cruise Map |
Duration: One week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 100 km
Locks: 50
Cruise Time: 28 hrs |
| The Classic Nivernais Cruise - |
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. View Cruise Map
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Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 65km
Locks: 31
Cruise Time: 16 hrs |
| The Art's & Culture Cruise - |
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 .View Cruise Map |
Duration: One week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 120 km
Locks: 58
Cruise Time: 29 hrs |
| The Rennaissance Cruise - |
| 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 – the remains of one can still be seen today. View Cruise Map |
Duration: One week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 106 km
Locks: 52
Cruise Time: 34 hrs |
| The Burgundy Chateaux Cruise - |
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, is famous for its ‘Fosse Dionne’ – one of the deepest natural water sources in France. View Cruise Map |
Duration: One week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 106 km
Locks: 46
Cruise Time: 29 hrs |
| The Cathedral Cruise - |
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 and Villenauve-sur-Yonne has a superb Tuesday market and 13th – 16th century churches to visit. View Cruise Map |
Duration: One week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 88 km
Locks: 20
Cruise Time: 21 hrs |
| LONGER BREAK - Suggested Cruises in Canal du Nivernais |
| The Medieval Cruise - |
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. View Cruise Map |
Duration: Two weeks
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 226 km
Locks: 120
Cruise Time: 56 hrs |
| SHORT BREAKS - Suggested Cruises in Canal du Nivernais |
| The Capital Cruise - |
Enjoy a 4 night cruise on the river Yonne to discover the wonderful heritage of this region - the exquisite Gothic architecture - visit the Cathedral of Auxerre and Migennes. Taste also the delicious wine of Chablis. View Cruise Map |
Duration: 4 Nights
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 50 km
Locks: 38
Cruise Time: 19 hrs |
| The Nature Laover's Cruise - |
A 4 nights cruise in the heart of France for the nature lovers. Visit the little villages of Merry-sur-Yonne, Mailly-le-Château, Prégilbert and Vincelles. View Cruise Map |
Duration: 4 Nights
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 48 km
Locks: 27
Cruise Time: 24 hrs |
