Burgundy - Nivernais Loire
Your choice of bases
Chatel Censoir Canal du Nivernais
Chatillon sur Loire Canal Latéral à la Loire
Decize Canal du Nivernais
Gannay sur Loire Canal Latéral à la Loire
Laroche Migennes River Yonne
Marigny-sur-Yonne Canal du Nivernais (one-way base only)
Tannay Canal du Nivernais
Vermenton Canal du Nivernais
One of France's premier winemaking regions, and the base for a superb holiday spent sampling the good things in life. With over 280 vineyards and cellars to visit and sample, you really can't visit this region without savouring its most famous liquid export. Once you've had your fill of the cellars and Òcaves, there is much more to experience, too. Everywhere there is evidence of rich cultural history and traditions - grand palaces, waterside chateaux and beautiful countryside, studded with historic towns and pretty villages with cobbled streets. Cruising the waterways is an ideal way to truly experience the ambience of this great region, and with almost 1200 kilometres of rivers and canals to explore, the possibilities are endless.
Canal du Nivernais
Take your pick from one of our six bases, Laroche Migennes, Chatel Censoir, Decize, Vermenton, Marigny sur Yonne or Tannay and set out into the idyllic scenery through which these waterways lazily wind. Scattered along the route are many chateaux and magnificent old towns like Clamecy and Auxerre, full of character and largely free from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Canal Latéral à la Loire
This beautiful canal follows the course of the Loire, cutting through maize-filled fields and drifting past grazing Charolais cattle and waving sunflowers on its way north from Digoin. The hilltop town of Sancerre is well worth a visit; here you can taste the famous dry white wine, and take in the far-reaching views over the Loire valley. Along the canal's course, you'll encounter several huge stone aqueducts, often bedecked with cascades of flowers.
River Yonne
The River Yonne crosses the countryside of Lower Burgundy and the Ile-de-France region. As you cruise this river enjoy some of the highlights. Visit Auxerre with its magnificant city panorama and cathedral or Joigny with its little winding streets and wooden houses. The River Yonne connects the Seine to the Burgundy and Nivernais canals.
Canal de Bourgogne
Accessible from Laroche Migennes, follow the canal down to Ancy-le-Franc where you can visit their historic chateau and why not make a stop along the way at the vineyards of Tonnerre.
Regional food and drink
The most famous of the region's products is, of course, its fine wine, boasting many award-winning vineyards and prestigious 'appellations'. In truth, everything about the region's food and drink is delectable; you will eat fantastic meals from the simplest of street stalls to the grandest of restaurants. To accompany your wine tasting, try Gougeres (cheese soufflé bread), and once you've chosen your full-bodied red, why not marry it with Shoulder of Burgundian Lamb. Round off your meal with Pomme Paysanne (apple tart) and a cold glass of Montrachet.
Bon Appétit!
