The Nivernais Canal from Corbigny to Auxerre by Vézelay

Canal du Nivernais by bike

The Nivernais Canal stretches for 178 km between Decize and Auxerre and has more than 122 locks and remarkable structures, including 2 small canal bridges, 3 tunnels and a scale of 16 locks. It is the second most frequented canal in France by cycle tourists after the Canal du Midi.

Highlight of thee tour :

• The Nivernais Canal
• Auxerre, Vézelay and Mailly-le-chateau
• The Saussois rocks, remnants of an ancient coral reef
• Pinot Noir
• Châtel-Censoir
• The Zervos museum

Day 1 - Welcome to Auxerre and loop to Baye and Vaux - 33 km

Presentation of the stay and delivery of travel documents as well as checking and adjustment of equipment.
Departure by minibus to reach Corbigny, where your cycling journey begins. You will reach a shared millstream, the highest point of the Canal du Nivernais. On your way, discover the Baye and Vaux ponds, two reservoirs which supply the canal with water. This first step allows you to discover the titanic work carried out on the Sardy lock ladder comprising 16 locks and which allows you to reach the Yonne Valley.

Dinner and overnight in Corbigny.

Day 2 : Corbigny - Clamecy - 38 km

Departing from Corbigny along the Nivernais canal and the Yonne river. Cross Tannay and its vineyards to Clamecy, stronghold of "timber floating". Take advantage of a few excursions through woods and hills to discover pretty villages and the fossil meander of Chevroches. In Clamecy, do not hesitate to visit the old town, its collegiate church dedicated to St Martin and the Romain Rolland Museum.

Dinner and overnight in Clamecy.

Day 3 : Clamecy - Vézelay - 38 km

Departure along small country lanes towards "the eternal hill" of Vézelay. You can visit this typical village and its famous Basilica of Ste Madeleine, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Let yourself be carried away by this site which has seen great men: Bernard de Clairvaux, Jules Roy, Romain Rolland ... and by the local winegrowers! Modern art lovers can visit the Zervos museum (Calder, Ernst, Kandinsky, Laurens ...). For the more courageous, there is the option of extending the route to a splendid village: Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines

Dinner and overnight in Vézelay.

Day 4 : Vézelay - Arcy-sur-Cure - 38 to 45 km

Along the way, you cross the remains of an ancient coral reef, offering a breathtaking view of the cliffs of Surgy, the majestic rocks of Saussois and, finally, Mailly-le-Château, perched proudly on its cornice. Along the way, you discover the fortified farm of Basseville, where the river and canal seem to meet in astonishing harmony. The route also takes you to the Château de Faulin, famous for a memorable scene in “La Grande Vadrouille”, before reaching Châtel-Censoir, whose medieval village proudly dominates the hillside.

Dinner and overnight in Accolay or Arcy-sur-Cure.

Day 5 : Arcy-sur-Cure - Auxerre - 28 to 45 km

On this final stage, you cycle along the Canal du Nivernais, also known as the ‘garden canal’, through peaceful, green countryside. You are immersed in the history of the region, as you pass through picturesque villages and the vineyards of the Auxerrois region. Your first stop is Irancy, a charming village famous for its famous pinot noir. A tasting session is a must to savour this local nectar. Then it's on to Bailly, where the huge cellars built into old stone quarries invite you on a unique tour. Finally, following the course of the Yonne, you arrive in Auxerre. Take time to explore the old town, with its medieval streets and rich architectural heritage.
End of your stay in Auxerre, possibility of an additional night.

General information :

• 5 days and 4 nights
• Standard version : 2 to 3 * hotels and guesthouses
• Prices for children: contact us.

The dates 2025 :

Departure between march and October
Departure from Auxerre, everyday except Sunday.

Included :

• 4 nights with breakfasts
• 4 dinners
• Transfer Auxerre - Corbigny
• Wine tasting on day 5
• Luggages transport
• 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 biek or ebike rental
• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance
• Reduction from 3 participants

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 :

28 to 45 km of cycling per day, or about 3 to 4 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 where it will be mentionned in your travel documents.

- 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, transfer by minibus to Corbigny.

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.