Bourgogne is known in Europe as Bourgogne, and is made up of four departments – Nievre, the Yonne, the Côte d'or, and Saône-et-Loire. At the heart of France, Bourgogne is a diverse region famous for its wines, architecture and cuisine, and it is one of the most prosperous regions in modern France.

With a surface area of 31,800 sq km Bourgogne is larger than Belgium. Nievre, in the West of Bourgogne is a peaceful and tranquil department which offers a diverse landscape ideal for walkers. Within Nievre are three regions, the Morvan mountain range lies to the east, the limestone plateaux to the North, and the extensive plains of the southwest around the Loire and Allier river valleys.

History

Bourgogne remained independent of the French crown for centuries before it finally came under French rule in the 16th century. During the Hundred Years War the region sided with the English, selling them the famous martyr Joan of Arc. The region became extremely wealthy and prosperous in the fifteenth century, and the evidence of this affluence is still to be seen today in the abbeys, châteaux and monasteries.

The capital of the region is Dijon, located in the southeast of the Côte d'or department which lies to the east of Nievre. A magnificent city full of the palaces of historical nobility, Dijon is a vibrant cultural centre in its own right. The departmental capital of Nievre is Nevers, the final resting place of St. Bernadette, yet a city often overlooked by the main tourist routes.

Major Cities

• Nevers
• Dijon
• Macon
• Beaune
• Valenciennes
• Autun

Weather

Summer in Bourgogne is usually hot with a few showers, whilst the Autumn, grape harvest season, is perhaps the most beautiful season for the region. In winter the weather is generally fine but cold.

Tourist Sites

Nevers, the capital of the Nievre department is an intriguing city well worth a visit if you're staying in the Bourgogne region. Sightseeing here is made easy, simply follow the two blue trails marked on the pavement to the town's most remarkable spots. Two particular buildings dominate the skyline: the Cathedral of St-Cyr and St-Juliette, which house the remains of St Bernadette, and the Palais Ducal, a spectacular 16th Century palace.

A little further north is a pretty hillside town called Clamecy, which overlooks the River Yonne. This opulent town enjoys a wonderful location, and the 13th Century church, La Collegiale St Martin, boasts beautiful stained glassed windows and is well worth a visit.

Family Entertainment

Nievre offers a wide variety of outdoor pursuits which are perfectly suited for families with children of all ages. See the sports section below for more information on these activities.

Food and Drink

The list of regional specialities for those wishing to sample a traditional taste of Nievre is extensive. Coq au Vin, Moryan marbled ham and Saupiquet des Amognes are just three of the dishes which originated in this area. Lovers of fresh produce can visit the traditional outdoor markets at Nevers.

Bourgogne is famous for its wine, and the list of vineyards is endless. See the section on wine tasting below for more information.

Walking

If walking and hiking is your ideal pastime, then Nievre will certainly not disappoint. The Morvan granite mountains, the river Loire, lakes, dense forests and sun-drenched vineyards make up just part of the fantastically varied landscape of this beautiful region.

Guide associations offer themed trails from 8 to 12km in Morvan and Valle de l'Yonne, while themed historical and heritage trails are also abundant. The variety and choice for walks in Nievre is extensive, whether you're looking for a long hike or a gentle stroll.

Other Sports

The Nievre region is a haven for cycling enthusiasts, with 48 bike trails following the region's minor roads, while the extensive canal networks allow for miles of towpath bike trails. Mountain bikers can choose from 2,000km of signed footpaths, making Nievres a favourite destination for this exciting passtime.

For those with a love of horses, Nievres offers a host of horse-riding opportunities. There are a host of equestrian centres offering treks ranging from a few hours to several days.

If water sports are for you, the lakes of the Morvan forest and miles of canals can be enjoyed by canoe, boat or barge – the Canal de Bourgogne, du Nivernais and du Centre offer 1,000km of navigable waterways.

Wine Tasting

The Bourgogne region is famous for its vineyards, and those wishing to sample their produce can expect a wealth of choice. The Pouilly cooperative cellar in Les Moulins à Vent offer the chance to taste and buy Pouilly and Coteaux-du-Giennois wines, while the 16th century Tannay cellars boast a team of winegrowers offering a range of top-quality white, red and rose wines. The Le Clos de Riousse cellars in Livry offer visitors both wine tasting and a tour of an ecomuseum dedicated to the winemaking process.

Ease of Access

The nearest major airport for access to Nievres is Dijon. From here you can get a shuttle flight to Nevers (30 min flight) but be aware that these flights only depart and return on Thursdays. Alternatively the TER Bourgogne runs 13 times every day from Dijon to Nevers. Nevers is an easy 2hr distance by rail from Paris-Gare de Lyon, with 15 return journeys every day. You can also travel by rail from Lyon and Nantes. If you plan to travel on the canal you can approach from the North, South or East of Nevers.

Summary

For those who love the outdoors, the region of Nievre offers a huge variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The peaceful, tranquil landscapes make for a perfect relaxing holiday, while the history and architecture allow for a fascinating discovery of this idyllic location.