Toury-sur-Jour can be explored through several specific reasons to visit: the weekly producers’ market, the architectural history of Château du Bessay, Fertile’s arts programme and a circular walking trail. This brings together a regular event, cultural heritage, artistic work and outdoor activity. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide which of these themes you want to shape your stay.
Wednesday producers’ market
The producers’ market is held every Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm in the village square. This two-hour time slot gives you a specific time to plan around. Local producers and craftspeople offer bread, vegetables, honey and cheese; jewellery is also available depending on the season and weather. If you are particularly interested in jewellery, bear this qualification in mind: its availability may vary with the season and weather.
Château du Bessay: architectural history and heritage protection
Situated between the Loire and Allier rivers, Château du Bessay has a history that dates back to a fortified house built in the 14th century. Its architectural history gives the site a long historical perspective; heritage protection offers a second, precisely dated perspective. Since 31 January 1967, the façades and roofs have been partially protected under an official order. The château is privately owned. If you are planning to visit, check in advance whether access is possible.
Fertile’s artistic residencies
Fertile at the Domaine de Toury provides another cultural highlight. The organisation offers two artistic residencies each year, each lasting two months. Fertile also supports and promotes artists whose work explores the relationship between humans and the living world. The residencies therefore differ from the château: the focus is on artistic practice and a particular subject, whereas the château is primarily defined by its architectural history and protected features. Until and including 2025, an annual exhibition was also part of the programme. Its proceeds were earmarked exclusively to fund grants for artists in residence. If an exhibition is an important reason for your visit, check the relevant dates before planning your trip.
A circular trail and different planning considerations
The “Suivre le jour à Toury” circular trail is 6.6 km long and offers another clearly defined reason to visit. The route is a separate option alongside the weekly market and cultural attractions: it appeals to a different interest than a regular market day or the arts programme.
The details are useful for planning in different ways: the market has a two-hour time slot on Wednesdays, Fertile’s residencies each last two months, and the circular trail is 6.6 km long. This can help you decide when a visit to the market fits into your stay, whether the arts programme suits your interests and whether you would like to plan a hike. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first identify your main reason for visiting, then check the relevant dates and conditions.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Révérien, Dampierre-sous-Bouhy, Jailly, Anlezy, Fertrève, Saint-Brisson, Ciez, La Nocle Maulaix
For the broader travel overview: Nièvre.
