The Loire

The last wild river in Europe, the Loire flows across the Department of Nièvre, the extreme melancholy of its waters contrasting with wonderful green highlights. Its sandy islets and overgrown banks give shelter to over 500 types of plant and some 190 species of bird, including terns, storks, bee-eaters, wild swans, little ringed plovers, herons and cranes. Thanks to its precious ecosystem, from Mesves to Tracy-sur-Loire has been classified a "Nature Reserve".

Discover the Loire by peacefully rambling along its banks or following its course by canoe.

Bec d’Allier
A major natural site, Bec d’Allier is the point where the waters of the Loire and the Allier merge at Pointe de Gimouille. Protected by the WWF Panda, this area has an austere beauty where silence reigns. The panoramic view from Marzy offers an unrestricted view on this timeless natural beauty spot. 

• Nature trails
To truly get the measure of these outstanding natural surroundings, Nièvre invites you to take the nature trails developed on the banks of the Loire (the “Ver-Vert” trail, Natural Reserve trails and “Passeur” trail, which runs along the Bec d’Allier).

• The Musée de la Loire in Cosne-sur-Loire
Until the 19th century, the Loire was a navigable river used by boatmen to transport goods and merchandise. This beautiful public museum invites visitors to relive the legendary years when the Loire served as a vital trade route.

• Discovering the Loire and the Allier rivers
Visitors are invited to explore the Loire’s fascinating environment in more depth, with nature outings and special events, workshops and trips on traditional boats (barges and flat-bottomed cabin boats).

• Themed guided tours of the Loire at Nevers, Decize, La Charité-sur-Loire and Pouilly-sur-Loire.

• The Pavillon du Milieu de Loire
This discovery centre in Pouilly-sur-Loire provides an ideal opportunity to find out more about the river and its surrounding vineyards. It also provides the starting point for numerous hiking trails that wind through the Val de Loire nature reserve.