A Town of Art and History, standing on the banks of the Loire, the old ducal town of Nevers is dominated by its Gothic cathedral and offers an important architectural and artistic heritage. A walking itinerary, the Blue Trail (Fil Bleu), dotted with signposts and lecterns, invites you to discover the gems of Nevers: the ducal palace, Cathedral of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte, Romanesque Church of Saint-Étienne, Baroque Chapel of Sainte-Marie, Goguin Tower and Croux Gate are some of the monuments that you can admire along the way.
The former residence of the Counts and Dukes of Nivernais, the ducal palace of Nevers, built in the late 15th century for Count Jean de Clamecy, is a remarkable example of civil architecture from the early Renaissance period. A listed Historic Monument, this splendid edifice, adorned with sculptures, is now home to the Tourist Office for Nevers and its region, and many exhibitions are also held within its walls.
Another major building in the town is the Cathedral of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte, flanked by two chancels, a Romanesque one to the West and a Gothic one to the East. Another special feature is its superb modern stained glass windows, whose bright, warm colours diffuse soft, multi-coloured light. With 130 picture windows adding up to 1052 m² of windows, it is one of the biggest sets of contemporary stained glass windows in Europe! A colossal work produced by the artists Alberola, Honegger, Rouan, Ubac and Viallat, which will have taken over 30 years to make!
After visiting the cathedral, take the time to stroll along the charming ramparts walk, from the imposing Croux Gate, a relic of the medieval surrounding wall, to the banks of the Loire...
Next, enter the world of earthenware. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the town was famous for its expertise in this artistic craft, with the remarkable collection of Nevers earthenware, ranging from the 16th to the 20th century, on display at the Frédéric Blandin Municipal Museum. Then find out more about the famous Nevers blue by taking a stroll around the earthenware quarter, located at the approach to the cathedral.
Near to Roger Salengro Park, the Bernadette Area, mother-house of the Sisters of Charity, contains the saint's body in its chapel. Many pilgrims come to pray there, and its offers a museographic area dedicated to the spiritual life of Bernadette Soubirous.
Every year in July, the town of Nevers comes alive, especially during its street theatre festival, Les Z'accros d'ma rue.
Main town of the department of Nièvre, Nevers takes place in Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, in the province of Nivernais. It is located between Auxerre and Chalon-sur-Saône, at the confluence of the Loire and the Nièvre.
People of the Gallo-Roman period, the commune of Nevers was named capital of the hereditary County of Nevers from the tenth century. Former fortified city, it owes its fame to its faience of international renown. The specificity of its products rests on the famous blue of Nevers, a color that is only found on these works of art.
Classified as a city of art and history, Nevers, also known as the City of the Dukes, is today mainly focused on tourism, offering visitors a very important architectural and historical heritage.
Its gastronomy, centered on honey, cheese or even Charolais meat, is also the success of this commune which does not lack charm.
Gothic style, the cathedral Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte has been classified to the Historic Monuments. It has the peculiarity of presenting two choirs, one in Gothic style and the other in Romanesque style. Ancient, it reveals however contemporary stained glass particularly colored. Inside, one can admire a baptistery of the 6th century, while the tower offers an impregnable view over the whole city.
Inscribed in the Historic Monuments, the abbey Saint-Martin was established from the eighth century. It loses its bell tower at the French Revolution, before sheltering a market, then the stables of the local gendarmerie. Today, one can only admire the home of the abbot.
A great number of other religious buildings are renowned as Nevers, like the church of St. Peter, or the chapel of St. Mary and its baroque facade. A beautiful Romanesque monument, the church of Saint-Etienne was built in the second half of the eleventh century. Inside, you can admire a Madonna and Child with a polychrome stone dove, classified as a Historic Monument. A former chapel of the 19th century, the chapel of Saint-Sylvain allows to admire a painted decoration of origin installed on virtually all the walls and the vaults.
Former residence of the dukes of Nevers, the ducal palace reveals a very beautiful Renaissance facade. Considered one of the first castles of the Loire, today it is partly used as an annex to the town hall. However, spaces are open to the public, offering aquariums of fish from the Loire, or even temporary exhibitions. Just opposite, the place of the Republic reveals Gallo-Roman vestiges.
