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.
