Digoin, daughter of the Loire and channels ...
Covering an area of 3472 hectares, the city of Digoin enjoys a privileged location. It is located on the outskirts of southern Burgundy, at the confluence of the Arroux, the Bourbince, Arconce Vouzance and along the banks of the Loire, the last wild river in Europe.
Water is everywhere in Digoin, until the circle, so much so that we can win the heart of the city without crossing a bridge, a specificity that is to Digoin the nickname "island of Charolais."
With its diverse backgrounds, the Loire has a flora and fauna as varied biological richness is recognized at European level and variety of habitats and species that can actually meet a field of study unique in France (Loire Valley between Devay and Digoin, site or proposed site of Community importance Natura 2000). River relatively free of human activities, the Loire has retained a natural dynamic that spawned a whole series of diverse backgrounds: sandy strikes, lawns and grasslands, riparian forests, ponds ..., found in the region Digoin . Botanical garden in the open, the flora of the major and minor beds of the Loire is characterized by a high number of species whose rarity or absence also gives its originality to this region. It is a migration route of the first order plant, and is characterized by a juxtaposition of southern species and circumboreal. The formations of colonization of silt, sand and pebbles, and the complex of lawns and grasslands are the mainstay of the original flora of the Loire Valley. Throughout his journey, crossing the Loire natural areas that are so many influences on its flora. Listed since 2000 on the World Heritage List of UNESCO, the ornithological interest of the Loire Valley (inscribed in Significant Areas for the Conservation of Birds - IBA) is also linked to many different settings. In addition, the valley is a migration route of the first importance for Migration North-South and East-West birds, for the staging of spring and autumn (waders, ducks, waders ...) and for wintering species such as geese.
Loire city with a rich past, at the confluence of rivers, Digoin is also crossed by the Central Canal, the canal from Roanne to Digoin and channel Lateral to the Loire. This is a fishing paradise with 100 km of shoreline within 6 km, green landscapes and rivers with whitewater and fish. The history and economic development of the city have always been closely linked to the Loire and channels.
Preferred crossing point in the Gallo-Roman Digoin became a river crossroads during the following centuries and has successfully established itself as a center of transit of goods. In the Middle Ages, Digoin is a small village inhabited by peasants and sailors, symbolic occupations of the economy of the time. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the city does not escape history and undergoes the reverse of the religious wars thus losing much of its inhabitants. The following centuries, Digoin lives to the rhythm of the river and became a city of the Loire and navy. Most houses are built along the waterfront and the population grows.
Canals built in the 19th century, are a vital asset in the development of the city. A new activity, ceramics, appears. The housing estates spring up. Economic activity is at its height, favoring the installation of companies.
Digoin, host city ... Today, if the water is no longer the symbol of prosperity, it does offer a natural, historic and cultural beauty, highlighted by the Observaloire (Musée de la Loire and canals) and the bridge- channel, beautiful work of art, located above the Loire. It was built in stone from 1834 to 1838 and expanded in 1870. It measures 243 m.
River tourism enhanced by the construction of the marina continues to grow. Local tourism is also related to the industry "Ceramic" highlighted by the ceramics museum.
The Church of Our Lady of Providence offers cultural tourism in a beautiful example of Romanesque Byzantine. In addition, the tower hosts in recent years, a family of storks. It nests on top of the building. She became, in the eyes of visitors, curiosity must.
Digoin is distinguished by a rich associational life that animates the city throughout the year. Its simplicity, friendliness, his sense of celebration makes the town very welcoming.
During the Carnival, held on the Place de la Greve the first weekend of May, it is fashionable, traditionally enjoy snails. This is delicious Digoin offers an international reputation through the Feast of the snail organized for 20 years the first weekend of August on the Republic Square. This event combines live music and tastings welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world.
Not to mention, The Ligériades. Organized in early July by the City of Digoin (Observaloire and cultural service), they include cultural activities and events around the theme of the Loire and canals.
The Water Festival takes place August 15 of each year on lifting the canal nearby the Republic Square.
Fair exhibition Digoin Loire Valley, held every first weekend of September with over 200 exhibitors in each edition.
These events, among others, punctuate the year and make Digoin a destination and visit, where one goes forward.
Visite Exclusive des Ateliers de la Manufacture Digoin 1875
- On 31 may 2024
- 1 rue de la verne
- [get excited ! ] - Exclusive visit to the workshops of the Manufacture Digoin 1875. - Duration : 1 hour - Price : current public price or purchase a pack from the tourist office - Closed and flat shoes compulsory
Fayencez-Vous! Rendez-Vous Céramique en Grand Charolais #2
- From 31 may to 2 june 2024
- Office de Tourisme Le Grand Charolais
- "Flowers and ceramics - Here's a theme that may seem like a bit of a stretch, but it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. - When their petals aren't made of fired clay, our plants sometimes blossom in ceramics, which sometimes end up on our plates, as ornaments or even as food. - For the second edition of Fayencez-vous ! We invite you to plunge into a very Flower Power universe to discover past and present productions and know-how.
Visite du Musée de la Céramique
- On 1 june 2024
- 8 rue guilleminot
- [get excited ! ] - Visit the Musée de la Céramique in Digoin. - Duration : 1h30 - Price : current public price or purchase a pack from the tourist office
Visite Exclusive "Fleurs de Céramique et d'Architecture Dans le Bâti Digoinais"
- On 1 june 2024
- Office de tourisme - 7 rue nationale
- [get excited ! ] - Exclusive visit "Ceramic and architectural flowers in the buildings of Digoin". - Duration : 1 hour - Price : current public price or purchase a pack from the tourist office
Brocante 100% Céramique & Arts de la Table
- On 2 june 2024
- Place de la Grève
- [get excited ! ] - Brocante 100% ceramics & tableware - A stone's throw from the canal bridge, on the banks of the Loire, opposite DOCK 713, a former crockery wholesaler's warehouse. - Exhibitors must register with the Tourist Office. - Prices : €5 for 2 ml / €7 for 3 ml / €10 for 5 ml
À Table ! Aimez la Viande et Ceux qui la Font
- On 2 june 2024
- Place de la Grève
- Meetings at the table ! - love meat and those who make it in digoin in burgundy-franche-comté. - on the programme : - Dive into a world of flavours and discoveries in Digoin, near Charolles ! In the heart of our temporary village, explore the regional meat industry through colourful stands and tasty tastings. - If you're a lover of tableware, don't miss our special "Arts de la Table" flea market, where you'll find earthenware treasures to embellish your family meals. - The Institut du Charolais invites you to enjoy a unique culinary experience with a meal featuring a bowl of Charolles PDO beef, accompanied by a terrine and Charolais cheese. But be warned, places are limited to 200 people, so book early. - Let yourself be tempted by our Label Rouge beef and lamb tastings, an opportunity to discover the incomparable quality and flavour of these exceptional meats. - And to accompany all these delights, Le Dock 713 offers a wide choice of local drinks, as well as gourmet desserts that are sure to please every taste bud.
Marche de l'Entrecôte
- On 14 july 2024
- Le Bourg de Vigny
- Walk organised by the Vivre à Vigny - Vivre à Vigny and comprising several routes of approximately 6,12 and 20 km. 1/2 price for children, 1 to 3 free refreshment points. A la carte meal with steak for lunch and dinner, with musical entertainment in the evening…
Escape Game "Archi'en Panique!"
- On 21 august 2024
- Office de tourisme Le Grand Charolais, 7 rue Nationale
- Come and help the trainee architect complete the restoration of a church. Mind you, you only have an hour ! - Teams of 3 to 5 people maximum. - Free - Booking essential : 03 85 25 96 38