The Nivernais Canal by bike: a peaceful, natural family trip
Looking for a gentle, peaceful and unforgettable adventure with your children? The canal du Nivernais à vélo is the perfect itinerary for a family getaway in the heart of nature. Between Decize and [Auxerre](https://www.lokki.rent/location/auxerre/velo, this almost 180-kilometre greenway winds along an old floating canal, between Morvan, vineyards, flower-filled locks and charming villages. A safe, flat itinerary with a change of scenery, ideal for a family introduction to [cycle tourism](https://www.lokki.rent/media/velo-itinerance-paulette.
Why choose the Canal du Nivernais for a family cycling trip?
✅ 90% greenways and no cars
The Canal du Nivernais is one of the safest in France for cycling with children. Over 90% of the towpath is fully equipped. Few gradients, no motorized vehicles: it's guaranteed peace and quiet.
🌿 Immerse yourself in wild, unspoilt nature
The canal plunges you into a bucolic atmosphere , between ponds, forests, rivers and meadows. It's an area that's still largely untouched by tourists, perfect for getting away from it all. And the landscapes change every day: the Sardy lock ladder, the Collancelle arches, the Saussois rocks, the perched wine villages...
**### 🏡 Stages punctuated by discoveries and encounters
The route is packed with natural and historical sights: Clamecy, the floating capital, the castles of Faulin and Châtillon-en-Bazois, lock houses transformed into art studios... Not forgetting waterside guinguettes, river beaches, organic farms, small local groceries and artisanal ice creams at every stop!
Itinerary details
- Distance: 178 km
- Recommended duration: 5 to 7 days with children
- Difficulty: very easy
- Vertical rise: +74 m in the direction Decize → Auxerre
- Signposting: Tour de Bourgogne à vélo, 100% signposted
- Surfacing: smooth, safe greenway
- Access: TER stations at Decize and Auxerre, shuttle bus with bike rack available
Recommended itinerary on the Canal du Nivernais à vélo (family version)
🏁 Day 1: Decize → Cercy-la-Tour (~15 km)
Short warm-up along the Loire, then immersion in the calm of the canal. Picnic break in Cercy, a charming village with shops. Overnight at the campsite or in a B&B.
🚴 Day 2: Cercy-la-Tour → Panneçot (~30 km)
Nature stage, herds of Charolais cattle and magical sunset over the pond. Quiet campsite at Panneçot, bread delivered early in the morning by a village pensioner: the magic of local encounters.
🌊 Day 3: Panneçot → Étang de Baye (~35 km)
Cross the wild meanders of the Aron, picnic at Châtillon-en-Bazois. Overnight camping at bord de l'étang de Baye, with nautical base, paddle, beach and family sunset.
🕳️ Day 4: Baye → Chaumot (Corbigny) (~25 km)
Lighthouse day on the canal: electric boat ride through the Collancelle vaults, then free descent on the 16-lock ladder. Snack break at the Ispahan tea room. Overnight at the warm, family-friendly Chaumot campsite.
🏰 Day 5: Chaumot → Tannay (~30 km)
Recommended detour to Tannay, perched village with swimming pool and good local produce. Bed and breakfast at the Relais Fleuri. Ideal for a breather and refreshments.
🧺 Day 6: Tannay → Clamecy (~25 km)
One of the most beautiful stages. Clamecy is a gem: medieval alleyways, Randoland treasure hunt, Saturday market, artisanal ice creams. Sleep at the Pont Picot campsite, with games for children.
🏞️ Day 7: Clamecy → Mailly-la-Ville (~30 km)
Picnic in front of the rocks of Saussois, swimming in Mailly, overnight at the village's auberge charcutière with local produce and family rooms.
🎉 Day 8: Mailly-la-Ville → Auxerre (~30 km)
Final a little less natural, but the arrival at Auxerre, city of art and history, is more than worth the effort. A detour to Vézelay is also possible for the more courageous.
Our practical advice for a worry-free trip
🎒 What you need to plan
- Ravito in advance: some villages have no shops
- Well-distributed bags and [trailer for children](https://www.lokki.rent/media/transport-enfant-velo
- Swimming, games, snacks: pace your stages to stay motivated
- Avoid Mondays (guinguettes and restaurants often closed)
🚲 Recommended equipment
- VTC or trekking bike, trailer, follow-me
- VAE useful if you carry a lot
- Light tent, 3-season comforters, stove and popote
🏕 Where to sleep?
- Numerous small nature campsites along the canal
- Family-run B&Bs in Tannay, Mailly, Clamecy
- Possibility of mixing hard-standing and tented nights
A gentle and unforgettable adventure
The canal du Nivernais à vélo is an enchanted interlude. Here, we slow down, watch and chat. Children discover the simple pleasures of slow travel, among fauna, flora and heritage. An adventure 100% nature, 100% family, that you'll never forget.
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