We will be meeting our son and 2 year old grand-daughter in Nevers in July, and will have almost a week together. Is there an interesting village between Nevers and Paris, where we could be based, for slow excursions in the town and surrounding areas. Our son has a stroller that converts into a bike trailer for the toddler, so we plan to cycle a bit. We will be travelling by train. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Posted by
Normandie
472 posts
I haven't checked the train connections, but Orleans is a nice city -- not by any means a village -- somewhat between Nevers and Paris to the west. Auxerre is a charming medieval town to the east of a line connecting Nevers and Paris. Again, I'm not sure train connections would make sense, but that's your job given your choice to rely on trains. Bourges, just west and a bit north of Nevers, also is worth visiting. As you approach Paris you start entering pretty bland suburban towns. If you're looking for character, look for it further south from Paris.
Posted by
San Francisco
15472 posts
Hi,
Since you're staying in Nevers, are you interested in Napoleonic history?
Nevers was one of the towns where Napoleon stayed during his journey to exile on Elba after signing his abdication in Fontainebleau in April of 1814.
His historical presence in Nevers is attested to by a plaque on that very house as a way to commemorate that unique event.
Posted by
Paris
7455 posts
Fontainebleau, Nemours or Moret-sur-Loing would be perfect IMO. Easy to reach by train from Nevers, typically with a change of trains in Montargis. There is a great bike path between Nemours and Moret, and it is easy to bike around the Fontainebleau forest as well.
Further south, Sancerre is lovely, and Gien & Briare are interesting, but the lack of a car might be crippling.