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.
Le 10e Festival Itinérant "Les Voix d'Eau de l'Eté"
- On 7 july 2024
- Théâtre de Verdure
- The "Les Voix d'Eau de l'Été" festival is celebrating its 10th edition and invites you to an exceptional evening in Digoin on 7 July. This travelling festival, which runs from 25 June to 7 July along the Canal de Roanne in Digoin, offers free shows open to all. - In Digoin, the day begins at 5pm with the show Filobal by Cie K-Bestan in the courtyard of the former Bartoli school. Enjoy a beef tasting by the Maison du Grand Charolais, accompanied by a refreshment bar. At 7pm, head to the Théâtre de Verdure for a concert by Tit'Nassels, a legendary group from Roanne. These atypical artists of French song, who tell the real story of people and life, will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the festival with us. - Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the closing of the festival in an enchanting and festive setting. Come one, come all to enjoy this memorable evening in Digoin. We look forward to seeing you there to share in this wonderful adventure and bring this 10th edition to a fitting close !
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