Les Voûtes de La Collancelle

Their names are La Collancelle, Mouas and Breuil. This was one of the main obstacles to the ambitious project to build the Nivernais Canal. Indeed, it was necessary to pierce the Collancelle mountain, the highest point of the route at 262m. It was through this work that the construction of the Canal began in 1784.
Between each tunnel there are trenches, which are uncovered parts of the canal. A four-kilometre long furrow between the Baye pond and the hamlet of Port-Brûlé is dug into the mountain, where the vegetation is dense and wild, these parts are nicknamed "Little Amazon".
In the past, a towing service was in place to facilitate the passage of boats through the tunnels. Nowadays, all boats are equipped with engines and must wait for the green light from the lock-keepers to cross.
This is the best way to discover the vaults. You will find a boat hire company, Aquafluvial, at the Port des Pougeats (03.86.38.90.70 or info@aquafluavial.fr ).
On foot or by bike, you can see them at the various bridges.