France

7nt Migennes to Tannay ONEWAY

7 nights | 104km | 46 locks | Approx. 27 hrs of cruising

Embark on an unforgettable journey through legendary vineyards, captivating nature, and awe-inspiring architecture, all set amidst a lush green landscape. This itinerary will lead you to explore the vibrant and historically rich city of Auxerre, where you can immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere and discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vézelay, with its captivating charm. Indulge in the finest wines of the region at Cave de Bailly Lapierre, where you can savor the flavors that make this area renowned. For the sporty souls, the region offers numerous biking opportunities and fishing experiences to add an extra thrill to your adventure.

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive in Migennes

0km | 0 locks | Approx. 0 hrs 0 mins of cruising

Arrive at base

2pm - 5pm

After you have arrived and checked-in, we'll show you to your boat as quickly as possible. Spend time settling in, freshen up and await your pre-departure briefing which will be given by one of our base technicians. They will familiarise you with the boat’s domestic systems and give you a hands-on demonstration of the boat controls and how to operate it. They will make sure you are comfortable and confident controlling the boat, as well as navigating the waterway, before you set off.

Explore Migennes

2pm - 6:30pm

While part of your crew is settling on the boat, you can buy groceries at Atac market, located just a minute away by car or a two-minute walk from the base.

Although you'll have the chance to shop during your cruise, make sure you have enough food for at least a day in case a restaurant or shop happens to be closed. This itinerary also suggests a few lunches on board and picnics during your trip, so it might be a good idea to stock up on supplies before you go!

Dinner at Le Mitigana, Migennes

7:30pm - 9:30pm

You only have to walk 6 mintues along the canal to reach this nice hotel-restaurant. You will enjoy a refined cuisine cooked with fresh and seasonal ingredients for the greatest pleasure of your taste buds!

For bookings: +33 (0)3 58 44 90 11 | hotel-lemitigana.fr

Overnight in Migennes

DAY 2: Migennes > Auxerre

25km | 10 locks | Approx. 6 hrs 15 mins of cruising

Breakfast on board

Migennes > Monéteau

8:30am - 1pm

Approx. 4hrs 15mins | 6 locks

Lunch at La Terrasse gourmande, Monéteau

1pm - 2pm

You will love the serene atmosphere of the terrace overlooking the river Yonne at this charming traditional restaurant. Plus, it's just a 10-minute stroll away from your mooring spot.

For bookings: +33 (0)3 86 40 63 32 | [email protected]

Explore Monéteau

2pm - 4pm

Monéteau is the perfect, relaxing docking spot to pause and unwind during your cruising day. This charming town boasts a notable attraction— a bridge built in 1913 by the renowned Gustave Eiffel, which you passed under on your way into the town. Additionally, it's worth exploring the 12th-century church and listening to the chimes emanating from Colbert Castle as you navigate the river.

Monéteau > Auxerre

4pm - 6pm

Approx. 2hrs | 4 locks

Explore Auxerre

6pm - 8pm

Upon your arrival in Migennes, after passing through the first lock on the Nivernais Canal called "batardeau," we recommend choosing a mooring spot opposite the park. These locations offer a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the city center, and you'll have convenient access to a nearby children's playground and swimming pool.

The city of Auxerre is renowned for its well-preserved and remarkable architectural heritage. Take a leisurely stroll through its medieval city center and allow yourself to be captivated by the charm of its narrow streets adorned with beautiful half-timbered houses and mansions.

Dinner at L'aspérule, Auxerre

8pm - 10pm

The chef at this restaurant creates a wonderful blend of delicate flavors with a touch of Japanese influence, while still embracing the essence of French cuisine.

Booking recommended : +33 (0)3 86 33 24 32 | restaurant-asperule.fr/auxerre

Overnight in Auxerre

DAY 3: Auxerre > Vincelles

13.50km | 8 locks | Approx. 4 hrs 15 mins of cruising

Breakfast on board

8am - 9am

Explore Auxerre

8am - 11am

The best way to visit the city is to hire an audio guide (€5) from the Tourist Office and tour the city at your own pace.

Address: 7 Pl. de l'Hôtel de Ville, 89000 Auxerre.

