By bike, on foot, or in any other way: here’s what to discover

EuroVelo6 Atlantique passes within 10km (cycle route from Nantes (F) – Constanta (Rome))

Are you cycling the Atlantic route? – Make a detour to my cyclist-friendly guest rooms and fortify yourself with my evening meal (by prior arrangement only). Would you like me to prepare a hearty sandwich for the next day’s stage? Breakdown and pump service available. In the event of a breakdown on the way, please let me know and I will pick you up (max. 3 bikes + passengers possible, 50 cents/km)!

Transit from Eurovelo6 to Maré/Mars::

From Chevenon 12.4km: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YDshAtHkSMHY63YJ9

From Nevers 17.3km: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rh3LWE2t1ZntBDsU8

From Fleury-sur-Loire 20.7km: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ugvppCLdoyoRPwMHA

https://de.eurovelo.com/ev6

Via Allier (Auvergne – Nevers cycle route)

The good thing about this route is that it is mainly downhill! From the wild gorges of the Auvergne to the gentle hills before Nevers along a natural river. (I have it on my list to experience for myself!)

https://www.via-allier.com/

Saint-Pierre-le-Moutier windmill (12km)

This historic windmill was used as a private residence until after 2010 and was bought by the municipality after the death of the resident and renovated and put back into operation by a municipal association, including a grain grinder. Guided tours for groups on request and open on special days: https://moulinleseventees.jimdofree.com/programme-2026-maj-le-10-02-2026/ (There is another mill in the immediate vicinity in Moiry https://www.moulins-a-vent.net/Moulins/stparizelechatel_moiry.htm There is no inside tour possible).

The Allier and Loire rivers

Maré lies between the Allier and the Loire, in the small part of the municipality of Mars-sur-Allier that is not considered to be at risk of flooding. The two rivers are largely free-flowing: the bridges are few and long, the floodplain forests are extensive, and at Nevers near the confluence of the two there are still wild otters and many other animals and plants (in the water, on the numerous sand islands and in the air) that have been deprived of their habitat in densely populated areas. There are paths and access points in a few places. If you want to explore the riverbank in other places, I recommend a machete, a GPS device and equipment for an emergency bivouac!

Le Bec d’Allier

Confluence of the Loire and Allier rivers, canoe rental on site, walking paths and restaurants in Le Guétin and Grenouille/Cuffy, the site is easily accessible by bike or car.

Le pont du canal

A little above the Bec d’Allier, the Canal lateral de la Loire crosses the Allier! – You read correctly, the boats cross the non-navigable Allier on a historic stone bridge and then continue on the left bank of the Loire. The Halte nautique du Guétin is directly on the other side of the road:

Bar du Canal in Guétin (summer concerts on the Canal latéral de la Loire)

It is the operator of a boat rental company and shipping entrepreneur who turns this idyllic snack bar next to the shipping aqueduct into a concert venue in summer: https://www.bateaupromenadelateral.fr/

Bird watching

From November to February, large flocks of cranes can be observed here, commuting back and forth between their summer quarters in Finland/Russia and their winter quarters in Spain – or even staying in Mars for a visit! Maré/Mars has chosen this majestic and noisy bird as its emblem.

Below is a list of what I consider to be notable birds (other than blackbird, sparrow, great tit and blue tit) that I have seen (or at least heard) in the garden or in close proximity since February 2024 without taking extra time to look for them (in order of observation):

• Crane
• Little grebe
• Moorhen
• Nightingale
• Falcons
• Stork
• Tawny owl
• Long-tailed Tit
• Barn owl
• Hoopoe
• Bee-eater
• Wren
• Goldfinch
• Greylag goose
• Grey heron
• Great White Egret
• Treecreeper
• Golden chicken
• Cormorant
• Kingfisher
• Osprey
• Eagle owl

Mushroom tours

I personally offer mushroom excursions at a price of 120.00 euros:

• 10.00h departure, 18.00h return to Maré, excursion within a radius of approx. 20 km as the crow flies from Maré
• Maximum 8 participants (6 possible with my car)
• The most suitable time is between the beginning of July and the end of October
• We select a suitable area to the best of our knowledge and belief, but no guarantee can be given for finds of (edible) mushrooms
• Suitable clothing and shoes are the responsibility of the participants, baskets and knives can be provided to a certain extent.
• Local regulations are observed (collection quantity, closed private forests, others)
• We are happy to prepare found and clearly edible mushrooms together for dinner the same evening (by arrangement and according to the species found)
• Depending on weather conditions, pre-planned excursions may have to be canceled

Good wines in the region

The wine-growing region of Sancerre is very close by – and the wines of Burgundy are varied and well worth a voyage of discovery. I have good wines from Livry and Riousse, from the nearest vineyards, to accompany my “table d’hôtes” dinner!

Nevers: old town, market and seasonal events (jazz/punk festival, …)

Ride from Maré by bike or motorized via Saincaize – Challuy over the historic Loire bridge to the old town hill of Nevers, on which the Gothic cathedral is enthroned – the view is unforgettable! You can find the latest information at https://www.nievre-tourisme.com/decouvrez-la-nievre/patrimoine/balades-en-ville/nevers/

Personally, I recommend the fresh produce market in the old town and the market hall around Place Carnot on Saturday morning and the oriental bazaar in the agglomeration (from the city center northwest to Fourchambault airport) on Thursday morning(https://www.nevers.fr/vivre-a-nevers/commerce/les-marches-de-nevers )

The renowned and worthwhile jazz festival takes place in November: https://www.bigbangjazz.com/fr/d-jazz-nevers-festival

Circuit de Magny-Cours

Motorsport fans are just over 5 km away from the former Nevers-Magny-Cours Formula 1 circuit, which was inspired by former French President François Mitterand and hosts a lively annual program: Vintage car races, Super Bike World Championship and much more. You can find the program at: https://www.circuitmagnycours.com/calendrier-des-evenements/