This was part of a longer walk that we did in 2010.
Our walk on this canal actually began before we got to Sancoins. We were coming across from Aprémont on the Allier, and encountered the canal at the village of Grossouvre. From here to the outskirts of Sancoins (a distance of about six kilometres), the canal, neglected and choked with shrubbery, made its way across a forested slope. The path beside it was similarly overgrown, making for an interesting and mercifully shady walk.
After Sancoins, which is close to the highest point, the canal was in much better condition and we continued to Saint-Amand-Montrond. During this section we passed the meeting point of the three main branches at Fontblisse.
Getting to Sancoins
There is a bus (autocar) service from Bourges to Sancoins. Bourges has a railway station so you can get there from almost anywhere in France.
Day 1: Sancoins to Charenton-du-Cher