Specialized in earthenware, the Frédéric Blandin Museum offers fine collections of enamelled glasses, earthenware and fine art.
As you walk through the city, you can appreciate the 14th century Croux gate, as well as the Goguin tower, which form ancient vestiges of the ramparts. An archaeological museum reveals various objects found around Nevers, inside the door of the Croux. Formerly decorated, the arch of triumph of the city dates from the eighteenth century and was elevated for the victory of Fontenoy.
Famous in the sports world, the circuit of Nevers Magny-Cours welcomes each year the Bol d'Or, or the Grand Prix of France Formula 1.
The gardens of the Baratte offer many different atmospheres to discover during a walk. On the program of the places: vegetable gardens, fountains, laundries, gardens or even old houses of market gardeners.
Rewarded with three flowers in the Contest of Flower Towns and Villages of France, Nevers has many green spaces scattered all over the commune.
The markets of Nevers take place from Tuesday to Saturday, all day. Every Saturday morning, a market is offered, while on Wednesday afternoons in July and August, the city offers a summer market. December is the scene of a charming Christmas market.
The Z'accros, in July, is a street arts festival featuring various shows.
Every summer, Nevers-plage reproduces the maritime life on the banks of the Loire, and the municipality takes advantage to organize various cultural or sporting events.
Jazz Festival Nevers offers annual concerts of artists from around the world in the fall.
In October, Nevers in Vif hosts the best of the French rock scene.
At the beginning of December, the Salon des auteurs nivernais highlights the local edition through meetings and dedications.
Exposition : Le Château Intérieur
- From 29 march to 9 june 2024
- 16 Rue Saint Genest, Musée de la Faïence et des Beaux Arts
- Silhouettes of knights and castles alongside fragments of ceramics and tiles… - A journey through imagined vestiges. - Invited by the Centre d'Art Contemporain to exhibit his work in the chapter rooms of the Musée de la Faïence et des Beaux Arts, the painter Yann Lacroix wanted to contrast his work with the collections of Nevers museums. - This exhibition is produced in partnership with the Musée de la Faïence et des Beaux-Arts de Nevers. - Special thanks to the Musée archéologique nivernais, the Anne-Sarah Bénichou gallery - Paris, and the lending collectors. - Opening on Friday 29 March at 6 pm. - Free admission, open during museum opening hours : 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm.
La Grande Randonnée Vers Paris
- From 17 to 22 april 2024
- 1 Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Palais ducal
- The Grande Randonnée vers Paris is being organised by the Comité Départemental de la Randonnée Pédestre de la Nièvre from 17 to 22 April to coincide with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. - The Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre and its Comités Départementaux are also taking up a sporting challenge : to cross France on foot from every region, a total of 10,000 km, and reach Paris on 12 May. - Ambassadors have been appointed in each département to represent and promote the values of the FFRandonnée. - The event is free and open to all, members and non-members, affiliated and non-affiliated hiking clubs and associations. - The Comité Départemental de la Nièvre is playing an active role in this major national event, by mapping out the routes, accompanying and ensuring the safety of hikers, and organising events in the towns and villages along the way. The Nièvre will be crossed by 2 routes. - The GR® 654, departing from Nevers on 17 April and the GR® 13 (Morvan), from Mont Gerbier de Jonc, departing from Montsauche-les-Settons on 20 April. - The 2 routes will join at Vézelay on 22 April, where the Comité Départemental de l'Yonne will take over. - It is possible to do 1 or more stages, or all of them. - Arrange your own transport for the return journey. - GR®654, Nevers-Vézelay : - - Stage Nevers-Chaulgnes, 17 April, departure 9 a.m., esplanade du Palais Ducal, 58000 Nevers - - Chaulgnes-Raveau stage, 18 April, 9am start, 30 rue JF Frémillon, 58400 Chaulgnes - - Stage Raveau-Châteauneuf-Val-de-Bargis, 19 April, start at 9 am, route des Bertranges, 58400 Raveau - - Stage Châteauneuf-Val-de-Bargis-Varzy, 20 April, 9 am start, 4 place du Colonel Roche, 58350 Châteauneuf-Val-de-Bargis - - Stage Varzy-Clamecy, 21 April, start 9am, 1 rue de l'Hôtel de Ville, 58210 Varzy - - Clamecy-Vézelay stage, 22 April, 9am start, 11 place Saint-Jean, 58500 Clamecy - GR®13, Les Settons-Vézelay : - - Les Settons-Dun-les-Places stage, 20 April, 9am start, route du Barrage (near the Tourist Office), 58230 Montsauche-les-Settons - - Stage Dun-les-Places-Saint-André-en-Morvan, 21 April, 9am, rue du 26 juin 1944,58230 Dun-les-Places - - Saint-André-en-Morvan-Vézelay stage, 22 April, 9am start, place Robert Melé, 58140 Saint-André-en-Morvan.
