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Linking the Loire to the Yonne, the Canal du Nivernais offers a gentle journey into the heart of an authentic, unspoilt Burgundy. Following the water, this 7-day point-to-point cycling trip invites you to ride along a peaceful cycle route, winding through the hedgerow landscapes of the Bazois, past the lakes and forests of the Morvan, and on to the famous vineyards around Auxerre. Much of the itinerary follows former towpaths, making for a relaxed, accessible ride.
With 116 locks along the way, this route is a living testament to 19th-century engineering. Originally designed to float timber to Paris, the canal has left a remarkable heritage. You will discover impressive engineering works such as the flight of sixteen locks at Sardy and the mysterious tunnels of La Collancelle, including a 760m-metre canal tunnel. Considered one of the most beautiful in France, the route reveals a rich heritage, from the historic town of Clamecy to Auxerre’s treasures of art and history.
Designed for independent exploration, this itinerary is perfect for a first self-guided cycling holiday. It gives you time to enjoy the tranquillity of the scenery, visit villages full of character and meet craftspeople, some of whom work in former lockkeepers' cottages. A delightful rural escape offered by your cycling holiday agency in France.
For travellers wishing to extend the adventure, it is entirely possible to continue this journey along the Burgundy Canal, from Auxerre to Dijon_._
Arrive in Decize at the confluence of the Loire and the Canal du Nivernais, on the edge of the Morvan. Enjoy your 1st ride along the Canal du Nivernais. Alternatively, explore the town independently or on a guided tour. Themed tours organised by the tourist office from 16 to 6 pm, or evening tours by lantern light.
Get acquainted with your rental bikes. Pass through Cercy-la-Tour, with its keep and listed Romanesque church, and past the Château de Chauminy and Château de Tremblay. Follow the greenway from Decize to Pannecot, then a minor road for 6km to Moulins-Engilbert. Take the greenway from Moulins-Engilbert to Châtillon-en-Bazois.
Passing through the former stronghold of Châtillon-en-Bazois with its château, and following a series of bends through the hedgerow countryside, you will reach Bazolles and the Étang de Baye, which supplies water to the canal. Continue to the famous tunnels of La Collancelle, which lead to the canal’s highest point, at the watershed between the Loire and the Seine. A flight of 16 locks descends to Sardy, followed by Corbigny and its abbey. The route includes 6km on a minor road between Moulins-Engilbert and Pannecot, then follows the greenway apart from a short stretch at Baye and Port Brûlé (a quiet road for 2km) and on the approach to Corbigny (3km on a shared road).
Following the canal and the Yonne and crossing the Tannay vineyards, established by the monks of the collegiate church of Tannay from 1207 onwards, you will reach Clamecy, a former medieval stronghold. The Canal du Nivernais runs through the town; it was dug in the 18th and 19th centuries to make it easier to transport firewood to the capital. The route follows a greenway except for the section from Marigny to Dirol (6km on shared roads).
After visiting the collegiate church of St Martin, a true gem of Gothic art, and the Romain Rolland Museum of Art and History, devoted in part to the heritage of timber floating, you will cycle towards Accolay and then Vermenton, passing several châteaux, the hilltop medieval town of Châtel-Censoir and the famous Saussois cliffs (rock climbing). The route follows a continuous greenway along the canal, except for the first three kilometres from Clamecy to reach the canal.
This stage takes you through the vineyards of the Auxerrois (Irancy), before following the Yonne to Auxerre, where your journey ends. Auxerre deserves time to explore.
At the meeting point of the Yonne and the Via Agrippa, discover its St Étienne Cathedral and Clock Tower, its quays lined with magnificent houses and its St Germain Abbey. The route follows a greenway to Auxerre except for the section from La Cour Barrée to the entrance to Auxerre opposite Augy. (5km)
Your trip ends after breakfast.
We may occasionally need to change the itinerary shown, either for logistical reasons (accommodation capacity issues, changes in ground conditions, rockfalls, damaged trails, etc.) or because of weather conditions. These changes are always made in your best interests, for your safety and greater comfort!
Booking dates are not currently available for this trip. Please check back soon or contact us to plan your journey.
Departures from April to October, available every day of the week.
| Price per person | Without luggage transfers | 2-3 people with luggage transfers | 4-5 people with luggage transfers | 6 or more people with luggage transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 01/04 to 30/10/2026 | 610 € | 955 € | 825 € | 800 € |
Estelle Torterotot
Travel Advisor
For intermediate cyclists. The route mainly follows paths along the canal and small paved roads. Daily stages of 28 to 46 km. Suitable for children aged 10/11 and over.
