Nièvre, a picturesque department located in the west of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is a little-known but charming tourist destination. Between the majestic Loire, historic towns and the preserved expanses of the Morvan regional natural park, Nièvre offers a diversity of landscapes and activities that will appeal to travelers in search of authenticity.
Nevers: Between History and Modernity
The city of Nevers, capital of the department, dazzles visitors with its harmonious blend of history and modernity. 2h30 from Paris, it is at the confluence of the Nièvre river and the Loire river and Eurovélo 6 known as “the Eurovéloroute des Fleuves” crosses it. Capital of the Counts of Nevers, it was the property of many great royal houses.
The Ducal Palace, a 15th century architectural gem rich in detail, stands proudly in the heart of the city. This palace, once the residence of the Dukes of Nevers, houses a museum and historical and artistic treasures, offering a captivating journey through the history of the city through the ages and its know-how.
Nevers also seduces with its Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its numerous churches and chapels inform the traveler of the city's Christian past. They also tell us that Nevers is on the passage of road to Santiago de Compostela, including the Saint Bernadette Soubirous sanctuary in Nevers, which can be seen in the main chapel of the Saint-Gildard convent.
The city, crossed by the Loire, offers pleasant walks along its waterways, adding a touch of romance to this unforgettable journey. Nearby, the Bec d'Allier and its breathtaking panoramas between the Center and Burgundy regions and not far away, the Château de Meauce, one of the oldest and unusual castles of Nièvre, dating a priori from the 12th and 13th centuries, with its shape round. Find out more from theTourist Office de Nevers for more details.
La Charité-sur-Loire: UNESCO nugget on the banks of the Loire
Charité-sur-Loire, medieval gem nestled on the banks of the majestic Loire River, seduces visitors with its timeless charm and rich heritage. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town reveals an impressive Romanesque church, the Notre-Dame de la Charité-sur-Loire church, a true architectural masterpiece, and its abbey church. The cobbled streets invite you to stroll, revealing architectural treasures preserved over the centuries.
In addition to its religious heritage, La Charité-sur-Loire offers moments of tranquility in the Jardin des Bénédictins, a peaceful place where visitors can recharge their batteries in the heart of generous nature. The medieval bridge, for its part, offers a amazing views on the Loire, adding a romantic dimension to visit, as are the city walls, dating from the Middle Ages.
Pougues-les-Eaux, halfway between Charité-sur-Loire and Nevers, an ancient spa town where its water was even sold, its casino remains and was even renowned at the time of Louis XIV. The festival "Make the N7", which is held in April, the meeting place for lovers of collector's vehicles and vintage. L'La Charité-sur-Loire tourist office will be happy to inform you and share its opinions and confidences on its territory.
Pouilly-sur-Loire and Tannay: Ligériens and Nivernais wines
The wines of Pouilly-sur-Loire, true jewels of the terroir, seduce wine lovers from all over the world for their elegance and distinctive character. Renowned for its exceptional white wines, Pouilly-sur-Loire draws its particular reputation from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety which thrives in its vineyards. The wines of Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-sur-Loire stand out for their freshness, their subtle floral aromas and their distinctive minerality, the result of the influence of the region's limestone soil.
In the heart of Nièvre, the town of Tannay reveals itself as a wine-growing jewel. Tannay wines, although less known than certain renowned appellations, captivate with their unique character and their authentic expression of the terroir. The sunny slopes of Tannay, bathed in the mild Burgundian climate, mainly grow Pinot Noir and Gamay, giving rise to delicate and expressive reds.
The whites, made from Chardonnay, seduce with their freshness and their elegance. The old cellars of the Tannay winegrowers, real local gems, allow visitors to immerse themselves in the exciting world of local viticulture.
The Morvan: Land of nature in the heart of France
Straddling the 4 departments of Burgundy, Morvan is a green lung in the middle of France. A vast expanse of natural beauty in central Burgundy, the park is the ideal retreat for nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure.
Its sparkling lakes, such as Lake Settons and Lake Pannecière, invite you to peaceful days of fishing, canoeing and hiking at the water's edge. The lush forests of the Morvan offer enchanting hiking trails, perfect for hiking or trail running, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in unspoiled nature.
The rolling hills of the Morvan are also a favorite playground for cycling or gravel enthusiasts, with winding roads offering panoramic views breathtaking.
Chateau-Chinon, capital of Morvan built like an amphitheater, remains forever linked to the memory of François Mitterand, mayor of the city when he became President of the Republic. To the north of the Morvan, Bazoches and its castle, the last resting place of thearchitect Vauban, will transport you to the 17th century. The park's various tourist offices will be full of suggestions for your stay.
The Nivernais canal and the Loire lateral canal: green pleasure boating
Le Fluvial tourism finds all its potential in Nièvre. The different tourist canals allow you to navigate the Loire, the Yonne and the Allier. Crossing the Nivernais map from one side to the other, boaters will enjoy passing through Clamecy on the Nivernais canal, to reach Decize. In Decize, the Loire takes over, up to Nevers and the Bec d'Allier. There, at the confluence of the royal river and the Allier river, it is the lateral canal of the Loire which is navigable. The choice is then offered to you, to leave in the direction of Roanne, or to continue towards Briare. Subsequently, the Briare canal will take you towards Paris or Gien and the Loire Valley.
On your river journey, you will find more than one lock house. Most of these houses can house grocery stores, art galleries, artisans, cafes. You will meet warm people there and the lock keeper, like a guide, will not be short of advice and will be your guide during your stopover.
