Dompierre-sur-Besbre
Dompierre is a gateway to manifold discoveries, all little more than a stone's throw from the River Loire. The banks are dotted with chateaux, abbeys and medieval villages. The magnificent canal bridge of Digoin, where the Lateral Canal crosses the Loire takes you to the Canal du Midships, built in the 18th century to link Roanne to Chalon sur Saone. Digoin and Paray le Monial with a mignificent basilica, exemplary for Cluniac architecture, are Worth a visit. This place of pilgrimage is also an important milestone on the Road to Santiago. The Canal de Roanne à Digoin leads to Roanne, a synonym for gastronomy all over France, but famous for pottery and ceramic, too. This passage leads through splendid areas near the Loire.
The successive Brionnais landscape is distinguished by numerous Romanic churches. In Iguerande, Anzy le Duc, Marcigny or in the Abbey of Charlieu you can find remarkable reliefs. In the oïl mill of Iguerande artisan nut, hazelnut and sunflower oïl are produced and delivered to the finest restaurants in France. At Decize, the Canal latéral meets the Loire, and river swimmimg is treat.
Salmon and shad swim up here from the distant sea to spawn. Take the Southern part of the Canal du Nivernais and cruise through ravishing countryside to the secret heart of the Morvan, or visit Nevers, steeped in history. Crossing high above the Allier on the canal bridge of the Guétin, you will enjoy a magnificent panorama across many famous vineyeards to pretty villages such as Sancerre and St Satur.
Bases of departure on Dompierre-sur-Besbre, LOIRE-VALLEY
