The Loire and Allier rivers are considered to be two of Europe’s largest, least developed waterways. Their dynamic remains strong: during floods, the channels open or close and sandbanks move. The Nièvre river has both morphological aspects characteristic of large waterways. The Loire and Allier wander in their beds upstream from where they meet, creating many meanders. Downstream from the Bec d’Allier, the waterway divides into several channels, separated by banks and wooded islands. This is known as a braided riverbed. This results in vastly diverse landscapes with natural and semi-natural environments that have original flora and fauna. Many approved or pending protection and listing procedures demonstrate this, making the Loire river a monument of European natural heritage.

Scenic route: the Loire bargemen’s itinerary
In Nièvre’s Loire valley, this traditional small river barge will lead on a discovery of this wild river called the Loire, and the history of residents who earned their living from this river: mainly through river transportation. The rivers and canals of Nièvre, Burgundy, and the centre of France in general were once at the heart of intense trade activity. Very soon, the Nièvre department’s natural resources (wood, iron ore, stone, etc.), diverse products such as wine, pottery, and earthenware were marketed beyond their regions of production. All cities along this river have preciously preserved accounts, heritage, arts and crafts, museums, old rigs, curiosities, and gastronomy. The bargemen’s itinerary invites you to discover them through this Loire nautical theme. Thirty or so craftsmen and producers will open their doors to you along the way, and share the passion for their trades. A brochure with the route indicated by half-day, day, or 2-day stages is available for visitors in the area’s tourist information offices, to help follow this itinerary that has been marked out with signs.

Le Bec d’Allier
The Bec d’Allier has major cultural and ecological heritage, as well a symbolic aspect. From a natural point of view, the sand banks, arms, alluvial forest, prairies, and moors are home to many diverse plants and animals. Culturally, the Bec d’Allier Village in the Guétin commune is a typical ancient bargemen’s village. It is constructed behind a dike, on which can be seen the rings used to moor “futreaux” (traditional river boats) and sailing barges. Nearby, one can discover the Canal latéral à la Loire and the famous Guétin canal bridge, which is the only technical feasible solution for boats to cross the Allier river. The Marzy panorama offers view plunging down to where the rivers meet.

Barge outings on the Loire
In summer, discover the heritage of the Loire river on a barge:
The Tourist Office of Decize at 03.86.25.27.23 a 1-hour trip on board
“La Nivernaise” on the old Loire and on Loire, maximum 6 people, leave from
The Tourist Office, Place du Champ de Foire at 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. (Tuesdays,Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays).
Sundays leave from “Stade nautique”, pointe des Halles. Prices: adults € 8, children (-12 years) € 6; necessary booking at the Tourist Office of Decize,
Tel. 03.86.25.27.23 or Tel. 03.86.25.33.83 (on Sunday).

Travelling on the Loire river
The L.O.I.R.E. association (Loire Organisation, Innovations, Randonnées, Evénements), offers nature discoveries outings, hikes or treks on the Loire or Allier rivers. From half-day through the whole week, free or guided tours. Everything is available for every request : nature, sport, travel…
Contact : L.O.I.R.E., 8 rue de la Chaussade, 58000 Nevers,Tel. 03.86.57.69.76

DISCOVERY TRAILS
The “passeur” trail (Gimouille; 3 km; 90 min. round trip)
discover the site’s natural wealth by means of 11 educational markers.
An observatory at the end overlooks the rivers’ meeting point and makes it possible to watch migrant birds reproducing on the banks. A brochure, available at the Tourist Office and local shops, explains how to get to The Passeur Trail.
Free entry, open daily. Guided tours available.
Contact: “Instant Nature” at tel. 03.86.57.98.76

Domaine de la Beue (Varennes-Vauzelles; 1,6 km; 1h)
Lépido-Butterfly, and Robin-Redbreast will indicate the beech stands, prairie, streams, reeds, sandy moors with brooms, sapling stands and thickets by means of educational markers. Two 800-m educational itineraries, 1 with disabled access. Free entry, open daily.

Ver-Vert trail, Loire River banks (Nevers; 3.5 km; 2 hours 30 min.)
With the parrot “Ver-Vert” as your guide, you will discover river history, its dynamics, overflows, different environments, Loire fauna and flora, nautical history, and traditional river activities, all thanks to explanatory panels. You can also follow a trail variation on the hillside.
Contact: “Instant Nature” at tel. 03.86.57.98.76

Bertranges Forest
Forest covering approximately 10000 ha composed of fine oak stands combined with beech trees. Two major sites:The Reserve “roundabout”, forest crossroads and starting point for walking trails; and the Grand Mare site.
Ask for a map of the Forest at: 03.86.90.11.04
Contact:“Instant Nature” for Guided tours at tel. 03.86.57.98.76

Guérigny Forest
A lovely state forest where boars and stag can be seen in an enclosure along a mirador promontory. Forest garden and hunting dog breeding centre as well.

Prémery Forest
Guided tours by the Forestry Commission starting from Prémery.
Themes:
Fauna discovery (3 hours)
Forest massif discovery (3 hours)
Man and the Forest in Nièvre (history, economic role, folk traditions) (3 hours) Forester: a trade (3 hours)

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