Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat

Cruising in Loire / Nivernais

The charming Canal du Nivernais, reputed to be one of the prettiest in France, provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy tranquil cruising between Auxerre and Decize through rolling meadows, hillside vineyards, rocky outcrops and forests.

Click on the place name to find out more about each location. Not all locations in a region are mentioned on our suggested cruises, why not browse Featured Locations list to help you decide where to cruise.

  • The Tannay Cruise

    Tannay produces some fantastic wines and is reputed for its traditional wineproducing methods. Savour regional delights on both sides of the canal en route to Auxerre, the former capital of the region.

    Locations on this cruise

  • The Decize Cruise

    Cercy-la-Tour gives stunning views over the village and valley below while Châtillon-en-Bazois is home to one of the region’s most splendid châteaux. The lake at Baye provides excellent watersports facilities.

    Locations on this cruise

  • The Wine Lover's Cruise

    From the charming town of Decize head to Tannay, passing some of the region’s best-loved châteaux and castles en route at Chitry les-Mines and Châtillonen-Bazois. Enjoy wine tasting and shopping at Tannay before heading back to Decize.

    Locations on this cruise

  • The Chablis Cruise

    Set off on this classic Canal du Nivernais cruise from the beautiful port beneath the hilltops at Châtel Censoir. Visit Auxerre’s old quarter with its abbey and cathedral before cruising to Migennes.

    Locations on this cruise

  • The Classic Nivernais Cruise

    A beautiful cruise on the Canal du Nivernais and the River Yonne visiting medieval Clamecy, Châtel Censoir and Auxerre. Clamecy is surrounded by water and known locally as the ‘town of beautiful reflections’. Wander the maze of narrow streets lined with beautiful old houses and buy delicious chocolates, spicy sausage and foie gras. Enjoy a glass of chilled Chablis in the sunshine – the world-famous vineyards are nearby. Visit the picturesque villages of Châtel Censoir and Vermenton, go fishing at Prégilbert and enjoy superb sightseeing, shopping and restaurants at Auxerre.

    Locations on this cruise

  • The Medieval Cruise

    This cruise takes you through the heart of the Nivernais region, stopping en route at medieval villages and splendid châteaux with art treasures of the past. Notable vineyards ensure good winetastings wherever you stop.

    Locations on this cruise

  • The Arts & Culture Cruise

    Stop at the hilltop artisan town of Clamecy and Auxerre, the former medieval capital of Burgundy on this journey along the Canal du Nivernais and the River Yonne. Perfect towpaths make for great cycling.

    Locations on this cruise

  • The Rennaissance Cruise

    From the picturesque port of Châtel Censoir, follow the beautiful Canal du Nivernais as it winds its way through the woodland and pastures of the peaceful Morvan countryside. Silver was mined in Renaissance times around the hills of Chitry-les-Mines and 17th century Corbigny was once defended by 14 towers – the remains of one can still be seen today. Stop en route at the many villages to enjoy delicious Burgundy cuisine and wines.

    Locations on this cruise

    We are currently in the process of collecting information for the cruising companion for this cruise. If you have an pictures or information about things to do, places to see, restaurants and helpful hints and tips about any of the locations along this cruising route, please complete the online form. We’d love to hear from you!

  • The Burgundy Chateaux Cruise

    Cruise past vibrant fields of yellow rapeseed or red poppies, fields of wheat and pretty lock houses with window boxes of colourful geraniums. Tall poplar trees line your route providing shade and tranquillity. St. Florentin has a wonderful market and good restaurants, while the ancient city of Tonnere in the heart of Burgundy, is famous for its ‘Fosse Dionne’ – one of the deepest natural water sources in France. Nearby, the splendid château at Tanlay is definitely worth visiting. Cruising for two weeks you can travel as far as Montbard, enjoying the many beautiful châteaux en route as well as superb wines at Epineuil and nearby Chablis (coach transfer from Tonnerre).

    Locations on this cruise

    We are currently in the process of collecting information for the cruising companion for this cruise. If you have an pictures or information about things to do, places to see, restaurants and helpful hints and tips about any of the locations along this cruising route, please complete the online form. We’d love to hear from you!

  • The Cathedral Cruise

    This is an easy cruise on the River Yonne with few locks, so you’ll have plenty of time to admire the magnificent architecture of the wonderful gothic cathedrals at Migennes and Sens, as well as for historic sightseeing, shopping and fabulous restaurants! Spend time in the delightful medieval village of Joigny and Villenauve-sur-Yonne has a superb Tuesday market and 13th – 16th century churches to visit.

