Châtillon-En-Bazois: Walking Routes, Port and Château

In Châtillon-En-Bazois, you can choose different focuses for your trip: hiking, river tourism, cycling or historic buildings. A practical starting point for planning your stay is the length of the circular route. Along the Canal du Nivernais, the port adds further options; the church, château and monthly fair complete the picture of the town.

On foot along the circular route

The “Le Bazois sur le canal” circular route offers two options: the northern route is 5 km long, and the southern one is 11 km. This lets you choose first according to the stated route length. Check the route details before setting out, as the route guide was published in 2025 and its information should be checked before your hike.

The route leads to the sights of Château de Châtillon-en-Bazois and the 11th-century château tower. This connects the two route options with a historic destination.

The Canal du Nivernais is also a focus in its own right when planning your trip: in Châtillon-En-Bazois, it offers calm waters for river tourism. This complements the view of the town on foot with a perspective from the water; the port’s offerings provide another way to include the canal in your stay.

Port, cycling and regional cuisine

The renovated Port de Châtillon-en-Bazois offers boat rentals for stays ranging from a weekend to several weeks. There is also bicycle rental for the Véloroute along the Canal du Nivernais. The two options cater to different ways of spending time by the canal: by boat or by bicycle along the aforementioned Véloroute.

La Guinguette is also located at the port. Traditional regional cuisine and drinks are served there beside the Canal du Nivernais. So, in addition to the routes and boating, local food is another aspect to consider when planning your trip.

Before your trip, check the current availability of rental services and the information about La Guinguette. This will let you plan around what is offered without assuming availability.

Church and château

The present-day parish church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste replaced an older church that was demolished in 1866; the new building was completed in 1868. The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste is designed in the Neo-Romanesque style. The church also contains a stained-glass window depicting the Holy Family. The building’s history, its architectural style and the window provide three specific ways to explore the church.

Château de Châtillon-en-Bazois has an English-style landscaped park overlooking the Canal du Nivernais. Alongside the historic buildings, the park’s design and its views of the canal are further aspects to choose from. The 11th-century tower and the landscaped park point to different sides of the château: the historic building and its surrounding parkland.

A recurring event

The fair in Châtillon-En-Bazois takes place on the third Thursday of every month. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, check it in advance, as event schedules can change. The fair’s monthly recurrence makes it a regular occasion to plan around; for your specific trip, however, the date of the event is what matters.

Discover more destinations: Ciez, Billy-Sur-Oisy, Pouilly-Sur-Loire, Sougy-Sur-Loire, Saint-Léger-de-Fougeret, Saint Saulge, Saint-Martin-Du-Puy, Saizy.

For the broader travel overview: Nièvre.