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Motorhoming in the Nievre
Motorhoming in the Nievre
Nievre is one of the four departments of the Bourgogne. Its largest town, Nevers, situated in the south west of the department finds itself almost at the centre of France, so if motorhome travel in France is of interest to you, get right to the heart of things in the Nievre.
If you’re travelling in the Bourgogne, you might want to try out the Aires de Service in the Yonne, just north of the Nievre while wandering along the roads to arrive in this department which is perhaps best known for its National Park, the Morvan. The ‘green heart’ of the Bourgogne is an extensive natural park with stunningly beautiful forests, rolling hills and lakes, all on a very large scale.
It’s rooted in Celtic culture, Morvan meaning ‘Black Mountain’ but despite this name, the highest point is just 3000 feet and the area is ideal for walkers and hikers and also for mountain biking. You can follow the well-marked trails and stop off in one of the many small villages along the way. Even driving along the small country lanes is enough to transport you back to another era, a long way from the hubbub of modern living.
Not surprisingly with all of its forests, the Nievre has a history in the trade of wood. You can visit the town of Clamency, commonly known as a wood town. The cut wood was thrown into the waterways, and helped along by a system of dams, found its way to Clamency where it was put onto ‘logtrains’ which were transferred onto the river Yonne and sent off to Paris where the logs were used to keep the Bourgeois warm.
If you’re hiring a motorhome in France or hiring a motorhome in England, use the free Aires de Service in the Nievre to stay overnight before continuing your trip. Nievre, like other departments in the Bourgogne has it own thermal spa towns. Visit Saint-Honoré-les-Bains. The virtues of its natural spring water were first recognised in 1789. The town developed after 1860 when its waters were recognised as being of use to the public at large. It was a centre of resistance during the war, the forests of Morvan offering cover for the resistance fighters and you can visit an exhibition in what was their HQ, l’Hôtel du Guet.
Culturally, historically and gastronomically, the Nievre has lots to offer and the tranquillity of the region will take you in.
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