Vézelay has long attracted a teaming mix of artists and mystics who would be equally at home in Siena. The basilica, has been for centuries and is now, a focal point for visitors from all over the world and the town is full of esoteric bookshops and restaurants that cater for all tastes.

Nevers lies beside the upper reaches of the Loire river and has been famous since the 16th century for its colourful pottery. The art has been handed down from generation to generation and the families still make plates, tureens and bowls in their own original imaginative designs, which you can buy from shops in the pottery district of the town. Many of the pieces feature a blue wavy background inspired by the river, though 17th century Italian and Chinese influences were often whimsically borrowed. The town also has good shops and restaurants and for those with a sweet tooth, lots of hand made chocolate and sweet shops.

Downstream from Nevers is Charité-sur-Loire, a delightful town which looks much as it did in medieval times. Pouilly sur Loire, famous for its dry white wine, is further along from Charité. The small vineyards slope down to the water's edge and you can try several different wines in the village, best sampled with lunch. On the other side of the river is Sancerre and although equally famous for its white wines, the reds are worth trying too.