River cruise for a one way trip from Joigny to Dompierre via Corbigny

Day 1

Joigny

In this small town are a number of reminders of the past, such as the Churches of St André and St Jean, as well as Gondi Castle. With its narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses, Joigny belongs to the network of the "Most beautiful detours in France".

Day 2

Auxerre

A historical town center, the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne with its magnificent stained-glass windows and the Clock Tower are the main remnants of the past in the town of Auxerre.

the Burgundy snails, whose recipe was invented in the village of Bassou between Migennes and Auxerre

the Goujère, made of puff pastry and cheese

Day 3

Auxerre

A historical town center, the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne with its magnificent stained-glass windows and the Clock Tower are the main remnants of the past in the town of Auxerre.

Vermenton

It is worth the detour to access this small village; simply take the Vermenton turnoff, which follows the bed of the Cure river for 4km. This will allow you to discover the magnificent 10th century castle.

Bailly

To the south of Champs-sur-Yonne, in the commune of Bailly, a cooperative established in a former underground stone quarry will let you sample the various wine-making products of the region.

the Saint-Bris

the Irancy

the Goujère, made of puff pastry and cheese

Day 4

Vermenton

It is worth the detour to access this small village; simply take the Vermenton turnoff, which follows the bed of the Cure river for 4km. This will allow you to discover the magnificent 10th century castle.

Châtel-Censoir

Châtel-Censoir is a lively village located at the gateway to the Morvan. Nestled along the Nivernais Canal and the Yonne River, it is overlooked by the Collegiate Church of Saint Potentien (12th century), whose chimes mark the hours and set the pace of daily life. With its many small passageways and scenic trails, river tourism port, swimming, fishing, cycling paths, rock climbing at the Saussois Cliffs, caves, hiking routes, and tennis courts, Châtel and its surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities for leisure and relaxation. The village’s shops, located in the heart of town, are within walking distance. Its lively and bustling market takes place every Thursday.

Mailly-Le-Château

Mailly-le-Château is a medieval village located in the Yonne Valley. With its fortress, riverside houses, and nature reserve, it offers an enchanting setting for visitors seeking history and preserved nature.

Saint Nicholas Chapel

Discover this small 15th-century chapel, listed as a historic monument, built on one of the piers of the double humpbacked bridge.

Collégiale Saint-Potentien

Visit this church dating from the 11th to the 16th century, which was an important pilgrimage site until the 18th century.

The Bois du Parc Nature Reserve

Enjoy the hiking trails and discover the cliffs, fossilized coral reef, and remarkable flora of this nature reserve.

Le Planétarium

Discover astronomy and take a walk among the stars thanks to the Mailly-le-Château planetarium.

Day 5

Clamecy

A number of striking landmarks can be seen in this beautiful little town, such as the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Bethéem, the Tower of the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, the Millraces, and the House of Tisserand.

Châtel-Censoir

Châtel-Censoir is a lively village located at the gateway to the Morvan. Nestled along the Nivernais Canal and the Yonne River, it is overlooked by the Collegiate Church of Saint Potentien (12th century), whose chimes mark the hours and set the pace of daily life. With its many small passageways and scenic trails, river tourism port, swimming, fishing, cycling paths, rock climbing at the Saussois Cliffs, caves, hiking routes, and tennis courts, Châtel and its surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities for leisure and relaxation. The village’s shops, located in the heart of town, are within walking distance. Its lively and bustling market takes place every Thursday.

Collégiale Saint-Potentien

Visit this church dating from the 11th to the 16th century, which was an important pilgrimage site until the 18th century.

Day 6

Clamecy

A number of striking landmarks can be seen in this beautiful little town, such as the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Bethéem, the Tower of the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, the Millraces, and the House of Tisserand.

Château de Pignol

Admire the magnificent Renaissance-style château located in the hamlet of Pignol, surrounded by a park and owned by the same family since 1618.

Tannay

Tannay is a village perched on a hillside overlooking the Yonne Valley and the Nivernais Canal. It is marked by its tanning past and is now renowned for its vineyards. Its towers and rooftops reflect a unique architectural heritage, while its eight castles and churches, including the Collegiate Church of Saint Léger, add a touch of charm. Tannay is also a stop on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route and the V56 cycling route, offering accommodation, dining, and supplies to pilgrims. Events such as the Sainte-Catherine Fair bring the town to life, while a local producers’ market is held every Sunday morning.

Day 7

Corbigny

This old fortified medieval town is home to a former aldeman hotel, an old salt storehouse and the Abbaye Saint-Léonard.

Château de Pignol

Admire the magnificent Renaissance-style château located in the hamlet of Pignol, surrounded by a park and owned by the same family since 1618.

Tannay

Tannay is a village perched on a hillside overlooking the Yonne Valley and the Nivernais Canal. It is marked by its tanning past and is now renowned for its vineyards. Its towers and rooftops reflect a unique architectural heritage, while its eight castles and churches, including the Collegiate Church of Saint Léger, add a touch of charm. Tannay is also a stop on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route and the V56 cycling route, offering accommodation, dining, and supplies to pilgrims. Events such as the Sainte-Catherine Fair bring the town to life, while a local producers’ market is held every Sunday morning.

Day 8

Corbigny

This old fortified medieval town is home to a former aldeman hotel, an old salt storehouse and the Abbaye Saint-Léonard.

the tunnels of the Collancelle

In this section of the Canal du Nivernais there are 3 tunnels, all less than 2km in length.

the Locks scale of Sardy

With its 16 locks, this ladder is one of the biggest in France. In order to make the passage more pleasant, craftspeople have set up in the lock keepers' houses (painters, potters,..)

Wetland pond of Baye

This wetland is designated a "Sensitive Natural Space", and the interpretive trails set up in the area allow you to discover this remarkable environment throughout the year.

the lakes of Baye

This 75ha area of open water offers a vast range of water-based activites: catamaran, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, watercycling,..

Day 9

Châtillon-en-Bazois

One visit not to be missed is to the castle of Châtillon-en-Bazois, built on a limestone spur in the 10th century.

Château de Châtillon-En-Bazois

This historic family residence, with its period furniture and gardens labeled as a "Remarkable Garden," will transport you back in time.

The Crypt of the Church of Alluy

For an immersion into the local religious history, explore this Romanesque crypt dating back to the Middle Ages, with its well-preserved wall paintings.

Saint John the Baptist Church

Admire its stained glass window of the Holy Family by Lysiane Goeman, restored in 2020, and explore its fascinating architecture.

Wetland pond of Baye

This wetland is designated a "Sensitive Natural Space", and the interpretive trails set up in the area allow you to discover this remarkable environment throughout the year.

the lakes of Baye

This 75ha area of open water offers a vast range of water-based activites: catamaran, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, watercycling,..

Day 10

Châtillon-en-Bazois

One visit not to be missed is to the castle of Châtillon-en-Bazois, built on a limestone spur in the 10th century.

Château de Châtillon-En-Bazois

This historic family residence, with its period furniture and gardens labeled as a "Remarkable Garden," will transport you back in time.

The Crypt of the Church of Alluy

For an immersion into the local religious history, explore this Romanesque crypt dating back to the Middle Ages, with its well-preserved wall paintings.

Saint John the Baptist Church

Admire its stained glass window of the Holy Family by Lysiane Goeman, restored in 2020, and explore its fascinating architecture.

Day 11

Cercy-la-Tour

This village takes its name from the Tower of the old feudal castle, of which only ruins now remain. The village is pleasant, especially when strolling the small lanes leading to a terrace which overlooks the whole valley.

Day 12

Decize

Situated at the confluence of the Loire, the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal Latéral à la Loire, this town resembles an island. The Church of Saint-Aré - with its Merovingian crypt - and the clock tower, are the most striking landmarks in Decize.

Cercy-la-Tour

This village takes its name from the Tower of the old feudal castle, of which only ruins now remain. The village is pleasant, especially when strolling the small lanes leading to a terrace which overlooks the whole valley.

Day 13

Décize

Overlooking the rocky island of the Loire, Decize is a former fortified town that offers visitors a rewarding stop filled with heritage discoveries. With five bridges to cross, the town is a strategic hub for transportation routes. This unique geographical position makes it an essential stop in the heart of France. The town thrived thanks to the transport of goods by river and recreational boating, with the Port de la Jonction and its 80 mooring rings serving as its main ambassador. Decize is also nicknamed "Fishermen’s Paradise" due to its abundance of fish, offering wonderful surprises of all sizes such as zander, chub, perch, pike, and catfish.

Day 14

Dompierre-Sur-Besbre

Dompierre-sur-Besbre is a town bordered by the Loire River to the east and crossed by the Besbre River and its lateral canal. Its development began around the Abbey of Sept-Fons in the 12th century. Located at the crossroads between Burgundy and the Massif Central, the town has become an agricultural and commercial center. Its natural heritage and vibrant cultural life make it a popular destination for eco-tourism.

River Cruise Joigny / Corbigny / Dompierre

Joigny - Corbigny - Dompierre

The Locks

Other possible cruises from Joigny