4.5
(62)
307
riders
32
rides
Touring cycling routes around Champallement offer access to the scenic Canal du Nivernais and the natural landscapes of the Nièvre department. The region is characterized by rolling hills, lush countryside, and the well-maintained greenway along the canal's towpath. Cyclists can expect diverse terrain, including bocages, meadows, and forests, with gentle gradients along the waterway. The area provides a mix of rural charm and access to the broader Morvan Regional Natural Park.
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.
5.0
(4)
12
riders
46.9km
02:51
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
2
riders
187km
11:48
2,050m
2,060m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Popular around Champallement
Porte de Paris is an old city gate in Nevers from 1746. It was dedicated to the victory of the French over the British, Austrians, and Hanoverians in the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745.
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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 Chapel of Sainte Marie, built in the first half of the 17th century, is the only remaining vestige of the former Visitation convent.
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pleasant and shaded
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The façade of this church, which cyclists encounter in the heart of Nevers, rises imposingly. Its construction history – the "Sainte-Marie" Chapel was built in the Baroque style – dates back to the first half of the 17th century. Back then, it didn't stand alone as it does today, but belonged to a convent of Visitandes, whose other buildings have been demolished over the course of history. "You can't enter the interior... but you will undoubtedly be captivated by the façade, which displays an astonishing Baroque style, unique in the Nivernais region and rare in France," states the tourist brochure.
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The gate / triumphal arch stands as if the construction work had been completed yesterday - simply radiant!
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Very impressive goal and beautiful to look at.
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There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Champallement, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 490 times.
The terrain around Champallement is diverse, featuring rolling hills, lush countryside, bocages, meadows, and forests. Many routes follow the well-maintained greenway along the Canal du Nivernais, which offers gentle gradients and smooth surfaces, ideal for relaxed cycling. More challenging routes may include greater elevation changes as you venture towards the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
Yes, the region is well-suited for families and beginners, especially along the Canal du Nivernais. The towpath provides a largely traffic-free and flat experience. While most routes are moderate, there is at least one easy route available. Routes like the Manual Drawbridge – Canal du Nivernais loop from Guipy offer a moderate challenge suitable for those looking for a slightly longer ride without extreme difficulty.
Cyclists can enjoy picturesque landscapes including the tranquil waters of the Canal du Nivernais, with its numerous locks and charming lock keepers' houses. The broader area, including the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offers granite mountains, forests, lakes like La Bouille Pond, and rivers, providing a rich natural backdrop for your rides.
Yes, the routes often pass by or near historical sites. Within Champallement, you can find an old keep dating back to the 11th century. Along the Canal du Nivernais, you might encounter picturesque villages, historical churches, and even the 16th and 17th-century castle in Châtillon-en-Bazois. Other nearby attractions include Château d'Arthel, La Motte Castle, and the Gallo-Roman ruins of Compierre.
The touring cycling routes around Champallement are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic beauty of the Canal du Nivernais and the variety of routes available.
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Canal du Nivernais – Canal de Nivernais Towpath loop from Guipy offer a difficult, long-distance experience covering over 86 km. There are 11 difficult routes in total, providing ample opportunity for longer rides with more significant elevation changes.
The best time to go touring cycling in Champallement is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. These seasons offer pleasant weather conditions for exploring the region's diverse landscapes. The gentle gradients along the Canal du Nivernais are enjoyable in warmer weather, and the surrounding forests provide shade.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Champallement are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Collancelle Locks – Canal de Nivernais loop from Guipy and the Collancelle Locks – Canal de Nivernais loop from Champallement, which offer convenient circular journeys.
While the guide does not specify dog-friendly routes, the rural nature of Champallement and the extensive towpaths along the Canal du Nivernais often make for suitable environments for cycling with well-behaved dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and local regulations are followed. Always ensure your dog is comfortable with the distance and terrain.
Parking is generally available in the villages and towns that serve as starting points for the cycling routes, such as Guipy or Champallement itself. Along the Canal du Nivernais, you may find designated parking areas near popular access points or locks.
Champallement is a rural commune, so direct public transport access to specific trailheads might be limited. However, regional bus services or trains to larger nearby towns in the Nièvre department could provide connections, from which you might cycle to the starting points of routes, particularly those along the Canal du Nivernais.


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