Ducal Palace (Palais Ducal)

The Palais Ducal (15th-16th C), once the residence of the Counts of Nevers, is a fine example of Renaissance secular architecture. In 1810, Madame de Cousse-Brissac, heiress of the last Duke of Nevers, sold the main castle and its outer buildings to the City and Department of Nevers. The buildings were used as a town hall and law offices until 1850 when they were moved to the Hotel de Ville. Visitors will find spectacular architecture at the Ducal Palace, complete with octagonal turrets and an elegant central tower adorned with sculptures, dating back to the mid-17th century, illustrating the family history of the first duke, François de Clèves. The structure now houses an annex of the law courts.