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.