Decize lies at the confluence of the Loire, the Aron, the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal latéral à la Loire. The town developed on an island in the Loire. Anyone looking to find or rent a holiday apartment in Decize has therefore chosen the destination for their stay.
Water and Nature
From the Port de la Jonction in Decize, Le Boat offers several-day river cruises on the Canal du Nivernais or the Canal latéral à la Loire. No prior experience or boating licence is required for these Le Boat river cruises departing from Decize.
Bélisama offers a one-day nature trip on the canals around Decize. Along the way, locks are navigated and wildlife can be observed. In summer, the Stade nautique de Decize offers opportunities for swimming and canoeing.
History and Culture
Buildings from the 11th and 12th centuries have been preserved in Decize, including the Couvent des Minimes and the Church of Saint-Aré. The Church of Saint-Aré was built in the 11th century; only the choir of the Romanesque building remains, housing the crypt built in the 7th century in honour of Saint-Aré.
The Promenade des Halles was planted from 1771 onwards, extends for 985 metres and has been listed in the Inventaire des Monuments Historiques since 1932.
The Échauguette crowns the corner of the western ravelin, which was built between 1593 and 1605. It is accessible year-round and forms part of Decize’s historical tour. The Church of Saint-Aré is open to the public daily. The crypt is closed, but can be seen through an ironwork door. Guided tours of the church and crypt are offered in summer and year-round for groups.
Tours and Trails
The Greffier Barbicho tour is Decize’s historical tour, where visitors can discover the town’s most important monuments.
The Escale Loire route runs from the Decize Tourist Office along the Loire, via the Promenade des Halles, the ÃŽle de Caqueret and the Port de Decize. It can also be completed by bicycle. The interpretation trail along the Loire includes quizzes and mini-games for walkers.
Other places for boating: Saint-Péreuse, Moussy, Bitry, Pougues-Les-Eaux, Larochemillay, Saint-Hilaire-Fontaine, Dun Les Places, Arbourse
