If the Berry Canal was built to transport coal, wood and iron ore, today this watercourse, a true witness to the development of the industrial basin of the Montluçonnais basin in the 19th century, has become an asset. undeniable tourist attraction of the territory.
The zip line and the tree climbing open to the public this Tuesday, July 14 in Marcillat-en-Combraille (Allier)
A 22 km greenway
A 22 km greenway, on the former Berry Canal towpath, has been built between Montluçon and Vallon-en-Sully. In fine weather, many walkers and cyclists take it, enjoying the calm of this shady route for a day, an afternoon or just a few hours.
On some reaches, it is also possible to rent an electric boat to navigate the canal.It is possible to rent electric boats for trips on the canal.
To discover on the way
Numerous structures are still visible everywhere between Montluçon and Vallon-en-Sully: locks, lock houses, the Vaux canal bridge (allowing the canal to cross the Magieure river), or even the Davoué drawbridge in Vallon-en-Sully (a drawbridge identical to those built on the banks of the canal)… 
Among the works of art between Montluçon and Vallon-en-Sully: the canal bridge from Chantemerle to Vaux.
All along the route, various interpretive panels have been installed to present the history of the river.
Internships and private lessons at the Montluçon sailing club: a summer to learn to sail
A museum of the Berry canal
Those who would like to learn a little more about the history of the river can make a detour to the Berry Canal Museum in Magnette, in the town of Audes. Nearly 4,000 items, ranging from administrative documents to items of sailors, are gathered there.
But it is also possible to see monumental pieces such as lock gates and especially two old barges (Berry flutes) that have sailed on the canal.
In front of the museum, two barges having sailed on the canal.
The Museum is open in July and August from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and in September and October from Tuesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Prices: € 5 adult, € 3 from 10 to 18, free for children under 10. Information on 04.70.06.63.72.
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A little history…
Built between 1808 and 1840, the canal extended over 320 km (260 km now). It was used until 1945 for the transport of goods but its small size (seven meters wide and 1.5 meters deep) and competition from the railway led to its decommissioning in 1955.
The Berry canal has three branches which meet at Fontblisse in the Cher: the south branch of Montluçon in Fontblisse, the northwest branch of Fontblisse in Noyers-sur-Cher and the northeast branch of Fontblisse in Marseilles-les- Aubigny.
In Montluçon (Allier), the tourist office is in order to welcome holidaymakers this summer
Laura Morel
Photos: Florian Salesse and Cécile Champagnat
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