Magny-Cours is a town in the Nièvre, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, a dozen kilometers south of Nevers.
Its territory of 31 km² is located between the courtyards and valleys of the Allier to the west and the Loire to the east. Crossed by the now mythical Nationale 7, it was occupied from prehistoric times, and during Antiquity, a Gallo-Roman sanctuary was established there.
Presenting a green environment in spite of the proximity of Nevers, the locality which counts nearly 1,500 inhabitants still has some heritage elements of interest. However, it owes its reputation above all to the racing circuit established in the 1980s and which hosted no less than 18 Formula 1 Grand Prix. The entire site remains dedicated to motorsport, and notably includes accessible speed and karting tracks. conditional to the general public, a museum and a technopole.
Enough to have a good time, especially for lovers of speed and thrills! Not to mention the competitions and events that take place regularly on or around the circuit.
Before joining the circuit and its poles of attraction, it would be a shame to neglect the sites of heritage interest of the village of Magny-Cours.
This is the case with the church of Saint-Celse and Saint-Nazaire, the oldest parts of which date from the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th century. Presenting a cross plan, an unvaulted nave, the building still has Romanesque bays (narrow and high), and a 13th century choir made in a style of transition between Romanesque and Gothic in the image of double swimming pool (formerly used during a purification ritual). The bell tower was rebuilt in the 19th century and the whole was then reworked and restored. We can still see the projecting portal crowned by a pediment and the 16th century cast-iron font.
On the Place du Bourg, the shoeing work (where animals were placed when shoeing them, while holding them with straps), dates from the 19th century and was restored a few years ago. years. In fact, an imposing, beautifully crafted work of art recreates what this practice was and highlights the agricultural work as that of the specialized blacksmiths of this region renowned for its Charolais cattle breeding…
Finally, it is necessary to mention the castle of Planchevienne, which was erected in two stages. The "east" wing and the farmhouse are from the 17th century, the "west" wing and the central tower were added in the 19th century. The castle was once at the center of a 400 hectare estate made up of forests and cultivated land. The park is now more modest (11 hectares) but still has a flower garden and a wooded area dotted with centuries-old trees. The ground floor of the building has been renovated. One can also observe, from the outside, a splendid dovecote from the 17th century which symbolizes the wealth of the owners of the time. The castle is still private, houses guest rooms and hosts receptions and seminars. Information on +33 4 95 51 32 46.
Next, head to the racing circuit which covers some 350 hectares.
Its origin dates back to 1959 when the mayor of the village and owner of the land created a first kart track. In 1986, at the instigation of President François Mitterrand who was a longtime member of the region, the General Council bought the land and had a 3.8 km track fitted out which was approved by the international federation to host Formula 1 races..
Numerous Formula 1 and motorcycle events will take place there for twenty years.
A track for karting and another for non-Formula 1 speed races have been added. The site is now still dedicated to competitions but also includes infrastructure for leisure, seminars, and companies related to competitive motorsport (technopole).
A museum (the Conservatory of the French Single-seater) presents there on 1400 m² the history of motorsport through a presentation of unique single-seater, combining technical innovations and industrial heritage. The establishment consists of a "corridor of time", a builders exhibition area and an amphitheater. Visitors can admire no less than 15 Formula 1 cars such as the Renault RE30B driven by Alain Prost in 1982 and the Martini MK23 by René Arnoux from 1978. Also on display is the Gordini T15 from 1948 driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille, Maurice Trintignant and Juan- Manuel Fangio. A collection of Ligier F1 from 1976 to 1996 is also visible. Open all year except from December 10 to January 10 as well as during events. Price: 4 to 7 euros. Reservation required.
A guided tour of the circuit and its "backstage" can supplement that of the museum (supplement of 4 to 7 euros). Information on +33 3 86 21 80 00.
In addition, except on race days or other events hosted on the site, the public can try their hand at driving single-seaters or take the karting track (subject to conditions). Information on +33 3 86 21 80 00.
In a different register but with a history linked to the circuit, which it neighbors, the Nivernais golf course was created in 1969 by Jean Bernigaud, a motor sport enthusiast originally from the first track… The golf course only had 9 holes. In 1988, when the communities decided to give the site a new dimension, improvements were also made and the golf course increased to 18 holes (a "par 71" of 5,509 m). In a green setting, it is renowned technical but accessible to all players, experienced or beginners. A 5-hole compact and a driving range complete the facilities. Visitor rate: from 36 to 50 euros. Information on +33 3 86 58 04 04.
Finally, we should mention that from the village, hikes in bucolic or even forest landscapes (Bois Vert site in particular) can allow you to discover the rural landscape of the Nièvre, some circuits including forays into the nearby Loire and Allier valleys or of course the city of Nevers… Maps and information on +33 3 86 86 39 80.
