Coal was open-mined in the very early middle age in La Machine. then with a push from Colbert, a Industry Minister under Louis XIV, underground mining started. It was the only coal mine in Nivernais. The name of La Machine comes from a horse powered machine imported from Belgium in the XVIIIe century used to lift men, horses, and materials from the pits. The coal was mainly used by the iron industry which has been developed in the Nivernais since Roman time. Mining stopped in 1974 after several centuries of operation.

What to do : visit the Mine Museum in La Machine, and other museums around (no need to speak french)
What to see: Musée de la Mine, Etang Grenetier nearby (swimming watch in July and August)
Distance: walking distance in La Machine
Additional Infos: click here to access the website of Musées de Bourgogne (Museums from Burgundy)

 

Built from 1784 to 1843 to transport wood to Paris, the Nivernais canal crosses the country for 122 km from Decize to Clamecy in a marvelous environment. With 110 locks, 3 long tunnels, several canal bridges, aqueducs and culverts, the canal is opened to navigation from april to october. The green surroundings give to the canal a romantic and mysterious touch which makes that it is one of the most beautiful canal of Europe.
The canal is particularly recommended for quiet journeys along its banks (bicycle, trek) or for boat trips. To rent a house boat check the complete list with La Maison du Bazois (03 86 84 05 66) or check on the webste of Nievre Tourism.

What to do : river trips , Bicycling along the banks, stade nautique of Decize (sun and bath, kayaking, boating)
What to see : flowered locks, birds
Distance: Decize (7 km)
Additional infos : click here to access the website of Nievre Tourisme

The River Loire

At less than 6 km is the Loire valley. The Loire is the longest river of France. Used for many centuries for transportation, the Loire meanders through lovely scenery. Along the Loire is a canal of 200 km built in the first part of the XIXe century,from Digoin in the south to Briare in the north. It is mainly used by tourist houseboats.

What to do : river trips , trekking or bicycling along the banks, stade nautique of Decize (sun and bath, kayaking, boating), visit the canals by boat, Trekking from Le Port des bois to Decize
What to see : birds, wild animals
Distance: Decize (7 km), Le Port-des-Bois (20km)
Additional infos : click here to access the website of Nievre Tourisme

Built on the side of the Loire on a rocky hill, Nevers has a wonderful history. She is an art town, with plenty of Museums. Nevers is well known for its blue colored artistic earthenware either from traditional or modern inspiration.

What to do : visit of Nevers, jazz festival (November)
What to see : Saint-Cyr cathedral, Sainte Juliette, the Palace of the Dukes of Nevers, the blue colored ancient earthenware workshop of Nevers
How far : Nevers (30 km)
Additional infos: click here to access the website of Nièvre Tourisme and click here to access the web site of the Nevers cultural center (Maison de la culture)

  

There are numerous noble houses and properties in the Nievre countryside where you would be able to guess how was the life in the past centuries. Either public or private, these buildings are the wittnesses of past life in the center of France. Their architecture is typically from Burgundy. Most of them have garden "a la Francaise" and parks.

What to do : visit castles, gardens and parks
What to see : chateau de Prye (hotel), Chateau le Bailly
Distance: in a circle of 20-30 km
Additional Infos: click here to access the website of Nievre Tourisme

 

Magny-Cours is the location of car race track where the French Grand Prix of Formula 1 was previously run. It is near the town of Magny-Cours, 10 km south of Nevers and 20 km from the Gite location. Numerous events are held weekly. You can also take racing lessons. It is also the location of a 18-hole golf course.

What to see: car races practically every weekend, Bol d'or (motorbike) in September-October
Distance: Magny cours (20km)
Additional Info: click here to access the website of Magny Cours F1