Between Saint-Amand-Montrond and the banks of the Cher, the Canal du Berry à Vélo follows the former Canal du Berry, now converted into a family-friendly greenway.
A flat route along the water
From Saint-Amand-Montrond, a comfortable stage of about 45 km links the riverside villages up to Selles-sur-Cher, with virtually no elevation change over the whole distance. The greenway, with its stabilized surface, follows the former canal route away from traffic.
A decommissioned canal turned cycling route
Closed to commercial navigation during the 20th century, the Canal du Berry has kept its route and part of its structures, locks and lock-keepers’ houses, now showcased along this greenway that crosses the Berry countryside.
How to approach the ride
The flat, safe route lets you freely adjust the distance covered depending on the children’s age, with plenty of stopping points along the villages on the way.
When to ride it
April to October, ideally in spring and early autumn when the vegetation is at its best and temperatures are still mild enough to ride all day.
Good to know
For a multi-day trip, many families split the route into stages of 25 to 40 km, taking advantage of the accommodation and bike rental shops set up in the villages along the Cher.
