HISTORY

We said it: there are discoveries to be made. The main attraction nearby is Vézelay, one of France's most beautiful villages and active stopover for pilgrims on their way to Compostela. The Basilica Sainte-Madeleine is renowned for its beauty and acoustics. During the summer months, there are numerous concerts to attend.

The area is dotted with small and larger castles, many of which are privately owned but open for visits during the summer. Some nearby, such as Chitry-les-Mines and Corbelin are more than worth a visit and prove to be real treasure troves.

We already mentioned the Romans and the remains of a fortified city of their enemy, the Gauls, can be found in the imposing museum at Bibracte, on Mont Beuvray, the highest peak of the Morvan. It was Julius Caesar who defeated this tribe at Alésia in 52 BC.

Many, culturally and historically important cities in Burgundy and beyond can be visited with a day trip. Bourges, Autun, Auxerre, Dijon, La Charité sur Loire, to name a few.

Somewhat hidden but no less important are the maquis marked by memorials. These mark the pockets of resistance that were very active here during World War II. The demarcation line was just to the south and the Nièvre forests were excellent hiding places for the resistance. In Saint-Brisson, you can visit the Musée de la Résistance.