Atelier Enfants : Sacrebleu ! L'Univers du Bleu
- On 19 april 2024
- 16 Rue Saint-Genest, Musée de la Faïence et des Beaux-Arts
- Children's workshop "Sacrebleu ! The world of blue" from 2.30pm to 4pm at the Musée de la Faïence et des Beaux Arts in NEVERS. - Discover the surprising world of blue through activities in the museum. Explore shades such as cyan blue, duck blue and royal blue and let yourself be carried away by the different expressions and sensations they evoke. Join us for a colourful adventure ! - Price : €5 - Ages 6 to 10 - Meet at the Musée de la Faïence et des Beaux-Arts, 16 Rue Saint-Genest - Registration required https://culture.nevers.fr/agenda/
2ème Édition : Elite Training Symposium
- From 27 to 28 april 2024
- Boulevard Pierre de Coubertin, Maison des Sports
- Following the success of ETS1, formapi nevers is organising the 2nd edition of the elite training symposium at the Maison des Sports in NEVERS, in partnership with the town of NEVERS. - This not-to-be-missed event for fans of athletic development, physiotherapy, sports science, nutrition and training will take place over 2 days, on 27 and 28 April, and will bring together the best specialists in these fields. - It will give them the opportunity to discover the latest innovations and find solutions to their needs and desires. - This year, the approach will be holistic and complementary, focusing on training sciences, coaching, physiotherapy, nutrition, health sports, women's sports, endurance sports and entrepreneurship. - This will be an opportunity for all professionals to continue their training and the chance to talk to more renowned specialists in a constantly evolving world. - Price : from €75 - For more information, call 06 31 11 36 50
Concert de Juliette
- On 3 may 2024
- 2 Boulevard Pierre de Coubertin, La Maison, Scène conventionnée
- "In the previous show, the argument was simple. Alone at home, I waited for my friends, accomplices and musicians for a final rehearsal before the concert. Once we'd arrived, we'd start playing, but a few unforeseen events would mess up what was supposed to be a serious moment. In the new show, the argument will be just as simple. Alone at home, I wait for my friends, accomplices and musicians for a final rehearsal before the concert. They arrive and we start playing. But then, in the middle of the rehearsal, news breaks that reminds us of recent, somewhat traumatic events. We were placed under strict confinement with immediate effect. So here we are, cooped up in my house for an indefinite period. What are we going to play ? Where will we find inspiration ? And above all, will there be enough beer ? When you can't look outside any more, you turn to everyday objects, traces of the past, the jumbled memories of our dreamed and sung lives, to tell brand new stories… - Stories of staircases, peppers, wigs, 2CVs, covers and duvets and other ironic, nostalgic or painful episodes. Stories of us who are locked up. And free. Juliette
Fête du Vélo
- On 4 may 2024
- Parc Salengro, Rue Henri Barbusse
- Join us on Saturday 4 May at Parc Salengro for the Fête du vélo in NEVERS. - Nevers Agglomération is organising and inviting you to a day dedicated to cycling from 10am to 5.30pm with numerous exhibitors and a wide range of activities : bike drop-off and sales, mountain bike rides, mountain bike shows, vertical bikes, BMX track, etc. - A number of exhibitors will be on hand : cycling professionals, the Departmental Council, the Nevers Agglomération Intercommunal Tourist Office, Nevers Agglomération, Nièvre Tourisme, etc.
