In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBurgundy-Franche-Comté / Nièvre
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions44.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
The highlights
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A beautiful journey along the water
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Green landscapes
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Discovering cities of art and history
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
The expert's opinion
The majority of the route follows the canal, with no elevation gain.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 59 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 199 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
You will receive a printed roadbook with maps of your route, and you will have access to our 24/7 telephone support should you need it. In addition, you will have access to our mobile app to easily track your journey.
Program
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Arrival in Decize
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You arrive at your hotel which is located in the port of Decize, very close to the Canal du Nivernais.
Day 1 -
Decize – Châtillon en Bazois
- Transportation 51 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 48 km
- Positive elevation gain 123 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This beautiful first day allows you to discover the Canal du Nivernais, which connects the Loire and the Yonne rivers. You arrive in Chatillon en Bazois where you stay in a charming bed and breakfast.
Day 2 -
Châtillon en Bazois – Clamecy
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 63 km
- Positive elevation gain 188 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On the towpath, you pass through different landscapes always along the Canal du Nivernais and arrive at Clamecy, a picturesque little town with superb half-timbered houses.
Day 3 -
Clamecy – Auxerre
- Transportation 64 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 64 km
- Positive elevation gain 284 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You continue your journey along the banks of the Canal du Nivernais, following the "Floating Timber" route: in the Middle Ages, the Morvan Forest produced timber destined for the inhabitants of Paris. This timber was transported to the capital by floating it downriver. You'll appreciate this charming, multifaceted route, passing by the Rochers du Saussois, a renowned climbing area, and then Mailly-le-Château. At the Crisenon Fish Farm, you can learn about trout farming and purchase local products. You'll discover charming little villages such as Cravant, a medieval town. Don't miss a detour to the Bailly Cellars for a tour into the heart of the earth and a tasting of Crémant de Bourgogne before getting back on your bikes and heading towards Auxerre. Enjoy this magnificent city with its rich historic quarter, a listed protected site. Auxerre, a city of Art and History, has preserved an exceptional architectural heritage through the ages: St Etienne Cathedral, a model of the elegance of the Gothic style, and St Germain Abbey.
Day 4 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure after breakfast or option to extend to Joigny.
Day 5 -
Option: Auxerre - Joigny 35 km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave Auxerre via the new greenway that runs alongside the canal and then the Yonne River. Near Chemilly-sur-Yonne, you have the opportunity to stop at Borvo, a smoked salmon producer with unique expertise, where you can buy local products. You arrive in Joigny, a beautiful town, designated a "City of Art and History."
Day 6
Note
Cycling along the Canal du Nivernais is pure bliss: you pedal along the towpaths or the small parallel roads. A delightful region to discover with its vineyards, the meanders of its rivers, the richness of its ancestral artistic and historical heritage, its landscapes that read like a book, its culinary art to tantalize your taste buds… Everything is there for a memorable cycling holiday!
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 2 nights in a charming 3-star hotel in the city centre
- 1 night in a 2-star hotel by the canal
- 1 night in a charming bed and breakfast
- Breakfast
- Personalized welcome with handover of travel documents
- Daily luggage transfer
- Tasting of Crémant de Bourgogne at the Caves de Bailly
- GPS tracks available
- Travel diary with maps
- Telephone support 7 days a week
The price does not include
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Bike and helmet rental
- Return transfer to Decize
- Tourist tax
Options
- Return transfer : CHF228.70 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Decize - Single room : CHF117.09 / unit
- Extra night before stay - Decize - Double room : CHF76.84 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Auxerre - Single room : CHF140.88 / unit
- Extra night after stay - Auxerre - Double room : CHF85.08 / unit
- Hybrid Bike (VTC) : CHF73.18 / unit
- Electric Assist Bicycle : CHF137.22 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Detailed travelogue with maps
- Practical information for exploring the region (museums, wineries, etc.)
- Luggage tags
- GPS tracks
- Telephone support 7 days a week
Equipment to bring
- Bicycle helmet (mandatory for children under 12)
- Water bottle and water
- Phone stand
- External battery
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Clothing to bring
- Comfortable cycling clothing
- Rainwear
- Comfortable shoes, open or closed (depending on the season)
They traveled with us
