1 week on the Canal du Nivernais from Migennes – detailed itinerary

What to do during your river cruise in Burgundy from Migennes to Mailly-le-Château?

Want to discover Burgundy in a different way? The river cruise between Migennes and Mailly-le-Château, accessible by hire a license-free houseboat, takes you along the Canal du Nivernais on a round trip of 108 km, punctuated by around 58 locks. Check out our detailed itinerary to help you get started!

Day 1: Start your river cruise in Migennes

Your cruise starts in Migennes, a small river town located at the strategic junction of the Burgundy Canal and the Nivernais Canal. This is where you pick up your boat: after a quick navigation training session (getting to grips with the boat, passing through locks, safety instructions), you'll be captain for the week!

Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to start cruising for a few kilometres, or spend your first evening alongside the quay to soak up the atmosphere of the canal and get your bearings on board.

Not to be missed on your river cruise:

• The Yonne canal bridge, an astonishing structure where the water overhangs the river
• A walk along the towpath, perfect for watching the boats pass through the lock
• The local market (on certain days), ideal for picking up some fresh Burgundy produce to enjoy on board

Day 2: Sailing from Migennes to Auxerre on a license-free houseboat

After a restful first night on board, you will cast off for Auxerre, one of the most beautiful stops on this cruise. Arriving in Auxerre, you dock directly in the heart of the town. Listed as a Town of Art and History, it offers a surprising mix of medieval heritage, narrow shopping streets and very pleasant walks.

Don't miss Auxerre on your Nivernais Canal cruise:

• The historic centre, with its timber-framed houses, vaulted passageways and lively little squares
• Saint-Étienne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with remarkable stained glass windows
• A stroll along the banks of the Yonne, perfect at sunset
• A tasting of Chablis in a local cellar or wine bar (ask the locals for advice, they love to share their addresses)
• Enjoy the atmosphere of Auxerre from the terrace of a café or the lively quayside

Day 3: Take a boat trip without a licence from Auxerre to Vermenton

Today, you'll be leaving the city atmosphere of Auxerre for a wilder, more intimate canal. As you cruise along, the landscape changes: the banks become more wooded, the vineyards appear on the hillsides, and the little hamlets slowly pass by, as if frozen in time.

The navigation is punctuated by several manual locks, which you have to manoeuvre yourself – a real pleasure when you get into the slow travel spirit. It's a day when you really take the time to live, to chat, to listen to nature, to read or simply to watch the reflections of the water go by.

Don't miss:

• A stopover in Cravant, a fortified village with authentic charm: cobbled streets, clock tower, old stones and a timeless atmosphere
• Arrival in Vermenton, a typical little town where you can take your bikes out and ride along the canal on two wheels, or simply stroll along the water's edge

Day 4: Sailing from Vermenton to Mailly-le-Château

It's a short sail this morning, but a big change of scenery. You sail gently upstream towards Mailly-le-Château, a spectacular hilltop village with undoubtedly one of the finest panoramas on the canal. As soon as you arrive, you can feel the change in atmosphere: a steeper landscape, limestone cliffs and a plunging view of the Yonne. The marina is quiet and surrounded by greenery, perfect for a nature break or an afternoon of sport.

Not to be missed during your river cruise:

• The view from the church of Saint-Adrien, at the top of the village: a life-size postcard
• An accessible hike to the Rochers du Saussois, popular with climbers but also perfect for a picnic with a view
• For the more active: kayaking, supervised swimming in summer or angling directly from the riverbank

Day 5: Return by license-free houseboat from Mailly-le-Château to Vermenton

It's time to start the return journey... but don't rush. Here, the aim is to enjoy. The journey is the same, but the eye is different: the colours, the light, the sounds... everything seems softer as you start to feel “at home” on board.

Things to do on the way:

• Take a picnic break in the heart of nature, beside the towpath or at a deserted lock
• An impromptu swim or siesta on deck
• At the end of the day, settle down on the quay for an aperitif watching the sun set. There's no rush

Day 6: Moor your boat in Auxerre

A gradual return to the city, but still in the slow spirit. Take advantage of this day to stop off in a forgotten hamlet, chat to a lock-keeper, or simply let the wind turn the pages of your book on deck. Once you arrive in Auxerre, you can complete the visits you started on the outward journey, or change pace with an evening in the city.

Suggestions in Auxerre:

• The Jardin de l'Arquebuse, calm and full of flowers
• A nightcap on the terrace at Place Saint-Nicolas
• Stroll through the shops in the centre or take a guided tour of the old quarter to understand its history

Day 7: Last day of your license-free houseboat cruise in Burgundy

The last day, the home stretch. You leave Auxerre for Migennes, the starting point of your adventure. A few more locks, a few more bows to passing boats... and a lot of memories in your head.

And if you're still hesitating about taking the plunge, let yourself be convinced by those who have already done so. Like Patrick D., who summed up the spirit of this cruise on the Canal du Nivernais perfectly:

Very pleasant. A great family experience. The children loved it. We really enjoyed the contact with the lock-keepers on the Nivernais Canal."

👉 Read more inspiring testimonials on our Customer Reviews page. And why shouldn't you? Book your license-free houseboat now!