Best attractions and places to see around Marigny-Sur-Yonne include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. This village in the Nièvre department is situated near the Canal du Nivernais and on the edge of the Morvan Regional Natural Park. The area offers opportunities for exploring waterways, historical landmarks, and expansive natural beauty.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
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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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Very nice cycle route along the canal with many sights.
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Delicious food and extremely friendly staff!
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Nice brasserie, good prices and centrally located
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Nice little town, with some shops and restaurants
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Corbigny was once one of the first stops for pilgrims leaving Vézelay bound for Santiago de Compostela. The city center is full of shops and cafes.
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Marigny-Sur-Yonne is on the edge of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offering expansive natural beauty. You can visit the Morvan Regional Park Visitor Centre for discovery trails and a botanical garden. The region also features several lakes like Étangs de Baye et Vaux, Lac de Chaumeçon, Lac de Pannecière, and Lac des Settons, which provide opportunities for boat cruises, swimming, and water sports.
Yes, within the village, you can visit L'Église Saint-Léger, a Romanesque church dating back to the 13th century. The Château de Marigny-sur-Yonne, a renovated castle along the Canal du Nivernais, is also notable, surrounded by well-preserved 18th-century farms.
The Canal de Nivernais Towpath is ideal for cycling, offering varied scenery with locks, bascule bridges, and old farms. It's a pleasant experience suitable for all ages. Many cycle paths crisscross the region, and you can find specific routes in the Cycling around Marigny-Sur-Yonne guide.
Several significant sites are nearby. Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its Romanesque Basilica of Sainte-Madeleine. You can also visit the historic center of Clamecy with its Collegiale Saint-Martin, or explore the medieval buildings in Avallon. Bazoches Castle, once the base of military engineer Vauban, offers a fascinating historical visit.
The Canal de Nivernais Towpath is considered family-friendly for cycling. Observing boats navigate the Collancelle Locks is also an engaging activity for families. Additionally, the Morvan Regional Park Visitor Centre offers discovery trails suitable for all ages. Lac de Pannecière and Lac des Settons provide beaches for swimming and pedal boating.
The Yonne River is popular for fishing. For more active pursuits, canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available on the Yonne River (about 15 km away) and on the Cure River near Avallon. Lakes such as Étangs de Baye et Vaux offer boat cruises, while Lac de Pannecière has a beach for swimming, and Lac des Settons provides water skiing and pedal boating.
The Collancelle Locks are a remarkable series of 16 locks spread over a 3 km stretch of the Nivernais canal. It's a great place to observe boats navigating the locks and witness this impressive feat of engineering in action. The adjacent Voie Verte also offers a pleasant walk.
Yes, numerous walking trails crisscross the region, especially within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. The
Corbigny, located just 3 km from Marigny-Sur-Yonne, features an 18th-century abbey and a vibrant commercial street. It is known for its regular markets and hosts classical music concerts (Fêtes Musicales) and annual antique markets in August.
A truly unique historical project is Guedelon, located about 50 km away. Here, a medieval castle is being constructed from scratch using only 13th-century techniques and materials, offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval building practices.
Visitors appreciate the varied scenery along the Canal de Nivernais Towpath, noting the locks, bascule bridges, and charming old farms. It's described as a beautiful stretch, sometimes sunny, sometimes shady, and great for cycling, even with children, due to its flat and easy terrain.
Besides the Château de Marigny-sur-Yonne, you can visit Chitry‑les‑Mines Castle, a beautiful 14th-century castle with historical ties to writer Jules Renard. Bazoches Castle, once the base of Vauban, is also a significant historical site worth exploring.
Beyond Corbigny, you can explore the well-preserved medieval village of Montreal, the town of Saulieu with its Basilica Saint-Andoche, La Charité-sur-Loire known for its abbey church, and Noyers-sur-Serein, which is recognized as one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages'.


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