At the western confines of Burgundy, NEVERS is a small provincial city on the confluence of the rivers Loire and Nièvre. In France it is known for its nougatine candies and fine porcelain, a hallmark since the seventeenth century, still produced in just three workshops and sold in a few elegant, expensive shops ( faïenceries ) around town. Parts of the old town , best viewed from the bridge over the Loire, date back to the twelfth century and make for a relaxed stroll away from the busier town centre. Not necessarily a destination in itself, Nevers makes, with its open-air concert programme in summer and a few lively bars and restaurants, a useful and reasonably pleasant stopover if you are travelling in the region.