From ochre to office: a royal castle's transformation

A 15th-century castle, the Ducal Palace of Nevers has a rich history. Originally built on the site of John Clamecy, Count of Nevers' old fortress, this French monument historique was restored by Pierre Bégovoy in the 1980s. Today, it serves as the city hall, hosting part of the tourist office, reception, and an aquarium of Loire fish. A permanent exhibition represents the past and present life of Nevers. During excavations in the 1980s, 14th-century artillery pieces were unearthed, making a unique find in France. The consistency between ochre facades and slate roofs, and the long, tree-lined esplanade, offer a panoramic view. The backdrop for President François Mitterrand's speech commemorating the late Pierre Bégovoy in 1993 was this very view.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons