Just two hours from Paris, in the centre of France, the Nièvre is a real breath of fresh air. With its omnipresent forest, hilly landscapes and the Loire which reigns supreme, it is the natural destination par excellence, ideal for a long weekend! If you are not yet convinced, Le Petit Futé gives you eight good reasons to visit this charming little department.
N° 8 - We do the tour of the Nivernais toques
To discover Nièvre, there is nothing better than to taste its traditional cuisine. To do this, the "Nivernais chefs" - the best chefs in the region - await you in their various restaurants. Their values are common: sharing, conviviality and local products. If you want to practice Nivernais cuisine, you will find many recipes on the website. Rapée du Morvan and apple crepe are a mouth-watering treat!
N° 7 - We test unusual accommodations
Are you planning a stay in the Nièvre and don't know where to sleep? Here are three alternatives to the usual hotels.
La Cabane lacustre, a small wooden house on stilts, is located in the middle of a pond. Near the castle of Ettevaux, you are immersed in nature and can spend your evenings observing the shooting stars and sleeping woods.
If you prefer to take some height, head for Domaine des Galants and its perched nests. These small wooden cocoons are 6.5 metres high and are equipped with all the necessary comfort.
Finally, for a complete change of scenery, go to Colméry, to Robby and Marleen's. Their safari tents are a real hymn to Tanzania where they met
N° 6 - A glass of pouilly-fumé is sipped in the company of the winegrower
The Pouilly vineyard produces a dry and fruity AOC white wine, ideal to accompany fish, seafood or Chavignol manure! In the heart of the village of Pouilly-sur-Loire, the Tour du Pouilly-Fumé offers you the opportunity to learn more about the winegrowers' know-how. You will discover the history of the vineyard, the evolution of the profession and even the impressive winemaking room: the "aroma cellar". Before leaving, a commented tasting of four wines is planned. The ideal place to refine your knowledge of oenology
No. 5 - Let's take it easy on the water
Nicknamed "the green country of white water", Nièvre has an undeniable nautical component. The Loire, first of all, this wild and fascinating river, gives all its character to this land. As you walk through it, you will discover an incredibly rich heritage and tasty local wines. If you prefer lakes, the Morvan has six lakes, between forests and mountains. Lake Chaumeçon is ideal for whitewater sports such as rafting or air boat, Lake Settons will seduce families with activities for young and old. Finally, for a relaxing weekend, prefer the softness of the Canal du Nivernais, by bike or boat. All you have to do is choose!
No. 4 - We think we're a Gaulish
Hidden in the middle of the dense forests of the Morvan, Bibracte takes you back more than two thousand years, in the footsteps of Vercingetorix. Immerse yourself in the daily life of a Gallic people allied with Rome thanks to the Museum of Celtic Civilization and its superb scenographies. Near the museum, you can also taste a typical Gallic cuisine Au Chaudron: no wild boars but traditional products and a delicious cervoise! Finally, don't miss the largest archaeological site dedicated to the Celtic world, where the work of researchers is impressive
No. 3 - We walk 2,500 km of marked trails
Whether on foot, on horseback or by bike, discovering the Nièvre is easy thanks to the marked trails all along its territory. The Nièvre Tourisme site offers a multitude of hikes with, for all, the possibility of downloading the itinerary sheet or the GPX point for better orientation. A great tool that allows you to plan family walks or long sporting hikes. The beauties of the Loire, Morvan or Nivernais canals will soon have no more secrets for you!
N° 2 - We discover the joys of slow travel
A river department if there is one, the Nièvre invites you to travel to the rhythm of the water. Whether by boat or bicycle, crossing the Nivernais Canal will allow you to disconnect completely. Five stopovers are possible:
The natural stopover, in the heart of the countryside, is certainly one of the most beautiful. We discover the Baye and Vaux ponds.
The vineyard stopover is an opportunity to meet passionate winegrowers.
The village stopover makes us discover the rich heritage of the Canal du Nivernais.
Finally, the stopovers Confluence and Floating plunge us into the history of the Navy. A beautiful program!
N° 1 - It is the green lung of Burgundy
Breathe in, breathe out and take it in your eyes! La Nièvre is home to a protected jewel: the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Take a hike to the top or enjoy the thrill of rafting. Everything is possible here! Over 240,000 hectares, nature is king and the landscapes are exceptional. But that's not all: Nièvre also extends along the Val de Loire nature reserve. The last wild river in Europe, it shapes landscapes as it pleases. It lists 620 plant species and about 20 different natural environments. An unsuspected treasure, to be discovered without further delay
