Nivernais Canal & River Yonne

The scenery of the Nivernais and Yonne region is exquisite. In central France, it features peaceful waterways, lush meadows, charming villages, and beautiful châteaux. Connecting the River Loire near Decize to the River Yonne at Auxerre, the waterway has 116 locks over 174 kilometres.

A view of the city of Auxerre with barges on the River Yonne, the Cathedral of Saint Etienne and the Abbey of Saint Germain.

The northern reaches alternate between canal and river, passing through forests, medieval towns, and delightful sleepy villages such as Cravant, seemingly untouched by the 21st century; then the waters reach the city of Auxerre, where the river becomes wide and majestic.

The river Yonne flows northwards and is one of the main tributaries of the River Seine. The Yonne's source is near Château Chinon in the Morvan hills, on the "Mont Préneley", 738 metres above sea level. The once-busy river was a vital supply route for forest timber from the Morvan hills, which was logged and floated downstream to mills and then on to Paris and other destinations, firstly as building timber and then as firewood.

The river has a lock system that provides access to the Canal du Nivernais, the Canal du Bourgogne, and the Seine.

Chateau Bazoches

Vineyards at Vézeley

Places to visit and things to do while you're in the area

Historical Monuments

• Cathedral Saint-Étienne of Auxerre
• Abbey of Saint Germain in Auxerre
• Basilique de Vézelay (UNESCO)
• Château de Bazoches, home to the famous Maréchal Vauban
• Château de Vaux
• Château Saint-Fargeau
• Cathedral Saint-Cyr Sainte-Julitte in Nevers
• The sanctuary of Sainte Bernadette Soubirous de Nevers

Places to go

• The historic city of Auxerre
• Châtel-Censoir and the Collégiale Saint-Potentien
• Clamecy and the Collégiale Saint-Martin
• Bibracte archaeological site near Autun
• The town of Mailly-le-Château
• Château de Guedelon
• The vineyards of Chablis
• The wine Caves of Bailly Lapierre
• The town of Nevers
• The path at Roches de Basseville
• Wood floaters demonstration
• Settons lakes for water sports and relaxing

Noyers-sur-Serin

Canal de Nivernais and treelined towpath