Happy TravellerNevers, a town located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in central France, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, Nevers is a town steeped in antiquity. The town was the principal city of the former province of Nivernais, and first enters written history as Noviodunum, a town held by the Aedui at Roman contact. The quantities of medals and other Roman antiquities found on the site indicate the importance of the place, and in 52 BCE, Julius Caesar made Noviodunum, which he describes as in a convenient position on the banks of the Loire, a depot. There, he had his hostages, corn and military chest, with the money in it allowed him from home for the war, his own and his army’s baggage and a great number of horses which had been bought for him in Spain and Italy.
Nevers’ main attraction is the Cathédrale of Saint Cyr-Sainte Julitte, dedicated to Saint Quiricus and Saint Julietta, which is a combination of two buildings, and possesses two apses. The apse and transept at the west end are the remains of a Romanesque church, while the nave and eastern apse are in the Gothic style and belong to the 14th century. There is no transept at the eastern end. The lateral portal on the south side belongs to the late 15th century; the massive and elaborately decorated tower which rises beside it dates to the early 16th century.
Another must-see attraction is the Ducal Palace, now occupied by the courts of justice and an important ceramic museum. The palace was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and is one of the principal feudal edifices in central France. The façade is flanked at each end by a turret and a round tower. A middle tower containing the great staircase has its windows adorned by sculptures relating to the history of the House of La Marck by the members of which the greater part of the palace was built. Behind the palace lies an open space with a fine view over the Loire Valley.
The town manufactures porcelain, agricultural implements, chemical manures, glue, boilers and iron goods, boots and shoes and fur garments, and has distilleries, tanneries and dye works. Its trade is in iron and steel, wood, wine, grain, livestock, etc. hydraulic lime, kaolin and clay for the manufacture of faience are worked in the vicinity. With a population of just over 35,000, Nevers is a peaceful town where visitors can immerse themselves in French culture and truly experience the relaxed French way of life.
Nevers is easily accessible by train, with connections to Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, and several regional destinations. The A77 motorway also connects Nevers with Paris. Nevers is a town waiting to be explored, and with its rich history, fascinating architecture, and charming atmosphere, it is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France.
