Return Trip: Migennes, via Joigny & Clamecy
Allow 10 to 14 nights
Auxerre’s Gothic cathedral soars above the waters, and later you stop to see the sights in medieval Clamecy.

Itinerary & Activities

- Waterways:
- Canal du Nivernais
- Waterways:
- River Yonne
- Lock types:
- Easy to operate locks with lock-keepers

Migennes
Migennes is ideally situated at the head of the Canal de Bourgogne, the Rivers Yonne and Armançon. Here, you will walk with pleasure into the green public spaces, or along the flower-lined streets. Take time to see the pretty church, Christ-Roi.
Joigny
A beautiful and typical French city, Joigny is a really nice place to moor. Discover a town full of history with many beautiful buildings like the Château des Gondi. Joigny is also surrounded by vineyards, which offer wonderful countryside views.
Bassou
This tiny village is situated on the banks of the River Yonne. Explore the beautiful church Sainte-Croix, which dates from the 16th century and visit an ancient and pretty washing basin that used to serve the village decades ago.
Appoigny
2km inland, you could easily miss this village from the canal. It's worth a stop though; rich in history and well known for its restaurants, hotels and architecture.
Gurgy
This mooring is great for perhaps your first overnight stop - pleasant and secure, with a well tended path you can easily cycle along to stretch your legs. Take time to see the church St André, fortified in the 13th century, and ancient postal stage, the barrage and the fish ladder. The chateau here was destroyed by fire in 1979.

Auxerre
Auxerre is the largest city of the area, steeped in history and bustling with markets, shops and French pâtisseries. You will enjoy exploring the old winding streets with its traditional French timbered buildings, shopping, dining out and visiting the impressive cathedral and churches which dominate the skyline on your approach.
Vaux
Cycle along the cyclepaths to Champs-sur-Yonne or to the hilltop through Vaux for wonderful views of the St-Bris le-Vineux hills and vineyards. Visit the 'lavoir', ancient washhouse and beautiful church near the mooring.
Champs-sur-Yonne
In Dampierre, a peaceful and pretty village, you can take a tour of the local church or walk along the bank of the Canal Monsieur. Just beside the village you will find Patouillet pond, a calming place to relax.
Vincelles-Vincelottes
Welcome to Vincelles-Vincelottes, a pretty village worth visiting for its good restaurants downtown, particularly if you enjoy the tasty wine of the region. There are also a number of walking paths on the edge of town.
Accolay
Accolay is surrounded by verdant countryside and vines on the hillside. Moor here for a peaceful stroll around this pretty town.
Vermenton
In this pretty little village, take time to visit the church from the twelfth century and the Tour of Meridian and its sundial. Have a walk downtown into the winding streets to discover the old wash basin that people used here decades ago. On the outskirts of town, the views along the verdant vineyards are a real treat to see.
Bazarnes
This is a lovely place to stop a while to walk or cycle along the towpath and lanes. Visit the pretty church, or dine in one of the fine restaurants.
Pregilbert
Pregilbert is a quiet hamlet. Moor here, walk downtown and see the old Roman church on the outskirts of town. It's a perfect place for a peaceful walk.
Mailly-le-Château
Welcome to Mailly-Le-Château, a quiet and friendly town. Find the beautiful hiking paths on the outskirts of the town, especially La terasse, leading you to places with wonderful views over the valley.
Merry-sur-Yonne
Merry-Sur-Yonne is a quiet and charming village surrounded by countryside. Moor here and take a walk downtown to discover the Saint-Etienne church. Go exploring and find the old wash basin that used to work decades ago - a nice place to have a rest.
Clamecy
Welcome to Clamecy, a beautiful and flower-filled city. Come here and discover sights like the pretty City Hall, or the gothic church Saint-Martin and its great tower. Take a walk as well to see the church Notre-Dame-De-Bethléem.
Coulanges-sur-Yonne
Coulanges-Sur-Yonne is a charming little village. Here, you may discover the pottery du Coutât Grimon, which has been in production for decades and produces some beautiful items. Take time to walk along the paths along the enchanting canal banks, or to dine in one of the many good restaurants.
Lucy-sur-Yonne
Welcome to Lucy-Sur-Yonne, a peaceful little village where you'll discover a romanesque church built in the 11th century and several good walking paths.

Châtel-Censoir
Welcome to this peaceful and inviting village. In Chatel-Censoir, you will enjoy exploring the 15th century church, the natural landscapes all around, and the good restaurants.
Tour the Chablis vineyards
Take a taxi from Auxerre or Vincelles to the nearby world-famous vineyards of Chablis for tours and wine tastings.
Amble in historic Auxerre
The old quarter in Auxerre is filled with intriguing shops, galleries, and museums. Check out the cafés!
A preserved nature

Sail the peaceful waterways of the Nivernais and observe the beauty of a preserved nature.
Explore a grand château
The Château de Régennes in Appoigny is beautifully furnished and well worth visiting.
Explore cool medieval ruins
The castle walls and tower at Châtel-Censoir are vestiges of the past that capture your imagination!
Mammoths, eagles and snails
Kids will love the more than 1,500 exhibits in Auxerre's wonderful Natural History Museum!
Jousting fun on the river
Cheer and shout with excitement as you watch the summer river jousts in picturesque Clemercy!
Enjoy the regional fares!
Discover the tasteful gastronomy of the region with its delicious beef, its numerous cheeses, and why not even the famous Burgundy snails?
Riding around
Cycle along the canal banks and appreciate the sight of natural and quiet landscapes.
Angle for feisty trout
Catch a tasty dinner at the trout farm in the former 11th-century Abbey de Crisenon in Pregilbert!