Cottage for two, the area, things to do
The cottage
Originally the second, smaller village forge, La Petite Forge has been thoughtfully restored into a peaceful and comfortable retreat, keeping the character of the original building while adding everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Downstairs, an open-plan space brings together the kitchen, dining and living areas. The kitchen is fully equipped for your stay, with a nespresso coffeemaker, an induction hob, an oven and kitchen essentials. When the temperature drops, the wood-burning stove fills the room with warmth, and the snug couch is made for slow afternoons with a good book. The dining table works just as well for a quiet morning with your laptop as it does for lunch or dinner.
Upstairs, the bedroom is a light and peaceful retreat — a comfortable double bed with crisp cotton linen and natural bedding, a spacious bathroom with a modern shower and fresh towels. Simple, serene and made for a good night's sleep
The area
The countryside of the Nièvre moves at its own pace, and that's exactly the point. The Canal du Nivernais is perfect for a long cycle or a morning walk with nowhere particular to be. The canal path is flat and easy, and in summer there is plenty of activity with boats navigating the locks, cyclists and walkers passing by. The forests and lakes around Pazy offer a cooling place to be on a hot day.
When you're ready to venture further, the surrounding towns each have their own character. Corbigny is just minutes away and has the easy rhythm of a French market town with local cafés, a weekly market, a monthly fair and a popular annual brocante, all anchored by the historic Abbey of Saint-Léonard.
Clamecy is worth the twenty minute drive with its beautifully preserved medieval centre, narrow streets, a cute and buzzing Saturday market and a handful of brocante shops to lose an afternoon in.
Up on the hill, Vézelay appears gradually as you approach, rising above the landscape before revealing sweeping panoramic views and a cathedral that is a true gem. One of the starting points of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, it draws visitors from across the world.
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