Cycling along the Nivernais canal greenway
Did you know? It's possible to explore Nivernais canal by bike, as well as by boat.
This smooth greenway route is fairly flat and far from traffic, and so it ticks all the boxes if you're looking to travel from place to place through the countryside. It is the perfect route if this is your first bicycle touring experience. Along the canal, there are some surprising, impressive, cultural, rustic and charming places to stop at, to take some unforgettable memories back home with you.
Your route in a few words
As you cycle along the Nivernais canal and the river Yonne, covering 6 sections of around thirty kilometres per day, you'll have covered the entire route before you know it. You can also choose to cycle along just one or two sections, it's up to you.
A bike ride through Burgundy at your own leisurely pace, pain-free.
Decize
Sitting on a rocky outcrop, Decize is surrounded by the water. To cross the town from one side to the other, you'll need to cross no less than 5 bridges! This town is heaven-on-earth for nature lovers, and the historic town centre is also worth a visit.
Added bonus for families: the free mobile application LEGENDR offers an original walking tour in the form of a game.
Town of Decize
Cercy-la-Tour
Make sure you take the time to venture as far as the ancient medieval fortress overlooking the countryside and the historic town centre of Cercy. From there, the panoramic view is stunning. Stop off for a relaxing break in this beautiful place full of flowers, nestled in lush greenery.
Added bonus for families: the swimming pool and play area where children will have a ball.
Historic tour of Cercy-la-Tour
The village of Dirol
This charming village with a population of only around one hundred might not seem particularly impressive, but it is worth a visit for its 2 weighbridges, otherwise known as the drawbridges! If you're lucky, you might see them in action when a boat is sailing through.
Dirol drawbridges
Tannay vineyard
We recommend stopping to visit this little vineyard that covers around 25 hectares. It dates back to 1207 when the monks from Tannay collegiate church planted the vines to be able to make wine for the King. The wine would then be transported along the inland waterways of course!
Tannay vineyard
The Saussois Rocks
You've arrived at the foot of the Saussois Rocks. From this popular spot for climbing (almost 60 m high!) there's a breathtaking view of the valley and the wildlife there is safeguarded.
Mailly-le-Château
The little hilltop village of Mailly-le-Château overlooks Yonne valley, and you'll enjoy exploring this walled village. There is a breathtaking view of the canal from the top, with the Morvan in the distance.
Added bonus for families: the little planetarium in Mailly-le-Château where you'll be whisked away into the starry sky.
Eat and sleep in Mailly
Stop off at the Le Pré du Roi campsite and relax and unwind in a rustic setting surrounded by nature and the river. Children will be able to blow off steam in complete safety in the 3-hectare grounds and you can go swimming as a family in the river Yonne (no lifeguards) or you can go canoeing. In the evening, head to the campsite snack bar!
Wine tasting at the estate in Escolives-Sainte-Camille
Escolives (pronounced Ecoleev) is a charming village in the midst of the Auxerrois vineyard. You can come to the Domaine Borgnat and discover their wines at the 'Symphony Tastings': tour of the 17th-century wine cellars & tasting the range of wines.
Domaine Borgnat
The Escolives-Sainte-Camille archaeological site
Come and explore the archaeological site of the 'Gallo-Roman villa'. The sculpted blocks of stone that were found in the foundations of the thermal baths at this vast villa are absolutely beautiful.
Escolives archaeological site