Apremont-sur-Allier - Most beautiful village in France

N 46°54.458 - E 3°02.750

57 min - 74,5 km

Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
The gardens of Apremont-sur-Allier are stunning. A feast for the eyes!

Apremonts castle itself is not open to the public, but you can visit the beautiful stables of the castle where there is always an art exhibition of some sort.

Archaeological site

Gallo-Roman ruins of Compièrre

Compièrre, Champallement

N 47°13.081 - E 3°29.086

30 min - 26,2 km

A beautiful walk in the forest amidst Gallo-Roman ruins.
A landscape in Nivernais that has retained its authenticity.
Archaeological site with explanations (in French) and drawings of the various ruins, so you can vividly imagine what this ancient Roman village looked like.
The area is beautiful, the entrance is free of charge.

Auxerre

N 47° 47`50.64 - E 3° 34`1.164

1.07 u - 72 km

Just a few kilometers from the vineyards of Chablis, Auxerre is a destination to explore and taste...
In May, the 'Fleurs de vigne' wine festival is accompanied by numerous water activities for the whole family.

Discover Auxerre, a fascinating city of art and history.
Auxerre has most of Burgundy's medieval remains after Dijon.

Walk through the center of Auxerre. In the footsteps of Cadet Roussel, the famous bailiff of children's rhymes.

Download the map of Auxerre

Avallon - Medieval fortified town

N 47°29.398 - E 3°54.441

1.09 u - 67,1 km

Discover Avallon in an original and playful way by following the frog markings on the pavement. This route takes you through the nicest streets of this medieval town.
Starting point : Tourist office. On the square next to the `Office du Tourism` you`ll find a large statue of a frog.
Follow the route in the direction of the frogs nose. A lovely day out! Good fun for young and old.

Download the frog route

Bourges

N 74° 4`48.205 - E 2° 23`56.028

1.18 u - 81 km

With its impressive cathedral St. Etienne as the figurehead of the city, you will also find beautiful timber-framed houses, historic buildings, nice shops and fine restaurants.

Bowling and indoor activities with kids

Magic Boulevard

Centre commercial Carrefour

Marzy

N 46°59.974 - E 3° 06.152

47 min - 54,2 km

Active indoor activities with kids, or bowling with family or friends.
Tom & Lili, Leisure park for 3-12 years olds.
A labyrinth with trampolines, slides, climbing wall, zip line, ball pools and climbing wall.
Miniature golf (Outdoor activity), Bowling and adventurous golf.
Tip : Ideal place to go with kids when the weather is bad.

Clamecy

N 47° 47`50.64 - E 3° 34`1.164

29 min - 30 km

Clamecy is an old medieval town from where the wood was transported to Paris in the `Canal du Nivernais`. The cycle path parallel to the canal is ideal for walkers and cyclists who do not like height altitudes. The locks with many flowers and historic houses will surprise you. The canal is only used for pleasure boats.
History buffs will appreciate this medieval town with its timber-framed houses.

Download the map of Clamecy

Dinopark - Cardoland

N 47°27.453 - E 3°40.138

44 min - 45 km

Open : April - October, Every day from 13.30 - 17.30.
Cardoland has a lovely history. A dream of an artist to realize his fascination for prehistory in an amusement park. Small children in their dino-phase love it.

You will find life-size dinosaur sculptures, a reconstructed cave, a museum with models and paintings, a prehistoric playground.
Many activities in July and August.

Electric boat rental - Aqua Fluvial

N 47°10.184 - E 3°37.425

43 min - 43,1 km

Only on reservation, open from April - October.
You sail through a narrow canal under many bridges in an electrical boat and only pure nature on the banks.
A trip takes about 2 hours and you don't need a license.
Maximum 6 persons per boat.

Cycling on the old railway - Cyclorail

Port-Aubry

N 47°23.362 - E 2°54.398

37 min - 35,5 km

The cyclorail route from Cosne to Sancerre is one of the most spectacular as it takes you over three bridges. The route (maximum 13 km) offers you great views over the banks of the Loire, the canal that runs parallel to the Loire and the vineyards and hills of Sancerre.
Only on reservation: 0033 6 85 22 80 72

Nice in combination with a picnic on the Loire.

