4.6
(144)
2,848
riders
58
rides
Touring cycling around Saint-Germain-Des-Bois features routes primarily along the Canal du Nivernais, utilizing its towpaths and connecting rural roads. The terrain is generally gentle, with modest elevation changes, making it suitable for various cycling abilities. The landscape includes river valleys, agricultural areas, and small villages, offering a mix of natural and cultural scenery.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
4.9
(13)
1,761
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
6
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.4
(9)
59
riders
28.8km
01:40
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(12)
57
riders
19.3km
01:10
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
15
riders
101km
06:16
850m
850m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Canal du Nivernais During the harsh winter of 1782-1783, the Morvan forest was no longer sufficient to supply the capital with wood. Wood had to be transported from other forests, particularly from the Bazois. To solve this problem, the construction of a small channel between the Loire and the Yonne was considered. Work began in 1784 with the boring of "La Montagne" at La Collancelle, and in 1786, the construction of a navigable canal was planned. After 56 years of construction, the three tunnels were completed in 1840, and on March 15, 1841, the Nivernais Canal was officially opened. In the first four decades, the canal saw an increase in traffic, as it served as a means of transport for heavy loads such as stone, wood, and coal. With the decline in demand for wood in the capital and the advent of the railway, the decline of navigation on the canal began. In the 1970s, political will and financial support were needed to promote river tourism, ecotourism, and cycling tourism. To this day, the Canal du Nivernais is one of the busiest canals in France, thanks to its gentle cruising.
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The Nivernais Canal During the cold winter of 1782-1783, the Morvan forest was no longer sufficient to supply the capital with wood. It became necessary to transport wood from other forests, those of Bazois. Work was then considered to build a small channel between the Loire and the Yonne. In 1784, construction began with the drilling of "La Montagne" from La Collancelle, and in 1786, the construction of a navigation canal was planned. In 1840, the construction of the three tunnels was completed, then on March 15, 1841, the official commissioning of the Nivernais Canal took place. In the first 40 years, traffic on the canal increased, and it was also used as a means of transport for heavy loads (especially stone, but also wood and coal). With the decline in demand for wood in the capital and the development of the railway, navigation on the canal began to decline. In the 1970s, political will and funding were needed to develop river tourism, ecotourism, and cycle tourism. To this day, the Canal du Nivernais is one of the busiest canals in France due to its philosophy of gentle roaming.
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The Nivernais Canal During the cold winter of 1782-1783, the Morvan forest was no longer sufficient to supply the capital with wood. It became necessary to transport wood from other forests, those of Bazois. Work was then considered to create a small channel between the Loire and the Yonne. In 1784, construction began with the boring of "La Montagne" in La Collancelle, and in 1786, the construction of a navigation canal was planned. In 1840, the construction of the three tunnels was completed, then on March 15, 1841, the official opening of the Nivernais Canal took place. In the first 40 years, traffic on the canal increased, and it was also used as a means of transport for heavy loads (particularly stone, but also wood and coal). With the decline in demand for wood in the capital and the development of the railway, navigation on the canal began to decline. In the 1970s, political will and funding were needed to develop river tourism, ecotourism, and cycle tourism. To this day, the Canal du Nivernais is one of the most frequented canals in France, thanks to its philosophy of gentle roaming.
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There are no two alike! Plus, it's excellent with quality local products Yep & Pèt' https://maps.app.goo.gl/d31KRAa95boizLW16
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Be careful of slipping when the ground is wet.
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The Eternal Hill… the arrival at the Basilica of the Madeleine is paid for by the final hill!
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Very friendly owners. Nice place for a bite and a drink. Name is " Yep and Pet "
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very nice little village with a bakery, a grocery store, a garage with a gas pump.
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There are over 50 touring cycling routes available around Saint-Germain-Des-Bois. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult, primarily utilizing the scenic Canal du Nivernais towpaths and connecting rural roads.
Yes, Saint-Germain-Des-Bois offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Loop from Asnois and along the Canal du Nivernais via the V51 and the D985 is an easy 17.0-mile (27.3 km) path that combines canal-side riding with quiet rural roads. Another option is the Canal du Nivernais – Manual Drawbridge loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay, an easy 17.9-mile (28.8 km) route with minimal elevation gain.
The terrain for touring cycling around Saint-Germain-Des-Bois is generally gentle, characterized by the Canal du Nivernais towpaths and quiet rural roads. You'll experience modest elevation changes, making it suitable for various cycling abilities. The landscape features river valleys, agricultural areas, and charming small villages.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in the area are circular. A popular choice is the Canal du Nivernais – Canal de Nivernais Towpath loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay, a 44.0-mile (70.8 km) moderate route. Another excellent circular option is the Canal du Nivernais – Historic centre of Clamecy loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay, which is 24.3 miles (39.1 km) and takes you through the canal valley and the historic center of Clamecy.
Touring cycling routes around Saint-Germain-Des-Bois vary in distance. You can find shorter, easy routes around 17 miles (27 km), such as the Loop from Asnois, up to longer, more challenging rides like the Canal du Nivernais – Canal de Nivernais Towpath loop, which is 44.0 miles (70.8 km).
Along the touring cycling routes, you'll encounter a mix of natural beauty and historical points of interest. The Canal de Nivernais Towpath itself is a highlight, offering picturesque views. You can also explore the Historic centre of Clamecy, visit the impressive Cuncy Castle, or admire the architecture of the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Clamecy and the Pont de Bethléem de Clamecy.
The touring cycling routes around Saint-Germain-Des-Bois are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 120 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil canal towpaths, the gentle terrain suitable for all levels, and the charming rural scenery that offers a peaceful cycling experience.
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a greater challenge, there are difficult routes available. The Cuncy Castle – Historic centre of Clamecy loop from Grenois is a difficult 35.8-mile (57.6 km) route with significant elevation gain, offering a more demanding ride through varied landscapes.
Parking is generally available in the villages and towns along the Canal du Nivernais, such as Flez-Cuzy-Tannay or Clamecy, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Look for designated parking areas near the canal or in village centers.
While the region is primarily rural, some towns along the Canal du Nivernais, like Clamecy, have train stations that connect to larger regional hubs. It's advisable to check local train schedules and bicycle transport policies if you plan to use public transport to access the routes.
Yes, many villages and towns situated along the Canal du Nivernais, such as Clamecy, offer cafes, restaurants, and small shops where you can refuel and refresh during your ride. It's a good idea to carry some snacks and water, especially on longer stretches between villages.
The best time for touring cycling around Saint-Germain-Des-Bois is typically from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the canal-side paths and rural roads are in excellent condition. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and autumn provide cooler rides and beautiful seasonal foliage.


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