You can also download the tourist guide and city map in English, French, or German from their website. Just visit. ot-auxerre.com/practical-information/tourist-office/brochures-and-contact-form/

One of the notable attractions in Auxerre is the Clock Tower, located near the Town Hall. It is undoubtedly a highlight of the town. The clock, installed in the 17th century, features two dials that display both the time and the lunar month. Additionally, a visit the ancient Benedictine abbey of St-Germain, situated north of the city. Be sure to admire the Carolingian frescoes that adorn the abbey.

Auxerre > Augy

11am - 12:30pm

Approx. 1hr | 3 locks

Lunch on board

12:30pm - 1:30pm

Augy > Bailly

1:30pm - 4pm

Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 4 locks

Explore, Les Caves de Bailly Lapierre

4pm - 5:30pm

Located at PK163, the caves were originally an underground limestone quarry but now serve as the perfect setting for fermenting the famous Crémant de Bourgogne, a sparkling wine. You can also find a cherry liqueur made from local cherries. During the one-hour visit, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of 45 minutes, where you'll learn about the fascinating process. Following the tour, there will be a 15-minute tasting session where you can taste two different varieties of Crémant. As a memento, you'll also be able to keep a glass at the end of the tour.

For visit information and bookings: +33 (0)3 86 53 77 77 | bailly-lapierre.fr

Bailly > Vincelles

5:30pm - 6:15pm

Approx. 0hrs 45mins | 1 lock

Dinner at L'Auberge des Tilleuls, Vincelles

8pm - 10pm

Alain Renaudin, the chef, is a member of the "Maîtres Cuisiniers de France" and prepares a blend of traditional and gastronomic cuisine at the restaurant located at the foot of the vineyards. His menu evolves with the seasons and his creative inspiration, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

For bookings : + 33 (0)3 86 42 22 13 | auberge-les-tilleuls.com

Overnight in Vincelles

DAY 4: Vincelles > Mailly-la-Ville

19.60km | 7 locks | Approx. 4 hrs of cruising

Breakfast on board

8am - 9:30am

Vincelles > Cravant

9:30am - 11am

Approx. 1hr 30mins | 2 locks

Lunch at Les lilas des deux ponts, Cravant

11:30am - 1:30pm

Located between the Yonne river and the Nivernais canal, this restaurant is an ideal stopover during your day of cruising.

For bookings: +33 (0)3 86 51 24 19

Cravant > Pregilbert

1:30pm - 3pm

Approx. 1hr 30mins | 3 locks

Visit of the aquaculture farm de Crisenon.

3pm - 5:30pm

Just before you arrive in Pregilbert, you will find the Crisenon farm fishing.

It's a delightful place where you can take a leisurely stroll, indulge in fishing (with equipment provided), and relax in the shade of magnificent two-hundred-year-old plane trees. Throughout the year, the farm offers a selection of fresh or processed products, such as rillettes and smoked trout, all sourced entirely from their own farm. The farm is one of the few in France that relies solely on this pristine spring water, which maintains a constant temperature of 12 degrees and an average flow rate of 400 liters per second.

For bookings: +33 (0)3.86.46.76.77 | fermeaquacoledecrisenon.com

Pregilbert > Mailly-la-Ville

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Approx. 1hr | 2 locks

Dinner on board

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Make the most of your culinary finds from the Aquaculture farm by treating yourself to a delightful dinner on board your boat. Bon appétit!

Overnight in Mailly-la-Ville

DAY 5: Mailly-la ville > Châtel-Censoir

9.10km | 4 locks | Approx. 2 hrs 45 mins of cruising

Breakfast on board

8am - 9am

Mailly-la ville > Châtel-Censoir

9am - 11:45 am

Approx. 2hrs 45mins | 4 locks

Taxi to Vézelay

12:30pm - 1pm

Take a short Taxi trip to Vézelay (20min)

Taxi Riost: +33 (0)3 86 24 86 05

Lunch at Le Cheval Blanc

1pm - 2:30pm

Home-made gastronomic dishes are offered at Le Cheval Blanc, just a stone's throw from the Basilica of Vézelay. The restaurant prides itself on offering cuisine of excellent quality, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

For bookings: +33(0)3 86 33 22 12 | lechevalblancvezelay.fr

If you're in the mood for something quick and easy, L'Auberge de la Coquille is a great option. This cozy establishment offers a selection of tasty dishes.

