H2olidays

Le Boat

Burgundy Nivernais

The charming Canal du Nivernais, reputed to be one of the prettiest in France, winds peacefully between Auxerre and Decize through rolling meadows, hillside vineyards, rocky outcrops and forests.

Picture-postcard scenery and pretty canal-side villages line your route and the slow pace of life on land superbly mirrors your gentle cruise along the region’s peaceful waterways. It is easy to see how these peaceful landscapes inspired the Impressionists of the day.

Our bases at Migennes, Châtel Censoir, Tannay and Decize provide perfect starting points for your cruise through this ‘green land of running waters’ with cruising on the River Yonne and the Canal de Bourgogne also possible.

Here are some cruising suggestions...

Week Breaks

The Tannay Cruise
Tannay - Auxerre - Tannay
Tannay produces some fantastic wines and is reputed for its traditional wineproducing methods. Savour regional delights on both sides of the canal en route to Auxerre, the former capital of the region.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 156 km
Locks: 76
Cruise Time: 38 hrs

The Decize Cruise
Decize - Baye - Decize
Cercy-la-Tour gives stunning views over the village and valley below while Châtillon-en-Bazois is home to one of the region’s most splendid châteaux. The lake at Baye provides excellent watersports facilities.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 144 km
Locks: 72
Cruise Time: 30 hrs

The Wine Lover's Cruise
Decize - Tannay (or vice versa)
From the charming town of Decize head to Tannay, passing some of the region’s best-loved châteaux and castles en route at Chitry les-Mines and Châtillonen-Bazois. Enjoy wine tasting and shopping at Tannay before heading back to Decize.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 99 km
Locks: 72
Cruise Time: 35 hrs

The Chablis Cruise
Tannay - Migennes (or vice versa)
A beautiful cruise on the Canal du Nivernais and the River Yonne visiting medieval Clamecy, Châtel Censoir and Auxerre. Clamecy is surrounded by water and known locally as the ‘town of beautiful reflections’. Wander the maze of narrow streets lined with beautiful old houses and buy delicious chocolates, spicy sausage and foie gras. ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 100 km
Locks: 50
Cruise Time: 28 hrs

The Classic Nivernais Cruise
Chatel Censoir - Migennes (or vice versa)
Set off on this classic Canal du Nivernais cruise from the beautiful port beneath the hilltops at Châtel Censoir. Visit Auxerre’s old quarter with its abbey and cathedral before cruising to Migennes.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 65 km
Locks: 31
Cruise Time: 16 hrs

The Wine, Arts & Culture Cruise
Chatel Censoir - Clamecy - Auxerre - Chatel Censoir
Stop at the hilltop artisan town of Clamecy and Auxerre, the former medieval capital of Burgundy on this journey along the Canal du Nivernais and the River Yonne. Perfect towpaths make for great cycling.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 120 km
Locks: 58
Cruise Time: 29 hrs

The Rennaissance Cruise
Châtel Censoir – Chitry-les-Mines – Corbigny – Châtel Censoir
From the picturesque port of Châtel Censoir, follow the beautiful Canal du Nivernais as it winds its way through the woodland and pastures of the peaceful Morvan countryside. Silver was mined in Renaissance times around the hills of Chitry-les-Mines and 17th century Corbigny was once defended by 14 towers ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 106 km
Locks: 52
Cruise Time: 34 hrs

The Burgundy Chateaux Cruise
Migennes – Tanlay – Migennes
Cruise past vibrant fields of yellow rapeseed or red poppies, fields of wheat and pretty lock houses with window boxes of colourful geraniums. Tall poplar trees line your route providing shade and tranquillity. St. Florentin has a wonderful market and good restaurants, while the ancient city of Tonnere in the heart of Burgundy, ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 106 km
Locks: 46
Cruise Time: 29 hrs

The Cathedral Cruise
Migennes – Sens – Joigny - Migennes
This is an easy cruise on the River Yonne with few locks, so you’ll have plenty of time to admire the magnificent architecture of the wonderful gothic cathedrals at Migennes and Sens, as well as for historic sightseeing, shopping and fabulous restaurants! Spend time in the delightful medieval village of Joigny ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 88 km
Locks: 20
Cruise Time: 21 hrs

Longer Breaks

The Medieval Cruise
Migennes - Châtillon-en-Bazois - Migennes
This cruise takes you through the heart of the Nivernais region, stopping en route at medieval villages and splendid châteaux with art treasures of the past. Notable vineyards ensure good winetastings wherever you stop.
Duration: Two Weeks
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 226 km
Locks: 120
Cruise Time: 56 hrs