NIÈVRE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Nièvre is a department in central France, and one of the four departments in the Burgundy/Bourgogne Region, Nièvre, Yonne, Côte-d'Or and Saône-et-Loire. 

The department is named after the Nièvre River and its capital is Nevers. 

Nièvre was one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from the former province of Nivernais.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Nievre is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Loire flows majestically to the west; the eastern Morvan forests are punctuated with rivers & lakes and the central Nivernais canals run through miles of fields & hedgerows.

The Morvan is one of the 'big pulls' offering a variety of activities such as canoeing, skiing, horse riding, cycling, climbing & fishing.  The Nivernais canals on the other hand are given over to boating, cycling and walking along the canal towpaths.

The Nievre boasts a rich cultural & architectural heritage from the Benedictine monastery at La Charite Sur-Loire to Nevers with its Ducal Palace and worthy museums. 

Nevers lies on the confluence of the rivers Loire and Nievre and like most of the other towns in Burgundy is best approached from the river.  Here you'll be able to appreciate this noble looking town, which has many attractions to tempt the visitor.

Firstly, the Palais Ducal is worth investigating which is one of the earliest chateaux complete with turrets, elegant central tower and Renaissance facade.  The Cathedrale de St-Cyr is also of note displaying almost every architectural style from the 10th - 16th century.

Nevers is known for its faience pottery, a skill introduced by Italian craftsmen brought here by the Gonzaga family in the 16th century.  Head to the Musee Municipal to know more!