The Canal du Nivernais (French pronunciation: [kanal dy nivɛʁnɛ]) links the Loire with the Seine, following approximately the course of the river Yonne in a south to north direction.

Construction of the canal began in 1784, initially to aid the flottage (floating) of timber rafts from the forests of the Morvan national park to Paris, via Clamecy and Auxerre.

However, in reality, the canal was quickly established as an important communication route, carrying timber, building stone, grain and wine out of the region, and bringing in coal.

A number of boat hire companies have bases on the canal at Auxerre, Vermenton on the short branch, Châtel-Censoir, Coulanges-sur-Yonne, Tannay, Marigny-sur-Yonne, Corbigny, Baye, Châtillon-en-Bazois and Decize.

The Canal continues to rise, passing through the countryside of the valleys of the Yonne, through more villages and hamlets including Corbigny, the only sizable town for some distance, the last 12 kilometres featuring 28 locks including the 16 locks of the Sardy flight (échelle de Sardy) which lead to the summit at Baye, then Châtillon-en-Bazois with its château overlooking the port and Cercy-la-Tour and its giant Madonna statue, the last town before the canal ends at Saint-Léger-des-Vignes adjacent to Decize.