About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Châtillon-en-Bazois and the canal du Nivernais
Châtillon-en-Bazois is a small village in the Nièvre, between the Nivernais and the Morvan. Boats here can be hired without a licence, and from the base you can cruise in two directions. Towards Clamecy, the canal du Nivernais is lined with picturesque vaults and tunnels and passes through well-preserved countryside of exceptional quality. It is widely regarded as one of the finest canals in France.
Along the canal latéral à la Loire
South of Châtillon-en-Bazois, at Decize, the canal du Nivernais gives way to the canal latéral à la Loire. This makes for a very different cruise, with a range of cultural visits along the way. In one direction the canal reaches Digoin, where Les Canalous began. In the other it runs to Nevers, a town of art and history that is well worth a visit. It then passes through the well-known Sancerre vineyards before reaching Briare, famous for its canal bridge and its enamels.
Routes and cruising times
For a weekend, the round trip to Baye covers 32 km, with 16 locks and about 9 hours of cruising.
For a mini-week, you can go to Corbigny and back (54 km, 76 locks, 21 hours) or to Decize and back (106 km, 44 locks, 21 hours).
With a week, the return trips are to Nevers (176 km, 60 locks, 35 hours) or to Clamecy (126 km, 116 locks, 36 hours). One-way options run to Digoin (117 km, 38 locks, 27 hours), Coulanges-sur-Yonne (72 km, 62 locks, 26 hours) or Briare (184 km, 44 locks, 39 hours).
With three weeks, the round trip to Auxerre covers 246 km, with 178 locks and about 80 hours of cruising.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in France. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
