Along the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Nivernais or the Saône, navigate on your bike in Burgundy-Franche-Comté
The Nivernais canal by bike
The Canal du Nivernais is a lovely waterway that meanders down through Western Burgundy, linking Yonne and Loire Rivers. Its greenway, forming an important part of the Tour de Bourgogne à Vélo (Burgundy by Bike), takes you on a north-south trip via the gem of Auxerre to Decize by the Loire. Note the link with the Canal de Bourgogne between Migennes and Auxerre. This cycling trip is filled with natural and heritage delights. Count 4 to 5 days for it.
The Saône, navigable river
This majestic river flows into the Rhône at Lyon in the Confluence district. With its calm and regular course, the Saône has been sailed since Antiquity by barges towed from the land and then by steam water. The navigation between Chalon, Mâcon and Lyon was intense for a long time. Today, barges and sea-river vessels still carry bulk goods. Pleasure boats and river liners are also very present during the tourist season.
Pedaling along the Canal de Bourgogne
From lovely riverside Auxerre to Dijon, Burgundy’s splendid capital, the Canal de Bourgogne à Vélo sums up Burgundy’s spirit, with cultural and gastronomic stops aplenty. Remarkable sights include Alésia, where Caesar defeated the Gauls, the Voûte de Pouilly, an impressive canal tunnel, and hilltop Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. From Migennes to Tonnerre, follow the canal towpath; on to Dijon, the greenway is idyllic. Perfect to do in 4 to 5 days.
