Nivernais Canal by bike, from Decize to Auxerre

Burgundy by bike along the Nivernais Canal

Cycling trip in the heart of Burgundy, along the Canal du Nivernais between Decize and Auxerre. This route offers you beautiful panoramas and the crossing of charming fortified villages or nestled in the rock. The Nivernais canal is the second most frequented canal by cycle tourists after the Canal du Midi, it has 122 locks and remarkable structures, including 2 small canal bridges, 3 tunnels, a scale of 16 locks.

Interests of the stay :

• The Nivernais Canal
• Basseville and Mailly-le-Chateau
• The rocks of the Saussois, remnants of an ancient coral reef
• The wine-growing villages of the southern Auxerrois region
• The ponds of Baye and Vaux
• Clamecy, capital of timber rafting

Day 1 : La Machine - Decize - 18 km

You meet at 9 a.m. in Auxerre for a personal welcome and to collect your bikes. After a minibus transfer to La Machine, the starting point of your adventure (around 10am), you begin your cycling tour. Before pedalling off, you can visit the Musée de la Mine at La Machine. Then, you follow a restored former railway line to the canal and Decize, the canal's southern gateway and an emblematic town where the waters meet
Dinner and overnight in Decize.

Day 2 : Decize - Châtillon en Bazois - 52 km

You start this new stage from Decize, following the canal through bucolic countryside. Along the way, you will cross vast meadows where the region's famous white oxen, emblems of this peaceful countryside, graze peacefully. The route also invites you to explore the local heritage: ancient wash-houses, stone crosses and charming hamlets typical of Burgundy. This serene stage is a true immersion in Burgundy's authenticity.
Dinner and overnight in Châtillon en Bazois.

Day 3 : Châtillon en Bazois - Corbigny - 32 km

You're off on an unforgettable journey that will take you to the “bief de partage”, the highest point of the Canal du Nivernais. Along the way, you'll have the chance to admire the incredible engineering works that make this canal such a hydraulic feat. The Baye and Vaux ponds, with their sparkling waters surrounded by nature, offer the ideal setting for a contemplative break. Further on, you will cross the impressive arches of the Collancelle, a passageway full of mystery and charm. The day continues with a descent of the Échelle de Sardy, a spectacular succession of locks surrounded by lush green countryside. This unique route will guide you gently towards the end of the stage in Corbigny, a welcoming little town where you can enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
Dinner and overnight in Corbigny.

Day 4 : Corbigny - Clamecy - 38 km

This stage takes you through the Tannaysien vineyards, where the rows of vines form a typically Burgundian landscape. Following the canal towpath or quiet country roads, you'll pass through charming villages. Take time to admire the fossilised meander of Chevroches, a natural curiosity offering a unique panorama. Your day ends in Clamecy, a former stronghold of timber rafting and a witness to a past linked to navigation and river transport. Stroll through the narrow streets of this historic town and discover its timber-framed houses, collegiate church and authentic atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight in Clamecy.

Day 5 : Clamecy - Arcy-sur-Cure - 44 km

Set off along the canal towpath towards the fortified farm of Basseville and the Château de Faulin. Your route then takes you through Châtel-Censoir, a medieval hilltop village, before leading you into the heart of an ancient coral reef. Admire the cliffs of Surgy, the famous Saussois rocks, and the village of Mailly-le-Château perched on its cornice. For the more curious, there's a 20km diversions to Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, with its springs and medieval castle. A varied stage between heritage and nature!
Dinner and overnight in Accolay or Arcy-sur-Cure

Day 6 : Arcy-sur-Cure - Auxerre - 28 à 45 km

You cycle along the Canal du Nivernaus towards Auxerre. This is the oenological stopover of the stay with a getaway to Irancy, a magnificent wine-growing village entirely dedicated to Pinot Noir. Your cycle tour continues towards Bailly and itsgigantic cellars installed in a former stone quarry. After a visit and tasting, you continue along the Yonne towards Auxerre, the northern gateway to the Nivernais canal. A visit to the old town is a must, on foot or by bike!
In Auxerre, end of the cycling trip. Possibility of additional night.

General information :

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Standard version : 2/3* hotels and guesthouses
• Prices for children: contact us.

The dates 2025 :

Daily departure between March and October except Sunday.

Included :

• 5 nights with breakfasts
• 4 dinners
• personalised welcome at 9 a.m. in Auxerre
• Luggages transport
• Transfer Auxerre - La Machine at 10 a.M
• Wine tasting on day 6
• GPS App
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture).

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist tax to be paid on site.

The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance
• Reduction from 4 people

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat, very smooth roads and paths. Program with 80% cycle paths and towpaths. When the track is bad, small parallel roads with little traffic.

Weather :

Pleasant, little precipitation, localized rains.
Spring: 15/20 ° C - Summer: Hot and dry 25/30 ° C.

Technicality :

18 to 52 km of cycling per day, or about 2 to 5 hours of cycling.
Easy to follow route, accessible to all cyclists.

Bibliography :

- Bike guide: the tour of Burgundy by bike 

Additional nights: 

An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of your stay.

Meals:

Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice) or buffet.
Lunches: not included
Dinners: at the hotel or at the guesthouse

The bike :

- Rental bike: 21-speed standard bike which will be given to you upon your arrival. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and inform the reception.

- Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off. At the end of the tour, you will need to take care of your own bicycle.

Assistance :

Assistance in case of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

The transfer :

When you arrive in Auxerre, a transfer will be organized to La Machine.

Luggage :

They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage by person (max. 20 kg).

Roadbook :

We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel. We will also give you vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage tags.

Transport :

- By train: TGV station in Auxerre.
- By road: Auxerre is on the A6 (Paris-Lyon)
- By plane: Auxerre or Paris airport

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.