The Berry canal

Decommissioned since 1955, the Berry canal played a major role in the economic landscape until the end of the 19th century. Twelve interpretation panels have been installed between St-Victor and Vallon-en-Sully in order to present the history of the canal in a playful way to the whole family.

The green lane

The former towpath of the Berry Canal between Montluçon and Vallon-en-Sully is developed as a greenway, meaning that it is reserved for non-motorized traffic.
A 22 km route that is almost flat and secure!

There was a small ship...

Navigate the canal on an electric boat or pedal boat for a ride of about an hour. The boats are comfortable and quiet and can be driven easily without a license. Two rental points: at the Berry Canal Museum in Audes and at the Allée des Soupirs in Vallon-en-Sully.

Practical information:
04 70 06 63 72
Discover the museum’s website

It's worth the detour!

The Sensitive Natural Area of the Vauvre

in Nassigny

Directly adjacent to the canal, this site offers a magnificent panorama of the typical environments of the Bourbonnais bocage: pond, forest and meadows.

Two educational trails (of 1.5 and 2 km) allow you to make a complete tour of the site and educational facilities have been installed to introduce you to the surrounding fauna and flora.

Resourcefulness guaranteed!

In Vallon-en-Sully

The Allée des Soupirs keeps the line

Between Vallon-en-Sully and Nassigny, fishermen have plenty to choose from: in the Cher over 6 km or in the Berry canal over 2.5 km, catfish, carp or other black bass live together.

Find all the fishing ponds and additional information on the website of the Fédération de Pêche de l’Allier

Did you know that?

In 1955, François Mitterrand, freshly elected as head of the Ministry of the Interior, brought his signature to the decree of declassification of the Berry Canal.

Although the decision to put an end to the commercial activity of this canal had been taken prior to his appointment as Minister, he was particularly saddened that his name was associated with the killing of this canal on which his great-grandfather had worked as a lock keeper for so many years.

It was in this lock keeper’s house (in Rouéron-Audes) that Gilbert Théodose, grandfather of François Mitterrand, was born.