For bookings:+33 (0)3 86 33 35 57 | aubergelacoquille.com

Explore Vézelay

2:30pm - 5pm

Vézelay has been crowned one of France’s most beautiful villages. Walking through the narrow, winding streets with old houses built on cellars, you will be delighted to discover small shops, art galleries and typical restaurants. This medieval town is well worth a visit! One of the highlights of Vézelay is its magnificent Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural marvel is considered a masterpiece of Burgundian art and design. Immerse yourself in its grandeur and appreciate the intricate details. To delve deeper into the basilica's art and the history of its builders, a visit to "La maison du Visiteur" is highly recommended. Here, you can gain further insight and discover fascinating aspects of this remarkable place.

For more details: +33 (0)3 86 32 35 65 | vezelay-visiteur.com/contact

Taxi to Châtel-Censoir

5pm - 5:30pm

Take the taxi back to Châtel-Censoir

Explore Châtel-Censoir

5:30pm - 7:30pm

In Châtel-Censoir, scale the steps that lead to the town with its village square. Continue uphill until you reach St. Potentien collegiate church, a true gem showcasing Romanesque architecture. Take your time to explore its captivating features. Once you've admired the church, venture further uphill to discover the ancient stone walls and steps that adorn the area. These remnants of the past offer a fascinating glimpse into the town's history. Moreover, from different vantage points along the way, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surroundings

Dinner at L’Étape Des Gourmets, Châtel-Censoir

8pm - 10pm

(300m from the mooring)

This delightful village restaurant exudes a charming, old-fashioned ambiance and offers a pleasant terrace for outdoor dining. The menu features dishes made with fresh ingredients, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

For bookings: +33 (0)3 86 81 05 15 | [email protected]

Overnight in Châtel-Censoir

DAY 6: Châtel-Censoir > Clamecy

19.10km | 8 locks | Approx. 5 hrs of cruising

Breakfast on board

8am - 9am

Châtel-Censoir > Clamecy

9am - 11:30am

Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 4 locks

Lunch on board

11:30am - 1pm

Use the BBQ on your top deck and enjoy the peaceful setting and wildlife. Make sure to book a barbecue before your trip or at the base if your boat is not already equipped with one.

Châtel-Censoir > Clamecy

1pm - 3:30pm

Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 4 locks

Explore Clamecy

3:30pm - 7pm

Wander through Clamecy’s picturesque streets and admire its old, half-timbered houses, including the medieval Maison du Tisserand and St. Martin’s Church, whose bell tower overlooks the city.

For a deeper understanding of Clamecy's history, we recommend downloading an interactive tour of the city. This immersive experience will provide you with fascinating insights into the city's heritage and guide you through its notable landmarks. clamecyhautnivernais-tourisme.fr/en/guidigo-digital-tours/

You can choose to visit Clamecy histoiric center or to discover the city around the water. The tours have 14 stops and here 2 hrs long.

The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Romain Rolland is also not to be missed! It presents very rich and varied collections: Gallo-Roman and Merovingian archaeology; paintings and sculptures from the 16th to the 20th century; an exceptional collection of posters; old earthenware; souvenirs of the Nobel Prize winner for literature Romain Rolland etc... Several audiovisuals enhance the visit.

More information: clamecy.fr/que-faire-a-clamecy/envie-de-culture/musee/

Av. de la République, 58500 Clamecy

Dinner at L'Hostellerie de la Poste, Clamecy

8pm - 10pm

(400m from the mooring)

Treat yourself to a young and inventive cuisine, inspired by local products and revisited according to the seasons.To complement your meal, explore their impressive selection of Burgundy wines.

For bookings: +33(0) 3 86 27 01 55 | hostelleriedelaposte.fr/restaurant.php

Overnight in Clamecy

DAY 7: Clamecy > Tannay

18km | 9 locks | Approx. 4 hrs 15 mins of cruising

Breakfast on board

8am - 9am

Clamecy > Tannay

9am - 11:30am

Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 5 locks

Explore Nivernais beautiful landscape with a bike ride

11:30am - 12:30pm

Take a bike ride along the scenic river as a refreshing break from your day of cruising. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Nivernais nature on your final day.

Picnic along the river

12:30pm - 1:30pm

Ride back to the boat, Nivernais

Clamecy > Tannay

2:30pm - 5pm

Approx. 2hrs 15mins | 4 locks

Explore Tannay

5pm - 6:30pm

Located in the heart of the village, La Cave Demuth is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Here, you can explore and select from a delightful range of wines sourced from the region. Be sure to pick up a bottle... or two!

For details : +33 (0)6 87 48 27 56

Dinner at L'Auberge du Centre, Monceaux-le-Comte

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Take a taxi (or drive if you have a car which has been transferred from Migennes for you) down the river to Monceaux-le-Comte and have a lovely dinner at l'Auberge du Centre.

Sit in the courtyard and enjoy a sumptious meal with impeccable service. The food here is cooked to perfection and the atmosphere is cosy and friendly.

For bookings : +33 (0)3 86 22 08 02 | www.aubergeducentre.co/home-gb

Overnight in Tannay

DAY 8: Depart Tannay

0km | 0 locks | Approx. 0 hrs 0 mins of cruising

Breakfast on board

7:30am - 8:30am

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before tidying and vacating your boat by 9am (unless you have booked and paid for a late-checkout)

10 night alternative

Before to start your journey toward Tannay, you can first go north to visit Joigny (2H15, 3 locks). From the moorings, cross the bridge and explore the city centre. Stroll through the picturesque streets, punctuated by half-timbered and red brick houses. Around the castle, explore the St. Jean district, built around the old surrounding wall of the castle, and admire the exceptional vault of its church. The St. Thibault district welcomes artisans, traders and wine merchants. The winemaking district of the St. André area has traditional houses and narrow cobbled streets. If you’re full of energy, you can enjoy a go-kart race or a paintball game (Made in Kart,+33 3 86 19 32 32), 2km south of Joigny.

You can also choose to spend more time in Auxerre as the city is rich of history and activites. The museum St-German is worth seeing if you have more time in the city. Located in the conventual buildings of the former Saint-Germain abbey, the Saint-Germain museum offers a complete archaeological tour on three levels from prehistory to the end of the Middle Ages.

This itinerary is a suggestion only

This suggested itinerary is an indication of what could be accomplished, and your ability to accomplish it, is not a contractual obligation of Le Boat. Le Boat is unable to guarantee when your pre-departure briefing will take place and in some cases it will not be given until the morning after your arrival. In these instances, you will need to adapt the itinerary outlined to accommodate a later departure. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you cruise, planned or otherwise, which may also require you to deviate from the itinerary shown. Please check advertised opening times of sights, attractions and restaurants to avoid disappointment - some may need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense. Attractions, restaurants and even locks and/or stretches of the waterway may be closed or can close without notice.

We’d love to hear from you

We’ve tried our very best to ensure the accuracy of the information we’ve provided. If you have followed all or some of this itinerary and have found something isn’t quite right, or perhaps you have some helpful tips and pointers that we could add which might be useful to your fellow boaters, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at: [email protected]

Image credits

Le Mitigana, Migennes: hotel-lemitigana.fr | La Terrasse gourmande, Monéteau: .laterrassegourmande.fr | Eiffel bridge, Monéteau: Ville de Monéteau | Auxerre: Shutterstock | L'aspérule : restaurant-asperule.fr/auxerre.html | Auxerre, clock tower : John and Debbie Keyes | Caves de Bailly : bailly-lapierre.fr | L'Auberge des Tilleuls: auberge-les-tilleuls.com | Les lilas des deux ponts: Booking | Aquaculture farm :fermeaquacoledecrisenon.com | Restaurant Le Cheval Blanc: lechevalblancvezelay.fr | Vézelay: destination grand Vézelay | Châtel-Censoir: destination grand Vézelay | Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Romain Rollan: Ville de Clamecy | Clamecy : Nièvre Tourisme | L'Hostellerie de la Poste: hostelleriedelaposte.fr | Picnic along the river: Stuart pierce | Cave Demuth: Cave Demuth Facebook | Auberge du centre: aubergeducentre.co/accueil-fr