5 Days on the Canal du Nivernais: the Decize to Châtillon-en-Bazois Itinerary

No licence, no experience, and completely safe

5-day river cruise in Burgundy: the Canal du Nivernais from Decize to Châtillon-en-Bazois on a licence-free houseboat

Looking for a green getaway, far from it all? The Canal du Nivernais was made for you. This 5-day river cruise from Decize takes you into the heart of Burgundy, on the edge of the Morvan Regional Nature Park. 102 km, 38 locks, 21 hours of cruising spread over 5 days as a round trip. No crowds, no noise: just forests, character villages, hand-operated locks and the absolute calm of the Nivernais countryside.

👉 Discover the Decize-Châtillon-en-Bazois cruise in detail

Day 1: discovering Decize, starting point of your licence-free houseboat cruise

No cruising today. Your day is dedicated to exploring Decize, a small town built on a rocky island at the junction of three waterways: the Canal du Nivernais, the Canal Latéral à la Loire and the Loire itself.

Stroll through the streets and discover the remains of the ramparts. The Château des Comtes de Nevers, overlooking the town, can be visited on fascinating guided tours. The Saint-Aré church and its Merovingian crypt are also worth a look.

Boarding takes place in the late afternoon. After a one-hour training session on your licence-free houseboat, you settle in on board and spend your first night at the port.

💡 Did you know? Decize is one of the few towns in France built on a river island. Its position at the confluence of three waterways made it a major strategic point as far back as Roman times.

0 km, 0 locks, 0h of cruising.

👉 See boats departing from Decize

Day 2: from Decize to Panneçot by houseboat, first cruise on the Canal du Nivernais

The first real day of cruising, and the most active of the week: 10 locks await. Each passage is a small adventure, especially on the Canal du Nivernais where some are still hand-operated.

Along the way, stop at Cercy-la-Tour. This former feudal fortress perched on a rocky spur offers remarkable views over the canal, the hedgerow landscape and the Morvan hills. From the tower of Cercy, the horizon seems endless. Keen hikers will enjoy the paths leading through the countryside from the village.

Arrival at Panneçot in the evening, a peaceful stopover on the canal bank.

29 km, 10 locks, approx. 6h of cruising.

Day 3: river cruise from Panneçot to Châtillon-en-Bazois, jewel of the Canal du Nivernais

Heading for Châtillon-en-Bazois, the turnaround point of your cruise and one of the finest stops on the Canal du Nivernais. Nine locks punctuate the journey through an increasingly green landscape as you approach the Morvan.

Châtillon-en-Bazois is a town full of charm, nestled beside the River Aron and the canal. Visit the château, a family home steeped in history whose water gardens are listed as a "Jardin Remarquable". Enjoy a canoe trip on the Aron or a drink at the Guinguette du Port.

For the curious, a detour to the Romanesque crypt at the church of Alluy is a must: its medieval wall paintings are remarkably well preserved. The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church with its stained-glass window restored in 2020 completes the visit.

💡 Did you know? The water gardens of the Château de Châtillon-en-Bazois are fed directly by the River Aron. This ingenious hydraulic system dates from the 16th century and still works today.

22 km, 9 locks, approx. 4h30 of cruising.

Day 4: from Châtillon-en-Bazois to Panneçot, return by houseboat through the Burgundy countryside

Time to turn around and head back towards Panneçot. One of the charms of a round trip cruise: you rediscover the same landscapes from a different angle, in a different light.

This is the perfect day to get the bikes out and ride along the towpath. The Nivernais countryside is ideal for cycling: quiet lanes, hedgerows, meadows and woodland. Also a good day to revisit your favourite stops or simply slow down and soak in the silence.

22 km, 9 locks, approx. 4h30 of cruising.

Day 5: final houseboat cruise from Panneçot to Decize on the Canal du Nivernais

Last day on the Canal du Nivernais. You pass through Cercy-la-Tour again, a chance to stop for a last coffee on a terrace or a walk you didn't manage on the way out.

Arrival in Decize by late morning. Return your licence-free houseboat and make the most of the remaining hours to explore what you didn't have time for on day 1. Or simply linger on the banks of the Loire.

29 km, 10 locks, approx. 6h of cruising.

👉 Book the Decize-Châtillon-en-Bazois cruise

FAQ - 5 Days on the Canal du Nivernais from Decize to Châtillon-en-Bazois

Do I need a licence to cruise on the Canal du Nivernais?

No, no licence is required. You'll receive around one hour of training before departure. The hand-operated locks are assisted by lock-keepers present along the route.

Are the hand-operated locks difficult to get through?

Not at all. Lock-keepers are there to guide and help you at each passage. It's actually one of the favourite moments for many cruisers: you take your time, exchange a few words and learn to manoeuvre together.

Can I cycle along the Canal du Nivernais?

Yes, a towpath runs along the entire route. You can bring your bikes on board (let us know when booking) and alternate between cruising and cycling through the Burgundy countryside.

Is it suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The pace of this cruise is ideal for families: children love the locks, canoeing at Châtillon-en-Bazois and cycling along the towpath.