Picnic on the Loire

N 47°23.545 - E 2°54.526

36 min - 35,1 km

Tasty goat's cheeses and regional products can be bought at the goat farm Port Aubry (less than 1 km away).

Enamelled canal bridge

Pont Canal in Briare

N 47°37.971 - E 2°44.397

1.03 u - 67,2 km

Discover the oldest canal bridge in France, in Briare, with a lovely walk along the canal or a trip on the water by boat.
The imposing enamelled canal bridge (world heritage) of the beautiful town of Briare has a lot to offer.
Discover the fascinating history of enamels in Briare at the `Musée de la Mosaïque et des Émaux` (mosaic and enamel museum).

Visit Briare-le-Canal, its history and heritage thanks to the little train.
45-minute tour, starting from the bridge over the Briare canal.

Gien

N 47°41.032 - E 2°37.876

1.17 u - 78,4 km

Beautiful, old fortified town on the banks of the Loire. Gien is best known for its pottery. The Faïence de Gien is produced there.

Canal over the river Allier

Pont Canal Du Guetin

Rue des Écluses

Cuffy

N 46°56`50.348 - E 3° 4`10.119

54 min - 57 km

It is interesting to see how the boats on the canal overcome a height difference of 10 meters using 2 locks.
Under the bridge is a small beach. Nice place to cool down in the river.

Castle under construction - Guédelon

Treigny

N 47°34.869 - E 3°09.349

41 min - 36,2 km

Internationally known project due to the BBC, who made a documentary on it.
They build a castle using the techniques and tools of the Middle Ages with dozens of volunteers. Must see! Very impressive, fun and educational trip for the whole family.

Castle - Château Saint Fargeau

N 47°38.395 - E 3°04.288

49 min - 47 km

Visit this special castle with its beautiful gardens.
Take a look at the horse stables and take a carriage ride across the beautiful domain.

Special is the walk under the roof construction. Exciting for the kids as it is a bit dark.
Visit the castle on Thursday evening with romantic candlelights all around.

Recommended : a spectacular historical show during the summer months on the domain, with 300 actors and 50 horses, every Friday and Saturday evening. (22.00 – 24.00hrs)
Tip : bring warm clothes.

Castle - Château de Druyes les Belles Fontaines

Druyes

N 47°33.039 - E 3°25.480

34 min - 32,4 km

Open every weekend & holidays, from Easter to 30 September from 15.00 – 18.00hrs.
Only on weekdays in July and August, from 15.00 – 18.00hrs.
From 14th July to 15th August, from 9.30 am to 12.00hrs, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Rates : adults €5, children €3, free for children under 8.

Castle - Château de Ratilly

Treigny

N 47°33.205 - E 3°10.034

37 min - 32,4 km

Castle & pottery center. Exhibitions, art centre, concerts are organized.
Stunning pottery for sale in 3 natural colors.

Castle - Château de Bazoches

Bazoches-du-Morvan

N 47°22.666 - E 3°47.629

59 min - 56,5 km

Beautiful castle! Not far from Vézely and Avallon.
Open from February till 1 November.

Castle - Forteresse de la Motte Josserand

Perroy

N 47°23.827 - E 3°08.360

22 min - 19,5 km

La Motte Josserand is one of the most beautiful military buildings from the Middle Ages in Nivernais. Open from 1 July to 10 August from 14.00 – 18.00hrs for each individual visit.

Castle - Château Arthel

N 47°14.526 - E 3°24.415

19 min - 17,6 km

The charming, artistic village of Arthel has been carefully maintained with picturesque corners and allies.
Located on the outskirts of the village, on the site of an old fortified castle, the castle is surrounded by a square of dry canals, classified as a historical monument.
Visits : July and August, only by appointment.
Language spoken : French
Owners : Guillaume et Chantal de Brondeau
Telephone : 0033 3 86 60 14 31
Mobile : 0033 6 30 80 60 64

Castle - Le Château de St. Brisson-sur-Loire

N 47°38.950 - E 2°40.993

1.12 u - 75,6 km

Ancient medieval fortress.
Discover some fifteen furnished rooms, from the kitchen to the carpentry workshop, with a beautiful view of the Loire as an add-on.
Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire, situated on the banks of the river, is often considered to be the first castle of the Loire.

Castle – Château de la Bussière

La Bussière

N 47°44.881 - E 2°44.920

1.12 u - 80,1 km

Discover the castle of La Bussière, with its waters, vegetable garden and beautiful park.
Nowadays, the castle houses the Fishermen's Museum in the heart of the park, bordering a six-hectare pond. The park and the beautiful garden of Bussière are labelled as 'remarkable garden'. A castle not to be missed!
Opening hours : every afternoon from 14.00 – 18.00hrs, except Tuesdays.

Castle - Château des Granges

4, route de Fontenoy

Suilly-la-Tour

N°47.21`20.952 - E°3.2`0.057

25 min - 26 km

Nice castle, surrounded by a moat. The central pavilion, the outbuildings and the cube-shaped chapel have recently been restored.
Possibility to visit the chapel and the manor by appointment, free visit to the park.
From 1st July to 30th September, from 10.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 18.00hrs.
Tel : 0033 3 86 26 30 71
e-mail : contact@chateaudesgranges.com

Tip : make a tour from the castle by horse and carriage.
By appointment: 0033 689171509 (Michel)

Castle - Château Corbelin

Route de Menou

La Chapelle-Saint-André

N 47°22.906 - E 3°19.814

10 min - 7,9 km

Visit the garden and one of the towers of the castle. € 5 pp.
Without appointment from 16 July to 26 August 2018, from 9.00 - 12.00hrs and 14.30-17.30hrs.
By appointment the rest of the year.
The gardens have been created by the current owners, passionately, in the spirit of the place. You will find an orchard, a decorative vegetable garden, Renaissance-inspired rose garden, ponds and fountains.
The castle has been fully restored in the last 15 years.

Church - Bernadette

Espace Bernadette / Couvent Saint-Gildard

34, Rue Saint-Gildard

Nevers

N 46°59.499 - E 3°09.156

47 min - 54 km

This former monastery, which houses the body of Bernadette Soubirous, where she lived as a nun for 13 years and cared for the sick, is a spiritual landmark to which 140,000 pilgrims from all over the world go every year.

Church in St. père - Eglise Notre-Dame

Saint Père, sous Vézelay

N 47°27.508 - E 3°45.901

55 min - 54,7 km

The church of Saint Père, a real jewel of the Burgundian Gothic style, deserves to be visited.

Church - Romeinse Church van Saint-Révérien

Saint-Reverien

N 47°12.685 - E 3°30.201

30 min - 27,6 km

On the Santiago de Compostella route you can admire the Romanesque church from the 12th century, the little brother of the Basilica of Vézelay, with its beautiful vaults.
Free entrance all year round.
Open every day from 8.30 – 18.00 / 19.00hrs.

Medieval animal farm - La ferme du Château

Allée des Platanes

Saint Fargeau

N 47°38.206 - E 3°03.780

45 min - 46,5 km

Medieval castle farm, only 5 minutes from Chateau St. Fargeau.
Discover the farm animals that are roaming around freely in the courtyard, the farmer's house, the old crafts and lots of entertainment.
Open from April to November.
From 10.00 – 18.00hrs continuously.
Great outing with kids !

French animal farm - Moulin de vanneau

89520 Saints-en-Puisaye

N 47°38`1.32 - E 3° 14`52.764

41 min - 37 km

Open from end March to the beginning of November at weekends and on weekdays only during school holidays. Opening hours 10.00 – 17.00hrs

Great daytrip with kids who love animals.
This French farm has all the farm animals walking around freely, there is a kids playground and picnic tables. On their website you will find a full day program: from brushing ponies, making bread, feeding animals to pottery.
The organic lunch on the farm is also highly recommended. Book in advance though, because lunch is often fully booked.

La Charité sur Loire

N 47° 10`37.2 - E 3°1`8.291

28 min - 30 km

In La Charité-sur-Loire, the old book town of the region, you'll find parts of famous French poems on the houses.
It is beautifully situated along the Loire and houses one of the most important examples of Romanesque art in Burgundy. Its monastery church has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
From the 11th century onwards, the poor and pilgrims appealed to the charity of the monks of the abbey. It is to them that this important fortified passage along the Loire owes its name. The long stone bridge - the oldest over the Loire - has become a symbol for all travellers.

Nature reserve - Viewpoint

Panorama du Bec d`Allier

Route du Panorama

Marzy

N 46°57.495 - E 3°04.558

53 min - 70,4 km

At the confluence of the Loire and the Allier, there is a wild and protected nature reserve.
The view is beautiful ! A rich heritage that you can discover through the many hiking trails.

Nature reserve with wild European animals

Parc Naturel de Boutissaint

N 47°34.733 - E 3°07.513

45 min - 36,3 km

Walk through the beautiful forest and see up to 400 free animals on the 400-hectare estate.
Recommended !
Deer, wild boar and European bison.
Open daily from 1 March to 15 November, from 8.00 – 20.00hrs, box office closes at 18.30hrs.

Nevers

46 min - 54 km

City of art and history.
In the old town of Nervers you`ll find some interesting monuments and houses from the 12th century.
Nevers is known for its high quality porcelain.
Tip : Follow the blue line on the pavement to discover Nevers.

Download the map of Nevers with blue line route

Nevers - Playground/ City Park Nevers - Parc de ville

N 46°59.493 - E 3°09.308

47 min - 53,6 km

In the centre of Nevers there is a nice city park with playground equipment for small children.

Pottery village - Saint Amand en Puisaye

N 47°31.767 - E 3°04.431

Lovely little village, known for its pottery shops and exhibitions.

Sancerre

N 47° 19`51.6 - E 2° 50`20.363

44 min - 42 km

Very well known for its wines. Beautifully situated on a hill, surrounded by hundreds of vineyards. In the village a red line runs over the sidewalk. Follow this and you'll pass through the most beautiful little streets. You can climb a tower with a panoramic view over this impressive wine region. You also pass by 'La maison des Sancerre', an interesting museum where explanations are given about the Sancerre wines and why they are so different. There is a 4D cinema where the kids like to see the movie several times.
For lunch you go to the village square.

Playground 0`Parc

Île de Cosne

Bannay, Cosne sur Loire

N 47° 24`36.006 - E 2° 55`2.853

39 min - 35 km

Large outdoor playground with more than 25 activities for the kids.
Bordering the Loire, just across the bridge at Cosne sur Loire.

Quarry - La Carrière d`Aubigny

Taigny

N 47°36.394 - E 3°25.491

45 min - 40,7 km

Opening hours : 10.00 – 12.00hrs and 14.00 – 18.30hrs
The Aubigny underground quarry has won tourist awards (Major Tourist Site in Burgundy, Tourist Trophy) and has received 50,000 visitors in the last three years.
Tip : put on warm clothes, it`s very chilly underground.

Ostrich farm - Ferme d`autruches

Sologne Autruches

La Gravière Route de Coullons

Saint-Gondon, Loiret

N 47°41.520 - E 2°32.038

1.28 u - 84,2 km

Come and see the ostriches and don't forget to buy the very tender ostrich steak at the farm shop !
Opening Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday afternoon : 15.00 – 19.00hrs, otherwise by appointment.

Vézelay

N 47°27.826 - E 3°44.526

51 min - 52,2 km

Vézelay is one of the stops on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella. The Basilica of Sainte-Madeleine and the village are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Vézelay is one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France'.
This little town is full of history, religion and culture and well visited by tourists during the summer. You can stroll around, have a nice lunch, eat ice cream, enjoying coffee with maccarons in between and visit souvenir shops. Highly recommended !