The best traffic-free bike rides around Neuffontaines

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.

Les Chateau de Vauban, an old fortress from the 12th century, once guarded the road between Vézelay and Lormes. Over the centuries, it changed owners and belonged to the Sallenay, de Bazoches, and de Chastellux families. In 1535, Charles de Champignolles became the owner of the estate. Five years later, in 1548, he transferred the manor house to Emery le Prestre, who in 1558 took the name Vauban. This name change occurred because the land was associated with feudal and seigneurial rights that allowed its owners to bear its name. Vauban's great-grandson, Marshal de Vauban, received his name from this land, although he did not grow up in the house that belonged to another branch of his family. In 1684, Vauban acquired the land from his cousins, having previously acquired the neighboring Château de Bazoches. After Vauban's death, the manor house passed to his daughter, the Marquise d’Ussé, who died childless. It subsequently passed to the Angrands d’Alleray and in 1748 to Jacques Millerau, the grandson of Madelaine Le Prestre de Vauban and the grandson of the Marshal. In 1880, a descendant married Gaston de la Brosse, and his family has owned the estate to this day. The castle is privately owned

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.

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.

There are no two alike! Plus, it's excellent with quality local products Yep & Pèt' https://maps.app.goo.gl/d31KRAa95boizLW16

Around this church a view over the surroundings.

Not for regular bikes, only for mountain bikers. Bring wellington boots.

Very friendly owners. Nice place for a bite and a drink. Name is " Yep and Pet "