You carry only what you need for the day, in a small bag or pannier, along with your picnic lunch. Your luggage will be waiting at your accommodation in the evening: it is transported by vehicle and is limited to one bag per person.
Package without luggage transfers: you carry all your belongings on your bikes.
For 2 people or more.
7 days, 6 nights, 5 days of cycling.
Depart on a date of your choice, from April to October.
Self-guided tour, without a guide
We provide a digital travel pack containing access to our smartphone navigation app, a list of your accommodation, any vouchers required and all the information you need for your trip to run smoothly.
If you wish, we can provide a printed version of the travel pack with maps, a route guide and a travel wallet, for a supplement of 35 € per pack.
For printed travel pack requests made fewer than 45 days before departure, and for travellers living abroad, the packs will be sent to the first hotel on your itinerary.
In a room for two in a 2* or 3* hotel or equivalent, or in a guesthouse, with an en-suite shower and toilet.
In France, an increasing number of hotels and guesthouses choose not to have an official rating, including establishments that were still rated a year or two ago. This does not mean their quality has declined—far from it. Many guesthouses offer charming rooms.
If, for example, we indicate a comfort level of “3* or equivalent”: this means the establishment may not have an official rating, but offers comfort comparable to that of a 3* hotel.
Bed and breakfast accommodation. You can generally order packed lunches from the hotels: please enquire with them directly. You can also easily prepare your own picnic or stop at a small restaurant or bistro.
For dinner, you can eat near your accommodation.
Please let us know when you book if you have any allergies or special dietary requirements. We will do our best to adapt the meals.
Accommodation may change. Depending on availability, we may book other hotels of an equivalent standard and level of comfort.
On Day 1 in the afternoon in Decize.
On Day 7 after breakfast in Auxerre.
You can add an extra night in Auxerre after your trip.
Bike hire
The bikes are hybrid bikes for greater comfort.
They are all equipped with a kickstand, mudguards, a luggage rack and lights. They come with a lock, a repair kit (inner tube, pump and basic tools), a helmet, a map holder and panniers.
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are also available to hire.
Arriving in Decize:
From Paris (Bercy station): TGV + TER with a change at Dijon Ville, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
From Lyon (Part-Dieu station): TER with a change at Beaune, approximately 3 hours 45 minutes
Return journey from Auxerre:
Auxerre – Dijon train: direct TER, approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Dijon – Decize train: direct TER, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
Bikes are permitted on most trains (remember to check before booking your ticket).
Motorways: A6 – A77, Decize exit
National and departmental roads
N81–Nevers/Decize, Autun/Luzy/Decize
D979a–Moulins/Decize
D979 – Mâcon/Decize
In Decize: free or paid parking
In Auxerre: covered hotel parking, approximately 10 € per day.
A number of our trips offer opportunities to swim, either along the day’s route or at the end of the day. It would be a shame to miss out. However, we emphasise that you alone must decide whether it is appropriate to swim; you therefore swim under your own responsibility and at your own risk.
Since 2012, Grand Angle has been a member of ATR, the leading association for more responsible tourism. We design our trips – on foot, by bike and on snow – to encourage everyone to discover the world differently: with curiosity, respect and kindness.
As members of the board of directors since 2018, we actively help the sector develop more meaningful practices. In practical terms, we focus on:
We also share the values of the traveller’s ethical charter, which encourages everyone to take simple steps to protect the places they visit and encourage rewarding encounters.
Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognised as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible environmental, ethical and sustainable management practices, both within our company and in our work with partners and the organisation of our trips.
This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification scheme, recognises our practical efforts to support responsible tourism. We are actively working towards the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy
For cycling
short or long cycling shorts or tights, depending on the season
Note: synthetic technical clothing performs very well. Merino wool clothing is also available; it performs very well, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of resisting perspiration odours (brands include Icebreaker, Ruka, etc.)!
As a general rule, avoid cotton, which makes you cold when wet.
For your lunchtime picnic
For protection from sun and rain
After your ride
Country: France, an EU member
Capital: Paris
Travellers, including children, must carry a national identity card or passport (EU nationals).
Bring your Carte Vitale and your usual medication for the duration of your stay.
Decize Tourist Office: tourist office listing on La Nièvre naturellement
Place du Champ de Foire
58300 DECIZE
0386252723
Auxerrois Tourist Offices https://www.ot-auxerre.fr/
1 & 2 quai de la République
89000 AUXERRE
0386520619
Nièvre Tourist Office https://www.lanievrenaturellement.com/
1 Rue Sabatier, Ducal Palace
58000 NEVERS
0386684600
Dialling code for calling France from abroad: 0033.
No time difference. GMT +1.
IGN TOP 100 map: no. 128 Auxerre – Montargis, no. 135 Nevers – Autun.
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