    Locations on this cruise

    We are currently in the process of collecting information for the cruising companion for this cruise. If you have an pictures or information about things to do, places to see, restaurants and helpful hints and tips about any of the locations along this cruising route, please complete the online form. We’d love to hear from you!

  • Enjoy a 4 nights cruise on the river Yonne to discover the wonderfull heritage of this reagion - the exquisite gothic architecture - visit the Cathedral of Auxerre and Migennes. Taste also the wonderfull wine of Chablis.

    Locations on this cruise

    We are currently in the process of collecting information for the cruising companion for this cruise. If you have an pictures or information about things to do, places to see, restaurants and helpful hints and tips about any of the locations along this cruising route, please complete the online form. We’d love to hear from you!

  • Châtel Censoir - Vincelles - Châtel Censoir

    A 4 nights cruise in the heart of France for the nature lovers. Visit the little villages of Merry-sur-Yonne, Mailly-le-Château, Prégilbert and Vincelles

    Locations on this cruise

    We are currently in the process of collecting information for the cruising companion for this cruise. If you have an pictures or information about things to do, places to see, restaurants and helpful hints and tips about any of the locations along this cruising route, please complete the online form. We’d love to hear from you!

  • From Decize, a pretty town on an island on the Loire, follow the Canal latéral à la Loire through the peaceful villages and market towns of south west Burgundy such as Gannay-sur-Loire and Dompierre-sur-Besbre.

    Make good use of bicycles to visit nearby places of interest such as the medieval town of Bourbon-Lancy, famous for its thermal spa waters. There are lots of mooring places to stop en route for refreshments and picnics, walking, cycling and fishing - including the popular watersports lake at Pierrefitte-sur-Loire.

    Digoin is famous for its tableware and glazed terracotta pottery, so take the opportunity to visit both the museum dedicated to this craft as well as some of the many shops which sell traditional Digoin handmade pottery. Digoin’s Observatoire gives a delightful insight into the wildlife of the river and there are many excellent restaurants serving traditional Burgundy cuisine to choose from.

    Your final stop is the pretty ‘ville fleurie’ town of Paray-le-Monial, situated in the heart of the rolling Charolais countryside. Renowned as a place of pilgrimage, the imposing Basilique du Sacre Coeur is a listed historical monument attracting many visitors and pilgrims from around the world each year.

    Locations on this cruise

    We are currently in the process of collecting information for the cruising companion for this cruise. If you have an pictures or information about things to do, places to see, restaurants and helpful hints and tips about any of the locations along this cruising route, please complete the online form. We’d love to hear from you!

  • A longer version of the Sacre Coeur Cruise going up to the charming town of Roanne.
    From Decize, a pretty town on an island on the Loire, follow the Canal latéral à la Loire through the peaceful villages and market towns of south west Burgundy such as Gannay-sur-Loire and Dompierre-sur-Besbre. Make good use of bicycles to visit nearby places of interest such as the medieval town of Bourbon-Lancy, famous for its thermal spa waters. There are lots of mooring places to stop en route for refreshments and picnics, walking, cycling and fishing - including the popular watersports lake at Pierrefitte-sur-Loire. Digoin is famous for its tableware and glazed terracotta pottery, so take the opportunity to visit both the museum dedicated to this craft as well as some of the many shops which sell traditional Digoin handmade pottery. Digoin’s Observatoire gives a delightful insight into the wildlife of the river and there are many excellent restaurants serving traditional Burgundy cuisine to choose from.

    Then cruise south on the tranquil Canal de Roanne à Digoin through rolling Charolais countryside towards the delightful old town and gastronomic capital of the Loire department, Roanne. With just 10 locks between Digoin and Roanne your cruise southwards is gentle and relaxed. There are plenty of moorings in Roanne’s charming tourist port situated in the town-centre so you can explore further afield on your bikes too. Roanne is home to the world-famous Michelin-starred restaurant, La Maison TroisGros. Book well ahead of your holiday to ensure a table at this prestigious restaurant!

    Locations on this cruise

    We are currently in the process of collecting information for the cruising companion for this cruise. If you have an pictures or information about things to do, places to see, restaurants and helpful hints and tips about any of the locations along this cruising route, please complete the online form. We’d love to hear from you!