Canal du Nivernais with a boat sailing

The Nivernais Canal

©OT2CYT - Claude Blot

Located between the Loire basin and the Yonne basin, the Nivernais canal stretches over 174 km. It crosses the communes located between Mailly-le-Château and Cravant.

Time travel

The Nivernais Canal , 174 km long, was inaugurated in 1842. Built to facilitate the transport of heavy goods such as stone, wood, and coal, it connected key cities in central France. This canal played a major role in the region's economic development , enabling faster and safer transport of materials needed for industrialization.

A two-wheeled adventure

Hop on your bike and explore the cycle route that follows the Nivernais Canal . Whether for a family outing or a multi-day trip, this towpath between Auxerre and Decize offers a pleasant, flat route to enjoy in peace and quiet.

2 cyclists ride on the towpath along the Nivernais canal ©OT2CYT – Claude Blot

A river escape

From April to October, embark on a journey along the Nivernais Canal . Whether you're an experienced sailor or a novice, this canal caters to all types of boating, from short trips of a few hours to multi-day excursions. Several boat rental companies can be found along your route: in Mailly-le-Château, Vermenton, and Auxerre.

Canal du Nivernais with a boat sailing ©OT2CYT – Claude Blot

Not to miss

Exterior view of Reigny Abbey with a beautiful blue sky

Abbaye de Reigny

Founded in 1128 by Abbot Étienne de Toucy, under the authority of Saint Bernard, the Abbey of Reigny was placed under the protection of Pope Eugene III in 1147. It was very powerful and prosperous in the Middle Ages and welcomed up to 300 monks and lay brothers. On the edge of…
Bailly-Lapierre Cellars

Bailly – Lapierre

Our cellars, located 15 minutes south of Auxerre, on the banks of the Yonne, are open every day, except January 1st and 2nd, May 1st and December 25th. Guided tour of the premises in the heart of a former quarry (audio guide in English, German, Dutch...

Le Canal du Nivernais
Photograph of various Lego planet and aerospace vehicle illustrations

Planétarium de Mailly-le-Château

The planetarium has a diameter of 6 meters. It can accommodate 30 people. The starry sky, galaxies, etc. are projected there.