Discovering the Nièvre is like taking an oxygenated break! Only 2 hours from Paris, the green lung of Burgundy unfolds its green landscapes, its invigorating rivers and its Morvan forests to those who want to escape from a stressful daily life to fully live this overflowing nature. In its vast spaces, the Nièvre offers a plethora of itineraries to live according to your desires. We invite you to take the time to discover, from the banks of the Loire to the calm waters of the Nivernais canal, then to the undergrowth of the Morvan. By bike, by boat or on foot, escape to this beautiful part of Burgundy.
Follow the course of the Loire on the Eurovélo 6
For a weekend or an extended stay, start your discovery of the Nièvre region by getting on your bike to ride the Eurovélo 6 along the Loire River. Mythical route linking the Atlantic to the Black Sea, this cycling itinerary crosses the Nièvre following the waves of the royal river. The Loire captivates by its wild aspect and the richness of its preserved nature. The Nièvre itinerary of the Eurovélo 6 leads you from Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire to Decize, crossing vineyards, bocage landscapes, picturesque villages and towns of character. This 115 km long cycle route is easy to do and is perfect for a family trip. At the crossroads of Burgundy and Berry, the city of Cosnoise offers an interesting patrimonial setting where the Loire Museum pays tribute to the river and its history. Changing landscapes are offered to your eyes, and, along the river, the hillsides are covered with vineyards
You arrive in Pouilly-sur-Loire where the wine tourism center of the Tour du Pouilly-Fumé highlights the know-how of the wine growers. In the heart of the Loire Valley Nature Reserve, meet the river and its various environments. From teeming islands to golden sandy banks, here is La Charité-sur-Loire. Discover the treasures of the city with 900 years of history by climbing the stairs that lead to the church Notre-Dame du Prieuré de La Charité, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site as a stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Before arriving in Nevers, cross the Allier and the 18 stone arches of the Guétin bridge-canal
After about ten kilometers, the ducal city, overhanging the Loire, amazes the visitor by the richness of its heritage. From the top of the Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte cathedral, enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its river, then head back to Decize through the countryside.
Along the canal lateral to the Loire, in this green countryside, the towpath takes you to Decize, a picturesque city with five bridges. With its ramparts and its alleys, its Halles promenade and its marina, Decize, on its rocky island, is at the confluence of the cycle routes and the waterways of the Nièvre
River itinerary on the Nivernais canal
Your Nièvre escape continues on the Nivernais canal. Get off your bikes and put on your sailor suit! Discovering the Nièvre by boat is embracing the sweetness of life. Sailing on the quiet waters of the Nivernais canal is an opportunity to make unique discoveries. A gentle itinerary where you will take the time to observe country landscapes and exceptional panoramas. From Châtillon-en-Bazois to Clamecy, the Nivernais canal crosses green horizons with its slow furrow. At the Châtillon lockhouse, rent a boat without a license from Les Canalous. Your houseboat will travel through a preserved natural environment. After a quick briefing, cast off and enjoy the view of the castle of Châtillon and its remarkable gardens. The adventure begins, heading for the ponds of Baye and Vaux. No noise, you are alone in the world. Once at the ponds, take advantage of the nautical base and the proposed activities: paddle, water bike, but also fishing or bird watching. Along the water, exceptional places are revealed. In a dense vegetation, a tunnel appears: you are approaching the vaults of La Collancelle. On 4 km, three galleries follow one another in a furrow dug in the mountain, leading to the hamlet of Port-Brûlé. The Nivernais canal has another amazing discovery in store for you, that of the 16 locks of the Échelle de Sardy-lès-Épiry. This impressive work is an opportunity to meet the lock keepers, and to admire the exhibitions which animate this place. Your slow progression leads to places full of history. In Corbigny, take advantage of the stopover in this charming town at the gates of the Morvan to discover its abbey, a place dedicated to artistic creation. As you enter Clamecy, your cruise on the Nivernais part of the canal ends with a visit to the capital of log driving. After 72 km and 62 locks, return to your home port, or trade your boat for a pair of walking shoes!
