H2olidays

Locaboat

Burgundy Nivernais

Originally conceived by Henri IV, the Canal du Nivernais was finally built between 1783 and 1842, and boasts some of the most glorious scenery on the French waterways. Connecting the Seine to the Loire, the two sides of the summit are very different. From Corbigny south to Decize on its hill between two arms of the Loire, its old centre still ringed with walls, the descent to the Loire winds through rich meadows grazed by the famous white Nivernais cattle. The three successive tunnels at La Colancelle lead to a set of 16 closely spaced locks in a rural setting.
The Etang de Baye with its watersports centre lies right alongside the canal, while the lofty silhouette of the Chateau of Châtillon-en-Bazois soon looms into view. From Corbigny north to Auxerre and its churches dominating the waterfront, the descent towards the Seine follows the valley of the Yonne , and sometimes uses its bed, through woods and forests small and large. The prosperous little wine-producing village of Tannay boasts panoramic views over the Morvan hills.
Dompierre is a gateway to manifold discoveries, all little more than a stone's throw from the River Loire. Its banks are dotted with chateaux, abbeys and medieval villages. The magnificent Digoin aqueduct takes you on to the Canal du Centre, built in the 18th century to link Roanne to Chalon-sur-Saone . The Canal de Roanne à Digoin leads to Roanne , a synonym for gastronomy all over France, but famous too for china and faience.
At Decize the lateral canal meets the Loire, and river bathing is a treat. Salmon and shad swim up here from the distant sea to spawn. Take the Canal du Nivernais and cruise through ravishing countryside to the secret heart of the Morvan , or visit Nevers , steeped in history. Crossing high above the Allier on the Guetin aqueduct, you’ll enjoy magnificent vistas across many famous vineyards to pretty villages such as Sancerre and St-Satur .

Here are some cruising suggestions...

1 Week

Joigny - Joigny
Yonne , Canal du Nivernais
Joigny , Auxerre , Vermenton , Châtel-Censoir , Joigny
154 km - Locks: 68 - navigation: 5 : 30' / Day
 

Joigny - Joigny

Yonne, Canal de Bourgogne
Joigny, Tonnerre, Tanlay, Ancy-le-Franc. Joigny
166 km - Locks: 68 - navigation: 5 : 30' / Day

Joigny - Montbard
Yonne, Canal de Bourgogne

Montbard - Montbard
Canal de Bourgogne


10 days

Joigny Joigny
Yonne, Canal de Bourgogne
Joigny, Tanlay, Ancy-le-Franc, Montbard. Joigny
222 km - Locks: 98 - navigation: 4 : 45' / Day

2 weeks

Joigny - Joigny
Yonne, Canal du Nivernais
Joigny, Auxerre, Vermenton, Clamecy, Baye. Joigny
288 km - Locks: 176 - navigation: 5 : 30' / Day

Joigny - Dompierre
Yonne, Canal du Loing, Canal de Briare, Latéral à la Loire
Joigny, Briare, Sancerre, Nevers, Decize Dompierre
379 km - Locks: 105 - navigation: 5 : 0' / Day

Dompierre - Joigny
Canal Latéral à la Loire, Canal du Nivernais, Yonne
Dompierre, Decize, Châtillon-en-Bazois, Clamecy, Auxerre Joigny
260 km - Locks: 129 - navigation: 4 : 30' / Day

Joigny - Joigny
Yonne, Canal de Bourgogne
Joigny, St-Florentin, Ancy le Franc, Montbard, Vénarey. Joigny
246 km - Locks: 134 - navigation: 5 : 0' / Day

Joigny - Joigny
Yonne, Canal du Loing, Canal de Briare, Canal Latéral à la Loire, Canal du Nivernais, Yonne
Joigny, Sens, Montereau, Moret, Montargis, Briare, Sancerre, Nevers, Decize, Châtillon, Baye, Clamecy, Auxerre Joigny
553 km - Locks: 214 - navigation: 5 : 30' / Day