Duration
6 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotels & inns
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 5 Breakfasts

Price

$AUD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SOG7572

Trip highlights


  • Cycling along the river and discovering the medieval towns along the route
  • Visiting salmon & trout farms, and enjoying a Cremant tasting in Bailly
  • Auxerre and Joigny - cities of art and history
  • Sampling the delicious local delicacies and staying in small, family-run hotels
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow travellers

The Canal du Nivernais in northern Burgundy connects the Loire river with the Seine, largely following the course of the river Yonne. It was originally designed as a feeder waterway to float timber from the forests of Morvan to the already established route on the Yonne and Seine, to serve the needs of Paris. The works began in 1784 but were interrupted by the Revolution, and resumed in the 1820s. The project evolved to the canalised river Yonne at Auxerre, a distance of 174km and there are more than 100 locks along the way. Its significance as a trade route diminished with the arrival of the railway in the nineteenth century and today it is best known for leisure cruising. Cycling along the canal is such a pleasure as you discover the charm of this beautiful area, riding through through picturesque villages and gorgeous nature, with opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine and wines.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Make your own way to Decize and the hotel.

Meals:  D

3 Oct: Leaving Decize you start this stage of your cycling holiday along the Canal du Nivernais. The canal connects the Loire with the Yonne river. Ride via Châtillon-en-Bazois and continue to Corbigny and your hotel.

Meals:  B,D

4 Oct: Today you will cycle on the towpath and pass marvellous and diverse landscapes. Overnight is in Clamecy, a pretty little town with half-timbered housed and a lovely atmosphere.

Meals:  B,D

5 Oct: Continue along the Canal du Nivernais. Timber was carried from the Morvan forest to the capital Paris in medieval times. You will pass the Rochers du Saussois, a popular destination for day-trippers, and after a quick stop have the possibility to visit the charming village of Mailly-le-Château. At the trout farm Crisenon you can learn more about trout breeding and buy local products. Afterwards you can discover the medieval village of Cravant and the Caves de Bailly, where you can enjoy a Crémant tasting (included), before continuing to Auxerre. This magnificent town has a wonderful centre with an impressive cathedral, the former abbey Saint Germain and typical half-timbered houses.

Meals:  B,D

6 Oct: On the new cycling path, you are not only following the Canal du Nivernais but also the beautiful Yonne river. You can stop at "Le Borvo“, a local fish producer where you can usually buy local products. Continue to Joigny, located on the banks of the Yonne river. Enjoy your last night and stroll through the beautiful city centre with its typical French charm.

Meals:  B,D

7 Oct: The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Joigny, and concludes your Ghostriders 2023 journey in conjunction with UTracks. Thanks for travelling with us once again.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 5 breakfasts - breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices
  • 5 nights in 2-3 star hotels and Chambres d’Hôtes on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 5 dinners (halfboard)
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece of max 20kgs)
  • E-bike rental
  • Information pack with roadbook, maps and local information, GPS Tracks available on request
  • Emergency hotline
  • Crémant tasting in Bailly

  • Travel to Decize and from Joigny
  • Lunch, dinners not noted as included (tbc) and drinks daily
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Entrance fees
  • Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Helmet rental - please bring your own well-fitting helmet from home
  • City tax is not included and where applicable is to be paid directly to the hotel

Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2 Daily cycles are between 33 to 70 km on mainly flat terrain. The cycling is on a combination of tow paths, dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.


Departure dates

2 October

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Suggested extensions

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips