History Guide
2019
The South Nivernais Pocket Guide
www.sud-nivernais.fr The South Nivernais Pocket Guide Summary Decize Historic Tour p. 3 - 8 Nature trail “Vieille Loire” p. 9 Map Historic Tour p. 10-11 Musée de la Mine p. 12-13 PARIS And the Puits des Glénons La Machine p. 14-15 La Nièvre La Bourgogne Circuit n°1 “The Town” La Machine p. 16-17 Decize Circuit n°2 “The Miners Houses” History of our Villages p. 18-28 Tours of Decize p. 29-32 Tour of La Machine p. 33 Nearby Visits p. 34
Le Greffier Barbicho Markets and Fairs This is a youngster, half cat/half Monday: Lucenay les Aix, Fair every 2nd fish that lives in the Sud Nivernais Monday of the month (morning) notably on the island of Decize. Tuesday: Decize, Fair every 3rd Tuesday This endearing little character is the of the month (morning), Place du Champ emblem of our area... de Foire. Find out more about him Thursday: Imphy, Weekly Market with key-rings, mugs, (morning) and Fair (morning) every 3rd postcards... all on sale Thursday of the month at the Port of Decize. Friday: Decize, Weekly Market (morning), in the town centre. Farmers Market from April 5 to October 25 (16.00 - 19.00), at the Port de la Jonction. L’HISTOIRE DESGREFFIERS BARBICHOS Saturday: La Machine, Weekly Market (morning), Avenue de la République. Sunday: Decize, Craft Market (dates and
EN VENTE place to be confirmed). ICI
Éditions du Sud-Nivernais
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20/10/2014 17:48 Decize
Historic Tour
Start : Tourist Office, Place du Champ de Foire Project Finish: Place Saint-Just sponsored by Difficulty: none - Time: 1h30 on foot the Bourgogne Franche Comté When you come out of the Tourist Office Region follow the arrows This walk helps you discover the main landmarks of the town while walking around the streets of Decize. The ruins of the castle and the underground galleries, the church crypt, and the Olga Olby room are only open to the public during guided tours organised in July and August (more information on page 30).
> When you come out of the Tourist Office, you will see the the Promenade des Halles on your right
Promenade des Halles 1
This alley of plane trees and lime trees (unique in Europe), was planted from 1771. It covers a length of 985 metres. The site was included in the inventory of the Monuments Histo- riques in 1932. The word «Halles» should be un- derstood here as in the old French meaning, which is of burnt or tanned land, parched, burnt by the sun. The name Promenade des Halles is self-explanatory: it’s the Promenade of sunburnt earth. > Turn onto La Rue des Fossés across the car park and take the passageweay between the two banks. 3 Decize
Ravelin and Échauguette de > Cross the Place du Général de Gaulle (by going up the stairs la Croix Voisin 2 3 next to Les Tours), take the Fortifications built at the end of the Rue Maréchal Foch to the first 16th century, crowned with a turret crossroads and turn right into the that served as a watchtower. Rue du Marquis d’Ancre.
> Continue along by the car parks Porte du Marquis d’Ancre 5 to join Les Tours. The last massive gate with drawbridge of the fortified compound of Decize. Les Tours 4 This was the entry into the town. They are located along old ditches fed Built by Pierre de Courtenay, then by the Loire, which have been filled in modified in 1468. over the years. These are the last ves- tiges of the compound of Decize that was built in 1194 by Pierre de Courte- nay, the Count of Nevers.
4 Decize
> Walk along the Rue du Marquis > When you come out of the church, d’Ancre and then, on the right, take the path and walk around take the Rue Jean Jacques the church, and come out at the Rousseau. Here you will find the Place Guy Coquille (the Town Hall church of Saint-Aré. square). On this square you will see a tower. Church of Saint-Aré and its crypt 6 Tour de l’Horloge or Tour Guy Coquille 7 The parish church dedicated to Saint- Aré, Bishop of Nevers (548-558), who, when he died, wished that his body be placed in a boat and buried wherever it stopped. According to legend, the boat went up the river as far as Decize, where the saint was buried. The church dates from the 11th century and it was altered in the 17th and 19th centuries. The only part remaining of the Romanesque building is the choir where the crypt was built in the 7th century in honour of Saint-Aré.
The tower was built in 1848. It is 33 metres high, has 3 bells of which the biggest was cast in 1622 and weighs about 1,300 kg. The statue of Guy Coquille (1523-1603) can be seen in an alcove of the tower. He was a lawyer, advisor to the Dukes of Nevers and Attorney General of the Nièvre. 5 Decize
> Go down the Rue de la République, then turn right (staircase), and go up the Rue Marguerite Monnot. On your left you will see the former Couvent des Minimes.
Ancien Couvent des Minimes - Olga Olby room 8
The Prieuré Saint-Pierre, built by the The buildings around the cloister are Benedictine monks of the Abbey now home to the “Pierre Lôo” day- of Saint Germain d’Auxerre in 1026 care hospital. The cloister is closed to stood on this site where this ancient the public except on Heritage Days. church (currently the Olga Olby room) and the neighbouring buildings now The old church which now serves as stand. The Priory went into decline an exhibition room and also for hos- at the end of the 15th century, and ting concerts, is named after Olga was transferred in 1621 to the Minim Olby (1900-1990), a Russian painter, fathers. who donated her work to the town of Decize. In 1629, the Minims altered the buil- dings and the cloister to the form they are in now and added the stone walls.
6 Decize
> Continue your walk along the > Go down the Rue du Grenier à Sel, same street to find the house then the Rue Saint-Just to arrive where Marguerite Monnot was at the square of the same name. born. Place Saint-Just (1767-1794) 10 Birthplace of Marguerite Monnot 9 This square is named after Louis- Antoine de Saint-Just. Born in She was born in Decize on 28 May, Decize on 25 August 1767, he lived 1903. Early on, she proved to be an in the Nièvre during the first eight excellent musician. A precocious years of his life. He was elected as a pianist and violinist, she was already Député for Soissons in 1792, and he composing at the age of five. had a meteoric political career. He become one of the most influential Destined for classical music by her members of the Committee of Public parents, she turned to variety, songs, Safety, Saint-Just was responsible film music, and musicals. Marguerite for reorganizing the armed forces Monnot wrote the music of around 50 of the North and East. Responsible songs for Edith Piaf, including: MiLord, for the Reign of Terror, he followed the Hymn to Love, My Legionnaire. Robespierre, Lebas and Couthon to the scaffold on 10 thermidor year II (28 July 1794). His bust, sculpted by Pierre Peignot, was placed on the façade of a house in the square that bears his name.
7 Decize
> Facing the Place Saint-Just, For nearly two centuries, the old spanning the backwater of the stone bridge was in a very bad state Loire (the Vieille Loire), is the and several arches were replaced by bridge of the Vieille Loire. wooden walkways.
Pont du Vieille Loire 11 This arm of the Loire which was used for navigation and the Ports of Decize The first stone of the Pont du Vieille were on the bank of Saint-Privé and Loire was laid on 7 October 1775, along the Champ de Foire. in the presence of the Intendant du Bourbonnais. It has eleven arches and In 1844, to ensure the passage at all the abutments have enabled quays times of barges on the Canal du Ni- and waterways on both sides. vernais to the Canal Latéral à la Loire, the company Ponts et Chaussées built The arm of the Loire that crosses un- a 200 metre long dam or submersible der this bridge is very narrow and only barrage at the tip of the island, on the flows intermittently. It is called the side of La Saulaie, to push the water Vieille Loire. This has not always been to the left over time. the case. From that moment on, the right arm was allowed to silt up.
8 Decize
Nature trail “Vieille Loire”
Start : Quai de l’Office de Tourisme There are also quizzes and mini-ga- Place du Champ de Foire mes to test the knowledge of the 300 metres (one way) walkers.
Tucked away in the Pointe des Halles, this walk, which runs along the Vieille Loire has twenty educational panels. Arranged along the trail, they enable children and adults to discover the ecosystem of the Loire Valley, as well as the cultural and natural history of the South-Nivernais area.
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9 Map Historic Tour
R UE DES HALLES 1
B OULEV DÉPART ALLÉE MAR
ARD DOCTEUR GA CEL MERLE
VOLTAIRE ARD PLACE DU L BOULEV V ANG CHAMP DE FOIRE
LEVÉE DE LOIRE RUE DES FOSSES
R
S UE DES PÊCHEURS
T
R A P
TEUR
AS 2 3 R
UE LED DES REM DES
UE P
R OCHEREAU R UE T R U R R RUE GRIVEAU OLLIN RUE DENFER ANC PLACE RUE LOUIS BL SAINT-JUST ARRIVÉE R UE DU Dr GR
R UE C PLACE HANOTEAU OS ARN
4 O LA RÉPUBLIQUE T R A UE GUY RUE DE 8 VENUE VICT OUSSEAU 7 R R C UE DU 4 SEPTEMBRE OQUILLE SQUARE GAMBETT R ACQUES OR HUGO UE MARECHAL R JEAN J RUE P UE MAR T FOCH AUL BER S R UE T AINT-JU
UE DU MARQUIS Dʼ R R RUE S GUERITE MONN UE C L AUDE TILLIER A
ANCRE
6 SEL À GRENIER
UE DURUE MADELEINE 962 O R T 9 MARS 1
ANCRE MARQUIS Dʼ 5 RUE DU 1 RUE DU
VENUE DU GUE DU LOUP
A 10 Map Historic Tour
R UE DES HALLES
B OULEV DÉPART ALLÉE MAR Visit the town following ARD DOCTEUR GA CEL MERLE the “Greffier Barbicho” VOLTAIRE ARD PLACE DU L BOULEV V ANG CHAMP DE FOIRE
LEVÉE DE LOIRE RUE DES FOSSES
R
S UE DES PÊCHEURS
T
R A P
TEUR Office de Tourisme AS R
UE LED DES REM DES
UE P
R OCHEREAU R UE T R U R R RUE GRIVEAU UE DENFER OLLIN 11 1 Promenade des Halles R LANC PLACE RUE LOUIS B SAINT-JUST ARRIVÉE R 10 UE DU Dr GR 2 3 Ravelin and Echauguette
R de la Croix Voisin UE C PLACE HANOTEAU OS ARN 4 O LA RÉPUBLIQUE Les Tours T R A UE GUY RUE DE VENUE VICT OUSSEAU R
R C 5 UE DU 4 SEPTEMBRE OQUILLE SQUARE GAMBETT Porte du Marquis d’Ancre R ACQUES OR HUGO UE MARECHAL R JEAN J RUE P UE MA T FOCH AUL BER S R UE T AINT-JU 6
UE DU MARQUIS Dʼ R Église Saint-Aré R R RUE S GUERITE MONN UE C L AUDE TILLIER A
ANCRE 7
GRENIER À SEL À GRENIER Tour de l’Horloge or
UE DURUE MADELEINE 962 Tour Guy Coquille O R T 9 MARS 1
ANCRE MARQUIS Dʼ RUE DU 1 8 RUE DU Ancien Couvent 9 des Minimes, Salle Olga Olby
9 Birthplace of Marguerite Monnot
10 Place Saint-Just
11 Pont de la Vieille Loire
VENUE DU GUE DU LOUP
A 11 The Musée de la Mine and the Puits des Glénons
La Machine
The Musée de la Mine and the Puits des Glénons 1, avenue de la République - 58260 La Machine For nearly two hundred years coal has been the main resource of the town. In 1974, when the last mine shaft was closed in La Machine, many miners wanted to perpetuate the memory of their profession with something that was educational and instructive, but also very interesting. Open since 1983, the Musée de la Mine and the Puits des Glénons are complementary and enable you to enjoy a memo- rable historical experience!
“Energy for a sustainable world” Visit the temporary exhibition at The Musée de la Mine, installed in the the Museum. former administrative headquarters of the “Houillères“, traces the history This exhibition, focusing on scientific of coal and the life of the “Gueules topics, helps you understand the Noires“ or miners. The Museum has relationship between energy objects, photographs and models and development. It also shows that have been given by former the connection between fossil miners. There is also the office of fuels, formerly used in the Mine the Directors, the large map room, de La Machine, and sustainable development, a defining element for a model of the town, collections of our present and future society. minerals, fossils, lamps and numerous Consisting of 13 panels with 12 personal descriptions of mining interactive experiences, this exhibition history. addresses current topics in a fun way. So it is interesting both for children and adults.
12 The Musée de la Mine and the Puits des Glénons
Days and opening times: From 1 March to 14 June and 16 September to 31 October Sundays and holidays (except 1 May) from 14h00 to 18h00 From 15 June to 15 September Every day from 14h00 to 19h00
Times of guided tours of the Puits des Glénons (depending on attendance) Low season: 14h30 - 16h00 -17h30 High season: 14h30 - 15h00 -16h00 16h30 -17h30 The Puits des Glénons and the mine (From 6 July to 1 September 2019) gallery shows you the harsh working conditions of miners, women, children Allow 2h30 for visiting both sites and animals. Your guide will show you how the coal was extracted, the Rates (tickets available only at the support technologies and the safety Museum reception) rules... in a gallery with easy access. The ticket office closes at 17h30 Lamps and helmets will be provided Full price: €6 for the visit (wearing flat shoes is Half price: €3 strongly advised). A unique place, accessible to the largest number of Souvenir shop people to experience an exciting day!
Information and reservations Tel. 03 86 50 91 08 Enhance your visit to the museum! [email protected] Audioguides €1 www.sud-nivernais.fr Have a look at the Facebook page for the Musée de la Mine
13 La Machine
Circuit n° 1 “The Town” Start and Finish: Musée de la Mine - 1 Avenue de la République 2 km
Follow the descriptive panels and discover the centre of this town by wandering past the main buildings and landmarks. ANLEZY 1 Siège de la Houillère 2 Presbytère 3 Collège, école, Place des Fusillés Cité 4 Place A. Grillot Sainte-Eudoxie A ven THIANGES ue 5 de Église Ruisseau de la Meule la R é p u b 6 l Mairie iq CHAMPVERT u e 7 Puits des Glénons f eu N
g
8 n
École des Filles et Salle a
t
É ’ l
d’Asile e d Pedestrian and cycling e u Étang Neuf R link to the Canal du Nivernais 9 Bornes du Bois des Sœurs Rue Jean Jaurès 10 Infirmerie
11 Transport de force et Puits Cité Puits Sainte-Marie des Glénons Recreation area de la Chapelle at the Étang Grenetier (1 km) Additional panels outside
the circuit Rue Paul Vaillant Couturier Bois TROIS VÈVRES Rue de Decize NEVERS des Sœurs 12 Gare de Classement
13 Stades des Buttes Cité des Minimes 14 SAINT LÉGER DES VIGNES Étang Grénetier Puits 15 des Minimes DECIZE / MOULINS Pré Charpin Puits Henri Paul (à 0,5 km )
14 La Machine
ANLEZY
Cité Sainte-Eudoxie A ven THIANGES ue de Ruisseau de la Meule la R é p u b l iq CHAMPVERT u e f eu N
g n a t
É ’ l e d Pedestrian and cycling e 4 u Étang Neuf R link to the Canal du Nivernais Rue Jean Jaurès 6 2 3 5
Puits Cité 8 Sainte-Marie 1 7 des Glénons Recreation area at the Étang Grenetier (1 km) 11 10 14 15 Rue Paul Vaillant Couturier Bois TROIS VÈVRES Rue de 9Decize 12 13 NEVERS des Sœurs
Cité des Minimes SAINT LÉGER DES VIGNES Puits des Minimes DECIZE / MOULINS Puits Henri Paul (à 0,5 km )
15 La Machine
Circuit n°2 “The Miners Houses” Start and Finish: Musée de la Mine - 1 avenue de la République 3.5 Km
Follow this circuit to find out more about the homes of the “Gueules Noires”, as the miners were called, by exploring the old mining “cités”, the flats and houses where they lived. ANLEZY
* From the Cité Sainte-Marie, there is an additional circuit (3.7 km) to see the Cité Sainte-Eudoxie, the Maison Témoin and the Étang Neuf.
1 Siège de la Houillère Cité 16 Cité des Zagots Sainte Eudoxie A ven THIANGES 17 ue Cité Sainte Marie de Ruisseau de la Meule la R é p u b 18 l Cité Sainte-Eudoxie iq CHAMPVERT 18 u e 19 Maison Témoin 19 f eu N
g
Circuit annexe 20 Étang Neuf n a
t
É ’ l
21 e Puits des Zagots d Pedestrian and cycling e u Étang Neuf R link to the Canal du Nivernais 22 Rue Jean Jaurès Casernes 20 23 Cité des Minimes 11 Transport de force and Puits Cité Sainte Marie Recreation area de la Chapelle at the Étang Puits Grenetier (1 km) des Glénons
Rue Paul Vaillant Couturier Panels for the additional Bois TROIS VÈVRES Rue de Decize circuit NEVERS des Sœurs
Cité des Minimes 24 SAINT LÉGER DES VIGNES Pensions ou Cantines Puits 26 25 des Minimes DECIZE / MOULINS Puits des Minimes Puits Henri Paul 26 Puits Henri-Paul (à 0,5 km ) 16 La Machine
ANLEZY
Cité Sainte Eudoxie A ven THIANGES ue de Ruisseau de la Meule la R é p u b l iq CHAMPVERT u e f eu N
g n a t
É ’ l 17 e d Pedestrian and cycling e u Étang Neuf R link to the Canal du Nivernais Rue Jean Jaurès 21 16 22 Cité Sainte Marie 1 Recreation area at the Étang Grenetier (1 km) 11 Puits des Glénons
Rue Paul Vaillant Couturier Bois TROIS VÈVRES Rue de Decize des Sœurs NEVERS 23
Cité des Minimes 25 SAINT LÉGER DES VIGNES 24 Puits des Minimes DECIZE / MOULINS Puits Henri Paul (à 0,5 km )
17 History of our Villages
Avril-sur-Loire
Between the Loire and the Canal Latéral à la Loire, Avril-sur-Loire is a paradise for fishermen and hikers with the lake of Forge-Neuve, the Acolin and the Abron. Cyclists can take the Véloroute and stop to admire the Romanesque church and its crypt or join the path that leads to the Loire.
To visit the church, the keys can be collected at the Mairie (Town Hall) on Tuesday and Friday from 14h00 to 18h00
Tel. 03 86 25 00 23
Béard
Located on the banks of the Loire, between Imphy and Decize, the vil- lage of Béard, with 172 inhabitants, offers a variety of views of the Loire together with its remarkable fauna and flora, as well as forestry (classed in the Natura 2000 network) and agri- culture with an activity of mixed crops and livestock farming (charolais beef, sheep and goat). This village is known for its beautiful Romanesque church of Saint-Laurent de Béard, dating from the 12th century (open for visits daily from 9h00 to 18h00) and it is a classified historic building. The village has also a picnic area, on the edge of the Loire and a playground for children. The station of Béard has re- gular train services to and from Decize, Imphy and Nevers. In the summer there are exhibitions and concerts in the Church as well as a village fete with fireworks. 18 History of our Villages
Champvert
Champvert was created around the year 58 BC when the Romans discovered the Loire and its tributaries, and there are still the remains of villas, baths, pottery and coins. Champvert is skirted by the Canal du Nivernais and the Véloroute. The Port «La Copine» was used for loading coal for a long time from the Mines of La Machine.
You can’t miss the amazing bell tower of its church. In 1678 it was destroyed in a thunderstorm and was rebuilt only 58 years later. This is the reason the spire turns: the rain, the snow and the sun having twisted the wood.
Cossaye
Located at 219 metres above sea level, the Acolin, and the Ozon are the ma- jor rivers that run through the village of Cossaye. With mainly Charolais catt- le breeding and mixed crop farming, it’s a quiet place where you can enjoy a gentle way of life. Whilst strolling around the village, you will come across a Lavoir (washhouse), the Chapelle des Ouillères, windmills and timber framed houses.
A lovely well-kept lake com- bines the joys of fishing and sport. You can enjoy numerous walks in open country and through the forest. Bordered by the Canal Latéral à la Loire, look out for the storks that come to nest here each year.
19 History of our Villages
Devay
Devay is a recent village located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the plain of the Loire, about 4 km. There are five hiking trails which go through the village and continue on to dis- cover the last wild river in Europe and its bird observatory on the backwater of the Loire. (See map in the «Guide Loisirs-Nature en Sud Nivernais” available from the Tourist Office).
Devay is now a stopover for the Euro Vélo- route n° 6 linking Nantes to Budapest. (Rest area with drinking water and toilets, gite and bed and breakfast nearby). The village church is characterized by its neo-Romanesque style and includes a 19th century font showing Saint Victor.
In the chancel of the recently restored church you can see the work of the Ber- richon painter Raphaël BODIN (1898), showing the last supper. He used the marouflage technique, painting on canvas probably painted in his studio, then attached to the wall, which explains the remarkable finesse and extraordinary brightness of the work.
For the opening hours of the Church in the summer, please contact the Mairie on 03 86 50 37 11 or 06 70 60 50 40.
Druy-Parigny
The village of Druy-Parigny is located between Nevers and Decize. In 2014, the village had 348 inhabitants. The Saint-Martin church dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. It is built in a cruciform shape completed by a semicircular apse, a vaulted semi-dome with three arched windows. The Chancel, transept, and east side of the nave are vaulted – the west side is not vaulted, is wider than the rest and dates from the 15th century.
20 History of our Villages
Fleury-sur-Loire
The village is bordered by the Canal Latéral à la Loire and is a very pretty place for boats to stop. In the village, you can visit the Romanesque church of Saint-Julien which is in a cruciform shape with a barrel chancel and a semi-dome apse. The square bell tower has twin openings, separated by columns with sculpted capitals. It has a tall steeple covered in slate. The wooden bridge of Fleury-sur-Loire was built in 1834 and was replaced with a bridge made of metal girders on stone abutments in a project in 1862 by the engineer Verde- voye. The work was carried out in 1862-1863 by the company Mielle et Coltier. This bridge is unique throughout the length of the Canal Latéral à la Loire. To visit the church, the keys can be collected at the Mairie, when it is open: Monday 13h30 to 18h30, Tuesday: 8h00 to 9h00 and 13h30 to 17h30, Thursday and Friday: 13h30 to 18h30.
Imphy
Located 12 kilometres from Nevers, on the right bank of the Loire, at the mouth of the Ixeure, sur- rounded by forests, Imphy has about 3,600 inha- bitants. The capital of the canton since 1985, its image will remain for a long time associated with its chimneys, which open up to the diversity of its environment and its infrastructure. The town having obtained 2 flowers classification in the “Villages Fleuris” competition is equipped for modern sport and culture, and is widely used by the many associations of the town. Its church of the 12th century has a superb organ. The town band has been rated as excellent. Imphy is known especially for its metallurgy which has evolved over more than three centuries, notably in 1887 by ma- nufacturing the 16 blocks that support one of the feet of the Eiffel Tower, by the in- vention of the alloy Invar and by its research that is always at the forefront of progress.
21 History of our Villages
La Fermeté
Surrounded by forests and valleys, this charming village with the Ixeure river running next to it, is located in the north of the Communauté de Communes Sud Nivernais, halfway between Imphy and Saint-Benin-of Azy, and covers 3,600 hectares. With its pleasant landscape, the village has a sense of serenity and tranquillity. In the centre of the village, its wide leafy square invites you to rest under the The former Benedictine Priory: from lime, plane and chestnut trees, most 1240 to 1792, La Fermeté had an in- of them over a hundred years old. tense monastic life. A convent of nuns This exceptional setting and the proxi- had developed into a large structure. mity of Nevers make La Fermeté a The contemporary chroniclers placed growing residential community which it as one of the biggest basilicas in today has 705 inhabitants. Pretty litt- France. Unfortunately, a criminal fire le houses combine the charm of old burnt the buildings to the ground. stonework with decorative flowers These remains are still visible at the (the village received its first flower place called «Le Couvent». in the “Villages Fleuris” competition). This increase in population is especial- The Château de Cigogne: there is only ly beneficial for trade, crafts, and the a tower of this 15th century castle school (which now has four classes), remaining which has been renovated, and emphasises the dynamism of the and a Renaissance turret with a spiral village shown in the existing sports staircase, flanked by a bretèche. clubs and associations. The Château de Prye: from the 12th and The village has preserved the traces of 13th centuries, it was the property of its history and impressive ruins bear wit- Marie-Casimir de La Grange d’Arquien, ness to the grandeur of its past: Queen of Poland from 1674 to 1696, and can be visited on heritage days.
22 History of our Villages
La Machine
La Machine takes its name from the first coal mining machine installed in 1689 by the Belgian engineer Daniel Michel. The town has grown with the develop- ment of mining and the arrival of new workers from other coalfields but also from abroad (Poland, Italy, China...).
The visit of the Musée de la Mine (pages 12-13) is not to be missed. To com- plete your visit, two circuits (pages 14-16) allow you to explore the town with its residential areas and the facilities typical of a former mining town.
Lamenay-sur-Loire
A charming small village bordered by the Canal La- téral à la Loire where you can go fishing and hiking. There is also a pottery workshop to visit.
23 History of our Villages
Lucenay-les-Aix During your walk you can admire the heritage that includes a beautiful la- Lucenay-les-Aix, a charming small rural voir (wash house), the Romanesque village of 1066 inhabitants is located church of Saint-Germain, the Château in the south of the Department at d’Ozon etc. 215 m of altitude. A commune right on the edge of the Nièvre, it adjoins 5 Théodore de Banville, a French poet villages of the Allier. The rivers Ozon, who lived in Lucenay-les-Aix for a long the Acolin and the Abron are the main time. waterways that cross the municipality. The main street is named after him. On foot, you can fully enjoy the sur- rounding nature and discover the se- crets of the countryside by following our 3 marked hiking trails and keeping your eyes open to see the different changes of scenery that surround you. Starting point: Salle des Fêtes. Awarded 3 flowers in the “Villages Fleuris” competition, Lucenay-les-Aix has all the shops necessary for every- day living.
Saint-Germain-Chassenay
In this part of the Nièvre, Saint-Germain-Chassenay is distinguished by its many footpaths, that can take you to the two castles in the commune, Saint-Loup and Beauvoir (private homes), which are found in the midst of forest and green fields. There is a multiservice shop where you can break your walk. Château de Saint-Loup (Manor house): visit by ap- pointment only.
Tel. 03 86 25 55 12
24 History of our Villages
Saint-Léger-des-Vignes
At the beginning of the 19th century, Saint-Léger-des-Vignes was a commercial and active village due to its geographical situation: located at the start of the Canal du Nivernais and bordered by the Loire and the Aron. Its raw materials and its industries: wood, gypsum, a plaster factory but above all the Verreries glassworks which manufactured champagne bottles, and also those of its neighbouring communities were going to be an important element in the dynamics of the ports, the Charbonnière and Saint-Thibault. The latter is now home to tourist boats here to discover the Canal du Nivernais.
The barrage was built in 1836 to increase the level of the bed of the Loire and thus facilitate navigation. The gothic inspired Church is decorated with paintings by the local artist Olga Olby.
25 History of our Villages
Saint-Ouen-sur-Loire
Saint-Ouen-sur-Loire is made up of three main hamlets: the Essarts, the Port-des-Bois and the village centre with a total area of 2,371 ha, an altitude of 177 to 287 meters and a population of 570 on 1 January 2017.
Our village is named after a missionary bishop of the 7th century. At the time (under King Dagobert), the name was pronounced «AUDOWYN», At the «Port-des-Bois», all these of Germanic origin, which became houses lined up along the path that the Latin equivalent «AUDOENUS”. goes down to the Loire, is in complete Later, it was «Saint-Oingt» which contrast to the lively atmosphere that became Saint-Ouën. To avoid postal historians describe at the time when delivery errors, in the 60s the name the Loire was not only the river of was changed to «Saint-Ouen-sur - châteaux, but a vital communication Loire». The inhabitants are called the route to the centre of France, for the AUDONIENS. delivery of the wood. At that time there was a pier called The current church, Saint-Barthélémy, «Le Port-des-Bois». was erected in 1902 on the initiative of Madame Imbart de la Tour. The You can take the footpath that will font is from the 16th century and lead you to the edge of the Loire that the bell is from the 15th century. goes along the gravel pit. Saint-Ouen- The old Romanesque church dating sur-Loire also has its own fishing from the 12th century, which became lake, located between meadows and dangerous, was located on the left forests. You can spend the whole day side of the village. walking around the lake, or for any fisherman, enjoy this place to fish.
26 History of our Villages
Sougy-sur-Loire
Things to see: the church of Saint-Bénigne, a Romanesque building in the shape of a Latin cross of the 12th century with stained glass windows showing Christ on the cross, surrounded by a kneeling Madeleine and Marie. Also explore the Fretys wood, ideal for walks under the shade of large trees. You will find the Chêne de Toulon which is 400 years old. The charming hamlet of Tinte, located on the Loire, where there is a beautiful nature walk. It has a dramatic history, especially during the hundred year’s war, during which the village was burned down (1359). The Chapelle Sainte Catherine, which was rebuilt after this bloody episode, is modest and rustic. It can be seen as a backdrop in the film «Hiroshima, mon amour».
Sougy-sur-Loire also enjoys the presence of several big private châteaux (Bateau, Fontas, Rosières), that give it a very interesting history and national heritage. Sougy-sur-Loire also has the largest sawmill in the department, BSS (Bois et Sciages de Sougy).
Thianges
Thianges, whose name means “the high houses, bordered by a stream”, was a large Archiprêtré (an area between a parish and a diocese) grouping together 43 parish churches and chapels. Discover the lavoirs or wash houses of the villages “Germignon” and “Queudries” and stroll through its vast forest.
To visit the Church, you can collect the keys from the Mairie, when it is open: Monday morning, Tuesday afternoon, Friday and Saturday, 8h00 - 10h30.
27 History of our Villages
Toury-Lurcy
Shared over the centuries between the Bourbonnais in the south and the Nivernais in the north, the villages of Lurcy-sur-Abron and Toury marked the limit of the two provinces. As early as the 12th century the village of Toury- Lurcy was one of the strongholds of the Comtes of Thoury (where it gets its name). The parish church Saint-Martin was rebuilt in 1815 on the site of the former Romanesque church judging by the debris of the entrance (according to Mr De Soultrait in 1875). In 1805, the sanctuary and the chancel, as a half dome, were rebuilt with funding from the inhabitants of Toury-Lurcy. It has a single nave, without transept. The commune was created in 1823 by joining together Toury and Lurcy-sur-Abron.
Verneuil
A name of Latin origin meaning «Clearing of the Alders» (the Alder tree), Verneuil has lasted across the ages since there are traces of a Roman road, a feudal motte and an old castle built in the 13th century. At the architectural level, you mustn’t miss the church of Saint-Laurent, a classified historical mo- nument and built in the 12th century. The church, of Romanesque style, is the main landmark in the history of the village and contains splendid fres- coes from the 15th century with the «Trois Morts et des Trois Vifs» painting measuring 7.60 m long. During the first war world Verneuil also was host to a camp, workshops and 7,000 soldiers of the US Army for the construction of vehicles used in combat. After the armistice, cars made from the remaining stock of parts were even sold under the name Ford-Verneuil. The memorial of the two wars is a remin- der of the military past of the village. Along the edges of the Canal du Nivernais, you can enjoy the calm and uns- poilt countryside, and go fishing, walking and hiking, and also discover the river «Aron» with a canoe / kayak trip up to Decize.
28 Tours of Decize
Once upon a time Decize … between cultural heritage and oenology!
Come and explore the main sites • Thursday 11, 18, 25 July, 1, 8, 22 of Decize. Our guides will open the August and Friday 16 August doors to the landmarks of the town • From 17h30 to 19h30 (access to the ruins of the château • Rates: €5 / adult and € 3.50/children and the underground galleries, the (6 to 12 years) church and crypt of Saint-Aré and the Olga Olby room). “Introduction to oenology”’ option To end your historic walk, as an op- on booking (supplement of € 7 to € tion, at aperitif time, we offer an ini- 10 / pers., depending on the number tiation in oenology with appetizers, of people). with a professional, to discover two wines of the region. A convivial mo- Start: Office de Tourisme ment to learn the basics without any taboos, blind tasting!
Information and Reservations Office de Tourisme Place du Champ de Foire Tel. 03 86 25 27 23 [email protected]
29 Tours of Decize
Evening Visit “The Lights of Decize”
Our guides will tell you about the le- • Tuesdays 9 and 30 July / Tuesday gends of Decize, the historical charac- 6 August and Friday 23 August ters of the town and take you round • From 20h30 to 22h30 (visit 2 August the ruins of the old château and its un- from 20h00 to 22h00) derground galleries. A great atmos- • Rates: €5 / adult and € 3.50/children phere for visiting Decize differently. (6 to 12 years) Enjoy this with your family! Lanterns provided. Start: Office de Tourisme
Information and Reservations Office de Tourisme Place du Champ de Foire Tel. 03 86 25 27 23 [email protected]
30 Tours of Decize
Evening Visit “Decize from the Loire”
Welcome to the Port of Decize. • Tuesday, July 16 and August 13 Stop for a short time and the town will • From 20h30 to 22h30 welcome you and tell you its history. • Rates: €5 / adult and € 3.50/children Discover the canal and its locks, the (6 to 12 years) Loire and its bridges and strange tales from the time when we had wolves Start: Port de la Jonction here. Lanterns provided.
Information and Reservations Office de Tourisme Place du Champ de Foire Tel. 03 86 25 27 23 [email protected]
31 Tours of Decize
Heavens above.....from history to the stars!
At the summit of the island of Decize, A guide from the Terroir et Patri- in the ruins of the old Castle, heritage moine association and a member of and astronomy come together! the astronomy club of Imphy will wel- After exploring the remains of this come you for a unique evening at the powerful fortress, your eyes are castle of Decize, with your head in the raised upwards to observe the stars stars! in the sky. How do you distinguish a planet from a star? What is the speed • Tuesday, 23 July of light? What is a galaxy? • From 21h15 to 23h30 • Rates: €5 / adult and € 3.50/children How to find the famous «Summer (6 to 12 years) Triangle» and why is the Great Bear called that? Start: Office de Tourisme
Information and Reservations Office de Tourisme Place du Champ de Foire Tel. 03 86 25 27 23 [email protected] 32 Tours of La Machine
At the end of the day “La Machine at the time of the Mine”
Come and find out about the mining • Wednesday 10, 17, 24 and 31 July heritage of the town of La Machine in and 7, 14, 21 and 28 August the dusk. By looking at the old mine • From 20h00 to 22h00 (about 3 km workings, the schools, the miners’ walk) housing, your guide will plunge you • Rates: €5 / adult - €3 / children up into the daily world of the miners and to 18 years, students, unemployed, their families. disabled
Start: Musée de la Mine
Information and Reservations Musée de la Mine 1, avenue de la République Tél. 03 86 50 91 08 [email protected]
33 Nearby Visits
From 30 to 40 km From 60 to 100 km Within 120km Nevers Château Chinon Guédelon (Yonne) Town of art and history, Musée du Septennat, Medieval site (Castle with an important archi- housing the official gifts under construction) tectural heritage of François Mitterrand Musée de la Faïence Saint-Fargeau (Yonne) Bourges (Cher) Castle and historic show Village of Apremont- Town of art and history in July / August sur-Allier and its floral Cathedral and Old Town park (Cher) Vézelay (Yonne) Classified among the Bibracte Basilique Sainte Ma- most beautiful villages Ancient Gallic historical deleine, classified as of France Town (Museum and UNESCO World heritage Allow 1 hour (village) archaeological site) site ½ day (village + Park) Autun (Saône-et-Loire) La Charité-sur-Loire Town of art and history Town of art and history Many Gallo-Roman Church of Notre Dame remains, and its Priory. Cathedral of Saint-Lazare UNESCO World heritage site.
Moulins-sur-Allier (Allier) Town of art and history Centre National du Costume de Scène (Museum)
The lakes of Vaux and Baye, the locks of Sardy les Epiry Natural and architectu- ral heritage along the edges of the Canal du Nivernais
34 The Confluence seen from the sky History Guide The South Nivernais 2019 Pocket Guide
OFFICE DE TOURISME Place du Champ de Foire 58300 Decize
03 86 25 27 23
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Design: Agence Dédicaces – Photo Credits : OTCNC, Ville de Decize, CCSN and communes CCSN, CCSNMB, M.Masson, A.Chazeau - Adobe Stock : Goodluz