Destinations

Burgundy and Saône

Medieval Jewels of Burgundy

Chevenon medieval castle - Canal boat hire

Plagny, round trip, 10 nights

A 10 to 12-night cruise along the Canal Latéral à la Loire and the Canal du Nivernais to step back in time through medieval Nièvre, between the Ducal Palace of Nevers, the castle of Chevenon, and the ramparts of the historic island of Decize.

Departure :

Plagny

Via :

Châtillon-en-Bazois

Arrival :

Plagny

From

The must-sees
Our tips for your cruise

Admire the heritage of Nevers

Discover this city of Art and History with its cathedral, ducal palace, and cobbled streets.

Visit the Château de Chevenon

This 12th-century medieval gem captivates with its imposing architecture. Complete your visit with a break at the renovated ponds — perfect for family activities and relaxation in the surrounding nature.

Explore Decize, the historic island

Decize can be explored on foot, starting from the port and following the “Greffier Barbichot,” a whimsical creature that’s half-fish, half-cat. Follow it to discover the town’s main monuments.

The itinerary
The steps of your cruise

Plagny

Chevenon medieval castle

Decize

Verneuil

Cercy-la-Tour

Châtillon-en-Bazois

Plagny

From your departure base, you can easily reach the Nevers river port by boat via a branch of the Canal latéral à la Loire. This City of Art and History, once the capital of faience pottery, boasts a rich architectural heritage: the Ducal Palace, the Bohier Tower, the Saint-Cyr–Sainte-Julitte Cathedral, and more. Car racing fans take note: the famous Magny-Cours circuit is just ten kilometers from Plagny,about 40 minutes by bike.

Chevenon medieval castle

During your river cruise, don’t miss the majestic 12th-century medieval castle of Chevenon, an impressive vertical structure. With family, stop at the Chevenon ponds, where the area has been redeveloped into Zébulle Parc: fishing zones, supervised swimming, beach area, picnic spots, and children’s play areas.

Decize

Decize, a rocky island at the crossroads of Burgundy’s waterways, blends nature and heritage. From the Port de la Jonction, follow the ramparts circuit, explore castle ruins, or stroll along the tree-lined Halles Promenade, planted in 1771. Alternatively, enjoy cycling routes along the Nivernais Canal or the Tour of Burgundy by Bike.

Verneuil

Relax in nature on the Canal du Nivernais, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and canoeing down the Aron to Decize. Don’t miss the 12th-century Church of Saint-Laurent and its remarkable mural, The Three Living and the Three Dead, nearly 8 meters long.

Cercy-la-Tour

A picturesque Mayenne canal stop, perched on a stream confluence. Wander its Romanesque church and climb the old donjon for panoramic valley views.

Châtillon-en-Bazois

Perched on a rocky promontory above the Nivernais Canal, Châtillon’s castle is visible from your boat. Park, gardens, and interior can be visited in summer (mid-July to late August).