4.6
(152)
2,767
riders
66
rides
Touring cycling around Lys offers a diverse landscape primarily shaped by its waterways and historic settlements. The region features extensive canal towpaths, such as those along the Canal du Nivernais, providing flat and accessible routes. Beyond the canals, routes often connect historic town centers and pass by notable landmarks like Cuncy Castle. The terrain generally includes gentle elevation changes, suitable for various cycling abilities.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
4.9
(13)
1,761
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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.

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5.0
(1)
31
riders
30.2km
01:43
90m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. 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.
7
riders
13.2km
00:48
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. 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!
1
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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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The Lys region offers a diverse selection of over 60 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy canal towpaths to more challenging trails with greater elevation.
Yes, Lys has a good selection of easy routes. There are 18 easy touring cycling routes, many of which follow the flat and accessible canal towpaths. A great option for a relaxed ride is the Canal du Nivernais – Manual Drawbridge loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay, which is 17.9 miles (28.8 km) long and features minimal elevation gain.
For those seeking longer rides, Lys offers several routes that extend for many miles. The Canal du Nivernais – Canal de Nivernais Towpath loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay is a popular choice, covering 44.0 miles (70.8 km) along the scenic canal. Another substantial option is the Canal de Nivernais Towpath – Canal du Nivernais loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay, which is 69.6 km (43.2 miles) long.
Yes, for more experienced touring cyclists, there are 16 difficult routes available in Lys. An example is the Cuncy Castle – Historic centre of Clamecy loop from Grenois, which spans 57.6 km (35.8 miles) and includes over 600 meters of elevation gain, offering a more demanding ride.
The terrain in Lys is primarily shaped by its waterways, featuring extensive canal towpaths that provide flat and consistent surfaces. Beyond the canals, routes often connect historic town centers and include gentle elevation changes, making the region suitable for various cycling abilities.
Many routes in Lys pass by historic sites and scenic points. You can cycle along the picturesque Canal de Nivernais Towpath, or explore areas near Cuncy Castle and Chitry‑les‑Mines Castle. The Canal du Nivernais – Historic centre of Clamecy loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay, for instance, allows you to combine canal-side riding with exploring the historic town of Clamecy.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Lys are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Canal du Nivernais – Canal de Nivernais Towpath loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay and the Canal du Nivernais – Manual Drawbridge loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay.
The Lys region is enjoyable for touring cycling during much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially along the canals. While specific winter conditions can vary, the generally gentle terrain and towpaths can still be accessible, though checking local weather is always advised.
The touring cycling routes in Lys are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic canal towpaths, the historic villages, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.
Many routes in Lys pass through or near historic towns and villages where you can find cafes, restaurants, and shops. For example, the Canal du Nivernais – Historic centre of Clamecy loop from Flez Cuzy Tannay specifically highlights the historic town of Clamecy, which offers amenities. The Town of Corbigny is also noted as a place with cafes.


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