This Nivernais Canal by Bike stage passes at the foot of impressive cliffs. Around here, the Yonne has carved out many meanders, but the canal shortens the way. On the final bend, medieval Clamecy comes into view. Trade from its port was dominated by floating wood downstream. Discover the rich local heritage via greenways, plus a few stretches on roads.
Route details
Greenway from Mailly-le-Château, although for the time being you have to take a stretch of road between Coulanges and Lucy. North of Clamecy, you have to go along a stretch of the D 144 road to reach the river port.
Gradients and elevation
Slope breakdown
Road types
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
Not to be missed on this route
Climbing the Rochers du Saussois
Don’t miss
Mailly-le-Château: the fortified village – the views - Merry-sur-Yonne: the Saussois Rocks - Châtel-Censoir: the historic village – the 11th-century collegiate church – the views - Coulanges-sur-Yonne: once a Roman settlement, with a significant river port - Crain: a former Gallo-Roman settlement - Clamecy: historic capital of the river mariners who floated wood downstream – lovely 12th-century church – historic quarters - Musée Romain Rolland (on the 1915 winner of the Nobel Prize for literature), tel 03 86 27 17 99
Markets
Châtel-Censoir: Thursday mornings
Coulanges-sur-Yonne: Tuesday mornings
Clamecy: Saturday mornings