On foot on the GR13, the Morvan reveals itself
Walking on this long-distance footpath means crossing the Morvan Regional Nature Park from north to south to recharge your batteries and admire breathtaking panoramas. From the Yonne, the GR13 enters the Nièvre not far from Dun-les-Places and goes down to Glux-en-Glenne. From its lakes to its summits, 112 km and 3 300 m of positive difference in altitude await you. Follow the steep paths in the undergrowth, go along the rivers, take the old Roman roads and explore the most beautiful landscapes of the Nivernais. Time seems to stand still here, and only your footsteps echo in the quietness of these vast spaces. The Morvan reveals itself at the crossroads of small hamlets, paths winding through the bocages, forests filled with legends and fragments of history. Bibracte will plunge you into the Aeduan civilization, and its museum will tell you about the life of the Gauls of the Morvan. The banks of the Settons lake will be refreshing and its fabulous dam will arouse your curiosity, the Saut de Gouloux will reveal its waterfall and its Clog Museum. Finally, Glux-en-Glenne will invite you to its blueberry festival. For a day or more of hiking, the Morvan mountains offer a preserved nature with an incredible biodiversity, villages with a picturesque heritage and exotic horizons
The Nièvre, a mosaic of walks and hikes
Just like these three walks, the territory offers many possibilities for walks and hikes, on foot, by bike and even on horseback. Itinerant adventures that make the Nièvre a great playground to explore with your family, your partner or your friends
If you are more experienced in hiking, this sumptuous granite mountain that is the Morvan offers multiple loops and reserves many surprises. The GR de Pays Tour du Morvan trail, in particular, covers 232 km throughout the Morvan Regional Natural Park, more than half of which is in the Nièvre. As for the GR654, it follows the route to Santiago de Compostela, and crosses the Nièvre from Vézelay to Nevers: an itinerary rich in sanctuaries and religious buildings. Looking for more authenticity and freedom? Then go through the Morvan on horseback! On 600 km of marked trails, the Tour du Morvan à Cheval allows you to discover this amazing massif and its undulating landscapes in a different way. Bike lovers will be delighted! Discover the whole territory on the Tour de la Nièvre à Vélo. This 553 km loop is the opportunity to cross cities and villages from Nevers, to ride through the Loire Valley and Puisaye to arrive on the Morvan paths, before coming back between the Loire and the Allier. The more athletic will opt for the Grande Traversée du Massif Central. Over 1,400 km, from the Morvan mountains, by mountain bike or electrically assisted mountain bike, experience unique moments to the Mediterranean beaches. Finally, for families, the Véloroute which winds along the Nivernais canal is ideal to mix discovery and gentle sportiness. The Nièvre is multiple, so are its walking paths!
USEFUL INFORMATION
When is it open?
Summer and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to enjoy the charms of the Nièvre. If the summer can be very hot, the walks in the coolness of the Nivernais canal and in the undergrowth of the Morvan are perfect for this time of the year. September with its beautiful days is ideal for families with children not attending school, and for seniors who want to avoid July and August. Our favorite month is October when the Morvan takes on the appearance of a glowing Canadian forest. Be careful, the Nivernais canal is navigable only from April to October.
Duration
Plan a weekend to take the time to make these great trips on the Nivernais territory. A 7-day cruise on the Nivernais Canal is ideal to quietly navigate the waters and stop as you wish
Budget
From 816 € the rental of a boat without a license for 7 nights in low season for 4 people, round trip from the base of Châtillon-en-Bazois (transfer of vehicle in option and bicycle rental possible)
Public
These rides are open to everyone, young and old, from 7 to 77 years old! With friends, family or alone, the itineraries are accessible to all. Whether you are a sportsman or an amateur, you will find the trip that suits you!
The advantages
The diversity and beauty of the landscapes.
The possibility to stop whenever you want, whatever the chosen itinerary.
Accessibility to all publics
The easy and quick handling of a boat without a license.
The minuses
The crowds on the Nivernaiscanal during the three summer months.
The spring can be very wet!
How to get there
By train, Paris/Nevers, several daily connections from Paris Bercy; count 1h50. Clermont-Ferrand/Nevers, several daily connections; count 1h30.
By car, Paris-Nevers, about 242 km on the A6/A77. Clermont-Ferrand-Nevers, about 183 km on the A71/N7
By bus, the companies Flixbus and BlaBlaBus offer trips from Paris to Nevers and vice versa.
By plane, La Sangsue airport, 3 km from Nevers, for small tourist planes.
Useful
NIÈVRE ATTRACTIVE - More information on the site
Tel : 03 86 36 39 80
TOURISME EN MORVAN - More information on the site
LES CANALOUS - More information on the site
Phone : 03 85 53 76 74
Sleep
For a unique experience on the territory :
LE MILLE ET UNE FEUILLES - More information on the site
Phone : 03 86 70 09 61
LE PETIT ROBINSON - More information on the website
Champvert
Phone : 03 86 25 43 10
LES RESIDENCES DU PRE DE L'ÉTANG - More information on the site
Gouloux
Phone : 03 86 78 73 90
