Attractions and Places To See around Bazolles - Top 17

The Bazolles area is rich in natural beauty, centered around the Canal du Nivernais. You can visit Baye Pond, a reservoir classified as a "Sensitive natural area" with an interpretation trail. The wider region also features the extensive Collancelle Locks on the Canal du Nivernais, and the unique man-made tunnels known as the "Vaults of La Collancelle" (Les Voûtes de la Collancelle), often called the "Petite Amazone".

Yes, the region offers several historical and cultural points of interest. You can explore Château de Châtillon-en-Bazois, a very pretty castle with gardens open for visits. Another notable site is La Chapelle St Elymon, a beautiful little chapel on the banks of the Yonne. The area also features the Eglise Saint-Sylvestre in Bazolles, the Pont Canal de Mingot (an aqueduct), and the 11th and 12th-century Église romane de Jailly.

Bazolles is an excellent base for outdoor activities. The Étang de Baye is a prominent location for leisure activities, including fishing, sailing, catamaran, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The Canal du Nivernais offers picturesque settings for walks and cycling. You can find various routes for hiking, road cycling, and touring bicycle adventures, many of which explore the canal and surrounding natural areas.

Absolutely! Many attractions around Bazolles are suitable for families. The Collancelle Locks are a great place to watch boats and see the lock system in action, which can be fascinating for all ages. Baye Pond offers an interpretation trail and various water sports. The gardens of Château de Châtillon-en-Bazois also provide a pleasant family outing.

Yes, hiking is a popular activity around Bazolles. You can enjoy easy walks like the "L'étang de Baye — loop from La Collancelle" (4.8 km) or more moderate trails such as "Échelles de Sardy and the locks of la Collancelle (16 locks) — loop from Sardy-lès-Épiry" (8.1 km). Many trails follow the Canal du Nivernais, offering scenic views. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Bazolles.

The Canal du Nivernais is a central feature of the Bazolles region, offering both natural beauty and historical significance. It's renowned for its picturesque settings and unique engineering marvels like the Collancelle Locks, where 16 locks are concentrated over a 3 km stretch. The canal also features the impressive Pont Canal de Mingot aqueduct and the "Vaults of La Collancelle," man-made tunnels carved into the mountain.

Yes, the area boasts several historical castles. The most prominent is Château de Châtillon-en-Bazois, located on the edge of the Nivernais canal, which features beautiful gardens open to visitors. Another point of interest is Aunay (and its Château), where the Château d’Aunay-les Bois is listed as a historic monument.

The Bazolles region is enjoyable throughout the year, with interpretive trails around Les Étangs de Vaux et Baye available for discovery in all seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for water activities at Étang de Baye. Even in winter, the natural landscapes offer a serene experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.

Yes, cycling is a fantastic way to explore the Bazolles area, especially along the Canal du Nivernais. The Voie Verte along the canal provides a pleasant route. You can find various road cycling routes, such as the "Baye Pond – Étang de Baye loop from La Collancelle" (23.3 km), and touring bicycle routes like "Étang de Baye and Aunay from Bazilles — loop via the V51 and country roads" (33.9 km).

Beyond the scenic ponds and the canal, the most unique natural formation is arguably the "Vaults of La Collancelle" (Les Voûtes de la Collancelle). These are man-made tunnels carved into the mountain during the construction of the Canal du Nivernais, creating a distinctive and somewhat mysterious landscape often referred to as the "Petite Amazone."

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Collancelle Locks are loved for the opportunity to watch boats and observe the engineering in action. The peaceful setting of Château de Châtillon-en-Bazois and its gardens, along with the tranquil atmosphere of Baye Pond, are also highly rated for their charm and opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

Yes, the Étang de Baye is a prime location for water sports. You can enjoy activities such as fishing, sailing, catamaran, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The Activital Base Sport & Nature de Baye / Base de loisirs de Baye provides facilities and opportunities for various recreational water activities.