We would like to present you some ideas for activities based on the heritage and gastronomy of the city of Nevers, whether you want to spend an afternoon or an evening there.
An afternoon in Nevers
Just a 5-minute walk from the port, the medieval town reveals itself from the Loire bridge in a postcard-like view. At the end of the bridge, the Place Mossé, and a stop at the Café Vélo are a good idea before walking along the rue de la Cathédrale. Take the time to look for a blue line drawn on the ground : this is your thread for the visit of the city. In a medieval atmosphere, the top of the street leads you to the cathedral with its play of lights and colours created by the contemporary stained glass windows. At the end of this street, discover the castle, known as the Ducal Palace, which houses the Tourist Information Office and holds the keys to the history of the town with its free-entry heritage area (open every day from April to the end of September). A 10-minute walk from the castle, while crossing the park, the sanctuary will not fail to surprise you. The chapel, where Saint Bernadette is buried, and the museum explain her life and message (open daily with free access). At the bottom of the park, a different atmosphere awaits you.
Head for the Porte de Paris (Paris Gate) on the beautiful Place de la Résistance for a shopping spree. In the shopping district, the Au Négus shop with its old-fashioned decoration, on rue François Mitterrand, allows you to purchase the renowned négus candy. Afterwards, you can choose between visiting the delicatessen, A Table, with local products, or taking a break at the teahouse Chez Suzanne, on the Place Saint Sébastien. The shops in the Saint Arigle district are also worth a visit (rue de Nièvre, rue du Pont Cizeau and rue Saint Arigle).
Next stop: the earthenware district. It will take you about 15 minutes to reach the gardens of the Musée de la Faïence et des Beaux-Arts (open from Wednesday to Sunday). You will certainly have noticed the Fayencerie d'Art de Nevers (earthenware factory) located next to the Tourist Information Office. As for the Faïencerie Georges, quai de Mantoue, this will be your last stop before crossing the bridge again.
An evening in Nevers
What type of restaurant located in the city centre will appeal to you? The Ô Lieu beers at Denis Lechopier's, or the local wines at the Maison du Vin (House of Wine)? A gourmet moment in the Saint Etienne district awaits you on the terrace of the Ô Puits restaurant, or the Jean-Michel Couron restaurant, both certified Toques Nivernaises. Or let yourself be tempted by an evening close to the banks of the Loire River by sipping a drink and grabbing a bite to eat at a guinguette (open-air restaurant).
For an evening of relaxation and gastronomy, opt for a dinner along the canal at the Café de la Marine, opposite the port. The restaurant La Promenade along the canal, 500 metres from the port, allows you to combine a stroll along the waterfront with the discovery of some regional specialities. Consider booking a taxi for your evening in the city centre. The Tourist Information Office can help you with the booking.
Do you fancy discovering Nevers on a houseboat cruise ? Discover all the possible cruises in the Burgundy Nivernais region !
