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Canal du Nivernais
The charming Canal du Nivernais, reputed to be one of the prettiest in France, winds peacefully between Auxerre and Decize through rolling meadows, hillside vineyards, rocky outcrops and forests.Picture-postcard scenery and pretty canal-side villages line your route and the slow pace of life on land superbly mirrors your gentle cruise along the region’s peaceful waterways. It is easy to see how these peaceful landscapes inspired the Impressionists of the day.
Our bases at Migennes, Châtel Censoir, Tannay and Decize provide perfect starting points for your cruise through this ‘green land of running waters’ with cruising on the River Yonne and the Canal de Bourgogne also possible.
Suggested Cruises in Canal du Nivernais
The Tannay Cruise
Tannay produces some fantastic wines and is reputed for its traditional wineproducing methods. Savor regional delights on both sides of the canal en route to Auxerre, the former capital of the region.
The Decize Cruise
Cercy-la-Tour provides 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.
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.
The Chablis Cruise
Tannay - Migennes (or vice versa)
A beautiful cruise on the Canal du Nivernais and the River Yonne. First stop at the medieval village of Clamecy and explore Châtel Censoir to learn more about the town’s ancient and prestigious past. Sample fine wines - Chablis vineyards are nearby - and local cuisine at Auxerre and enjoy a spot of ...
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.
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.
The Medieval Cruise
Migennes - Corbigny - 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.
