Bazolles: Church and Canal History

Two specific themes are central to planning a trip to Bazolles: the architectural heritage of Saint-Symphorien Church and the history of the Canal du Nivernais. The church combines Romanesque architecture with later frescoes; the canal’s history spans the first excavation work through to the opening of a section to navigation. Also of interest are the Étangs de Vaux et Baye, reservoirs connected to the canal, and the water sports activities available there. This lets you tailor your stay around culture, canal history, or water activities.

Saint-Symphorien Church and its frescoes

Saint-Symphorien Church in Bazolles was built in the Romanesque style in 1130 and has been protected as a historic monument since 1942. Frescoes in the choir depict Christ the Saviour and two angels. The paintings date from the 15th and 16th centuries. The building therefore brings together distinct historical layers: its Romanesque construction and the later artworks. The church offers a specific point of interest for a culturally focused stay, while the canal’s history reveals another side of the area.

Canal du Nivernais: construction history and locks

The first excavation work on the Canal du Nivernais began in Bazolles in 1784. The section near Bazolles opened to navigation in 1835. These dates mark different stages: the start of the work and the later opening of the section in question. At the Bazolles 2 lock site, the structures include a lock chamber and a lock-keeper’s house. Together, the dates and structures offer a glimpse into the development of the waterway, while distinguishing the start of construction from the later opening to navigation.

The canal infrastructure also includes three consecutive tunnels of different lengths: 758 metres, 268 metres, and 212 metres. Comparing the three measurements, the first tunnel is the longest; the third is shorter than the second. Another historical feature is the lock hamlet of Baye, which has a house dating from 1785. Thus, in addition to the construction work in Bazolles, the history of the canal is also reflected in a dated building and the tunnel measurements.

Étangs de Vaux et Baye: trails and water sports

The Étangs de Vaux et Baye are reservoirs connected to the Canal du Nivernais. They are classified as “Espaces Naturels Sensibles” (Sensitive Natural Areas). Purpose-built educational trails make it possible to explore the area year-round. Two distinct aspects may be relevant to your plans: the area’s classification and the trails, which can be used throughout the year. Water sports are also practised at the Étangs. Nature trails, reservoirs, and water sports therefore offer a different focus from the architectural history of the church, locks, and tunnels.

Boat trips and seasonal information

“L'Art du Temps” is a panoramic boat with 50 seats. It travels to the Voûtes de La Collancelle and departs from Étang de Baye. No boating licence is required for this experience; check the operator’s current conditions before travelling. The passenger capacity describes the boat, while the departure point and destination identify the trip. In Baye, a leisure centre offers pedal boat rentals. When planning, you can therefore choose between a trip on the panoramic boat and pedal boat rental as two different forms of water sport.

A tourist information office welcomes visitors from 1 July to 31 August at the Baye 1 lock site, on the cycle route between Bazolles and La Collancelle. As this is a seasonal service and opening dates may change, check the details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Maux, Biches, Larochemillay, Alligny-En-Morvan, Fourchambault, Montigny-Aux-Amognes, Anthien, Saint-Pierre-Le-Moûtier

For the regional travel overview: Nièvre.