In Mont-et-Marré, the Canal du Nivernais, its lock structures and the “Mont-et-Marré au fil de l’eau” walking route offer different ways to plan a stay. The route runs between the canal and the bocage countryside, the structures illustrate aspects of lock construction, and a clearly defined stretch is designated for carp fishing in 2026.
On foot and on the mountain bike trail
“Mont-et-Marré au fil de l’eau” is an official tourist walking route. The 16.7 km circular route runs between the Canal du Nivernais and the bocage landscape and is a way to discover the canal’s structures. The car park for the route is on the church square in Mont-et-Marré. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.
A 2024 description refers to a maintained and marked country path in Mont-et-Marré as part of the “Entre Bocage et Bois de Dély” mountain bike trail. As trail maintenance can change, check conditions before using it.
Locks as technical and historical heritage
The Orgues 2 lock structure is in Mont-et-Marré, on pound 12 on the Loire side of the Canal du Nivernais. It consists of a lock chamber built of rubble stone, a lock-keeper’s house on the left bank, and a well with a pulley. These details give the structure a distinctive character: both the building material and the location of the house and the well are specified.
Downstream from Marré is the double lock of Mont-et-Marré. On the Loire side, it is numbered 9 and 10; its two lock chambers allow boats to overcome a considerable difference in elevation.
Two dates should be distinguished for the lock-keeper’s houses: the house at the double lock of Mont-et-Marré appears to have been built in 1790, while the lock-keeper’s house at Orgues 1 was built in 1826.
Carp fishing on pound 11
For 2026, regulations permit carp fishing at any time along an 875 m stretch of pound 11 on the Canal du Nivernais in Mont-et-Marré. The stretch begins 50 m downstream from the Mont-et-Marré lock and extends to the Orgues lock. The permission therefore applies to a specific section, not to the canal as a whole. Check the applicable rules and fishing rights before fishing.
Village centre, washhouses and church
The village centre of Mont-et-Marré stretches uphill from the Canal du Nivernais.
Seven washhouses have been restored in Mont-et-Marré; access to individual sites may vary. The Église Saint-André is a local attraction, and its opening arrangements may change. If you plan to visit these places, check the relevant conditions beforehand.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Pierre-Le-Moûtier, Guipy, Pougues-Les-Eaux, Chalaux, Mars-Sur-Allier, Saint-Révérien, Limanton, Anthien.
For the regional travel overview: Nièvre.
