Auxerre is a popular destination along the Nivernais Canal, situated between Paris and Dijon. Many tourist boat trips begin in the picturesque town that includes several churches and cathedrals featuring Gothic architecture and underground crypts. Auxerre is also home to the National History Museum. Tourists often take walking tours of the town and stroll along the Yonne river. Several house boats and boat tour companies are located in Auxerre.
Vincelles is a small village along the Yonne River and a must-see destination on a trip down the Nivernais Canal. A small castle and historic church are among the highlights. There are also several shops to visit. Vincelles is famous for its fine French wine and sponsors a number of wine-tastings. Visitors can walk along the banks of the river or bicycle on trails that lead through cherry orchards and a vineyard.
Rochers du Saussois are a group of historic limestone cliffs that are popular with tourists and especially rock climbing enthusiasts. The formation is located across from Merry-sur-Yonne and a site visitors to the Nivernais Canal often pass while traveling by boat. Sport climbing takes place during the spring, summer and fall, up to an elevation of 427 feet. Visitors to the Nivernais Canal can also camp close to the limestone cliffs.
Decize sits at the junction between the Nivernais Canal and the Latéral à la Loire Canal. The town is home to several shops, two museums and historic sites that offer guided tours. Decize features a water park that includes swimming, miniature golf and other attractions. It also operates a casino. The town is located on top of a rocky island and because of its location, several river cruises and tourist boats stop there.
Unlike many of the other small towns and villages along the Nivernais Canal, Clamecy is mostly industrial. It features canal tours as well as several medieval structures and a byzantine church that are maintained and protected by the French government. The town also has a music college; hosts a yearly music festival; and offers footpaths, bicycle roads and guided tours.
