4.4
(140)
3,056
riders
42
rides
Touring cycling routes around Neuilly traverse a landscape characterized by its waterways and varied terrain. The region features the Canal du Nivernais, known for its towpaths and historic locks, offering both relatively flat sections and areas with moderate elevation changes. Cyclists can expect a mix of rural paths and routes that pass by historical sites. The area provides a network of trails suitable for different cycling preferences.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
4.8
(43)
206
riders
95.3km
05:32
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
3.8
(4)
16
riders
49.9km
03:02
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

3.0
(1)
20
riders
70.3km
04:06
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.3
(3)
7
riders
34.7km
02:14
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(4)
12
riders
46.9km
02:51
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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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.
0
0
pleasant and shaded
0
0
Very nice cycle route along the canal with many sights.
2
0
Beautiful little town with many medieval buildings. Definitely worth a visit
2
0
in Chaumot, a very pleasant little port and refreshment bar on the canal.
0
0
The site of lock 02 on the Seine slope, known as Crain lock at La Collancelle. There you will find 16 locks on a 3 km stretch of the Nivernais canal. It's a great place to watch boats pass by and see the lock in action.
1
0
There are over 45 touring cycling routes around Neuilly, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging paths.
The touring cycling routes in Neuilly are primarily characterized by the Canal du Nivernais, featuring towpaths and historic locks. You can expect a mix of relatively flat sections along the canal and areas with moderate elevation changes, traversing rural landscapes.
Yes, Neuilly offers over 10 easy touring cycling routes. These are generally flatter and shorter, making them ideal for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. While specific easy routes are not highlighted in the intro, you can find many suitable options on komoot.
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Neuilly has over 10 difficult touring bike routes. One such route is the Cuncy Castle – Historic centre of Clamecy loop from Grenois, which covers 57.6 km with significant elevation changes.
Route lengths vary significantly. For example, the Collancelle Locks – Collancelle Locks loop from Chitry-les-Mines is about 34 km and takes around 2 hours 15 minutes, while the challenging Canal du Nivernais – Canal de Nivernais Towpath loop from Guipy is 86.6 km and typically takes 5 hours.
Yes, many touring cycling routes around Neuilly are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Manual Drawbridge – Canal du Nivernais loop from Guipy and the Collancelle Locks – Canal de Nivernais loop from Guipy.
The routes often pass by historical and natural points of interest. You might encounter castles like Château d'Arthel or La Motte Castle, and scenic lakes such as Baye Pond and La Bouille Pond. The historic Town of Corbigny is also a notable stop.
The best time for touring cycling in Neuilly is typically from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and the canal towpaths are in optimal condition. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews. Reviewers often praise the scenic canal towpaths, the historic locks, and the peaceful rural landscapes that define the region's cycling experience.
While the main canal routes are popular, you can often find quieter sections or explore routes that venture slightly off the most frequented paths. Look for routes that explore the smaller villages and countryside away from the immediate canal banks for a more secluded experience.
Many routes pass through or near small towns and villages, such as the Town of Corbigny, where you can typically find cafes, bakeries, or small shops to refuel and rest. It's always a good idea to check your chosen route for specific points of interest before you set off.


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