Nos Petits Penchants
- On 4 may 2024
- 2 Boulevard Pierre de Coubertin
- Five characters live in the same building, without trying to meet each other. They all have a different relationship with happiness : Victor seems to have achieved it. Ptolémé is discreet, docile and has boundless admiration for Victor, while Alfred thinks he'll find it by possessing more and more. Rosie seems to have given up, and Balthazar tries to understand what everyone is looking for. Over time, they discover that their destinies are linked, and confide in us their little inclinations. - Founded in 2012, Compagnie Des Fourmis dans la Lanterne is the result of a meeting between two puppeteers : Yoanelle Stratman and Pierre-Yves Guinais. Like little ants, they tinker painstakingly to create endearing, surprising and poetic worlds for audiences, with the emphasis on sight manipulation. In this puppet theatre with a quirky aesthetic, these characters, whose little inclinations scream with truth, ask us about the quest for happiness. - Tender, poignant visual poetry that says so much more than words !
Sous les Fleurs
- On 16 may 2024
- 2 Boulevard Pierre de Coubertin
- Because there is no term to define a man's femininity, choreographer Thomas Lebrun set out to find a genre in Mexico that is unknown elsewhere : the Muxes. In the West, the "feminine man" often has to hide behind a primary virility, while in certain ancient cultures, children were raised without being gendered from birth. Today, among the Zapotecs in southern Mexico, and particularly in Juchitán, there are "men with the heart of a woman". They are able to live their femininity and defend it, dressing as women every day and taking on activities such as cooking, embroidery, hairdressing and trading, in a matriarchal society. As Felina Santiago Valdivieso, one of the most renowned Muxes she met in Juchitán, puts it : "I am not a woman, I am not a man, I am Muxe". - Somewhere between realism and fantasy, Under the Flowers evokes the femininity of men here and elsewhere, without, as is often the case, drowning it in sexuality. A journey between intimate and distant territories, between appearances and transparencies, with discreet colours from here and shimmering colours from there. - After Ils n'ont rien vu and 1001 danses, Sous les fleurs marks Thomas Lebrun's return to La Maison.
Concert : Christophe Marguet Quartet
- On 16 may 2024
- 10 Rue Mademoiselle Bourgeois, Café Charbon
- Come and see the Christophe Marguet quartet in concert at Café Charbon at 8pm as part of Big Bang 2024. - An exceptional drummer and composer, Christophe Marguet has gradually climbed the ladder of recognition and expertise. - Winner of a prize at the Concours de la Défense in 1995, he quickly established himself as a first-rate leader and composer. - His latest project, 'Echoes of Time', brings together a close-knit group that includes Hélène Labarrière, Régis Huby and Manu Codjia. - Combining acoustic sounds with electronic treatments, the quartet draws on the roots of jazz while remaining resolutely forward-looking. And as "every concert, every record, every phrase, every sound by the drummer-phenomenon is an event" (Libération), you're sure to be impressed by this one. - Régis Huby : violin, electronics - Manu Codjia : electric guitar - Hélène Labarrière : double bass - Christophe Marguet : drums, composition - Prices : €8 to €12
Spectacle : Magic
- From 18 to 19 may 2024
- 8 Place des Reines de Pologne, Théâtre municipal
- Magic, équipe de France de magie" magic show, Saturday 18 May at 8pm and Sunday 19 May at 2pm at the Théâtre Municipal in Nevers. - The town of Nevers, in partnership with the French federation of magic artists, is once again hosting a working residency for the French Magic Team in preparation for the next European Championships, to be held in Italy from 23 to 26 May 2024. - Around fifteen of today's hottest prestidigitators will be in Nevers for four days of intensive work. - Supervised and advised by renowned illusionists, the artists will be fine-tuning their tricks and presentations just a few days before the competition. - At two brand new public galas, they will present a selection of the best acts in the discipline in a colourful "Magic" show ! - A funny, bewitching and poetic show… to discover ! - In residence at the Théâtre municipal from 15 to 19 May 2024 - Prices : From €14 to €17 - All audiences, from 6 years upwards - Information from the Théâtre municipal on 03.86.68.47.41 (during box office opening hours). - Reception at the Theatre : Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm / Saturdays from 9am to 1pm and on performance days 45 minutes before the start of the show.
