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15 Best Things to Do in Châteauroux (France)

In central France’s Indre Department, Châteauroux is a town that was founded in the 10th century around a castle that is still there today.

You might know a few of the famous people born in Châteauroux, like the actor Gérard Depardieu and one of Napoleon’s most trusted generals, Henri Gatien Bertrand.

The latter spent a career amassing priceless treasures that are stored in his plush 18th-century mansion.

The remainder of Châteauroux is discreet and unassuming; that is until August when Festival DARC brings a dancing extravaganza to the town.

You can pass the rest of your time pottering around historic churches, resplendent châteaux and the ruins of one of the largest medieval abbeys in France.

Lets explore the best things to do in Châteauroux :

1. Musée-Hôtel Bertrand

This refined 18th century mansion used to belong to General Bertrand, one of Napoleon’s most trusted military commanders.

A lot of the objects in these 26 rooms were the general’s personal possessions, and it’s fascinating to see his cabinet of curiosities and some of the artefacts brought back from the Egypt campaign.

There’s also an aviary that was on the island of St Helena where Napoleon died in exile.

The art gallery is enriched with Flemish and Italian painting, but the main event has to be the original plaster cast of Camille Claudel’s seminal Shakuntala.

2. Couvent des Cordeliers

This Franciscan convent dating to the 1200s is now a moody setting for contemporary art exhibitions.

There are hints of the building’s past, in the traceried windows, stained glass and a fresco that dates to the century the convent was founded.

Every two years the convent is the venue for Biennale de Céramique Contemporaine (the 19th edition took place in 2017). The grounds have been preserved and you can still see the old washhouses where the nuns would do their laundry.

3. Base Nautique de Belle-Isle

Downstream on the Indre there’s a little world of outdoor activities at the Base Nautique de Belle-Isle.

This is on hand for when things heat up in summer, and offers canoeing, kayaking, pedal-boating and windsurfing, or the timeless fun of a beach.

The beach has been expanded over the last few years and is patrolled by lifeguards from the start of June to the end of August.

The lake meanwhile is eight hectares, and wrapped in 12 hectares of parkland, with natural reserves for walkers.

There’s a restaurant “La Guiguette”, welcoming swimmers, walkers and fishers in summer, as also a campsite right on the banks of the Indre.

4. Château Raoul

Although this castle in the medieval quarter is only open for heritage days in June and September, it’s still a sight to admire from a distance because of what it means to the town.

Châteauroux is named after this building, which took shape around the 900s.

The château was reworked in the 12th century and there are towers still standing from this period.

The remainder is from the early Renaissance in the last decades of the 15th century.

In the 18th century it came to prominence when it was bought by Louis XV and gifted to his favourite mistress Marie-Anne de Mailly.

5. Église Saint-Martial

One of the prettiest monuments in the town is this church, founded in the 1100s and fronted by a dinky cobblestone square.

Something interesting about the Église Saint-Martial is that it started out as a chapel well outside Châteauroux’s walls, in the middle of open fields.

It would be centuries before the town absorbed it.

The church still has lots of Romanesque details in its nave, but the facade and main entrance was given a Neo-Gothic makeover in the 1800s.

6. Maison des Arts et Traditions Populaires

Shining a light on the Berry province is this free museum at the entrance to Parc Balsan.

There’s a small assemblage of traditional headdresses, engravings, tools and photographs  conveying old, rural modes of life.

But best of all are the paintings by the Crozant School, which is a name given to 19th and 20th-century landscape painters inspired by the countryside beside the Creuse River.

Visits are by appointment only, so you’ll need to book a slot with the tourist office first.

7. Parc de Balsan

For a relaxing wander you can head into this park next to the Indre River.

The Parc de Balsan has recently been renovated, with new plantations of hardwoods and conifers and a restored avenue with twin rows of chestnut and oak trees.

This is all on the site of the Balsan drapery factory, which was established in the 1700s and now consigned to history.

One of the vestiges is the Château du Parc, a Renaissance-revival wing of the old factory that has “monument historique” status so can’t be demolished.

8. Scène Nationale Équinoxe

On a walk around Châteauroux your eyes will be drawn to this avant-garde building on Avenue Charles de Gaulle.

This is a new “Scène Nationale “, a cultural hub fostering regional talent in music, comedy and drama, but also booking well-known touring acts.

The main auditorium can seat more than 1,100 and there’s a smaller stage for 324, as well as a media library and exhibition space.

During the season you can see if there’s something to your taste on the calendar, or you can come in October for the annual Lisztomanias, a series of concerts devoted to Franz Liszt.

For a change of pace there’s also “La Barrière de Dégel”, a clown festival in January!

9. Domaine Apicole de Chezelles

Honey is such a delicacy in Indre that visiting an apiary is a lot like touring a winery.

The owner of this domain will give you the same sort of insights, sharing decades of savoir-faire.

If you’re a French speaker you’ll learn about pollen, royal jelly, honey and propolis (a glue made by bees with a mixture of wax and saliva!). And this is all the perfect prologue for the farm’s shop, which has natural thyme, rosemary and eucalyptus honey, as well as flavoured honey, candles and beauty products for hair, face, hands and feet, all made with honey.

10. Château de Bouges

You could have a cultured day out at this graceful 18th-century château a little way to the north.

The designer was most likely Ange-Jacques Gabriel, which explains why it looks a lot like Versailles’ Petit Trianon, which he also built.

Unlike many of the region’s châteaux this one is completely furnished, and for that we can thank the Viguiers, a wealthy Parisian couple who restored and updated the property in the 20th century.

The interiors are suitably lavish, but you can also tour the stables and 80 hectares of wonderful grounds with a parterre, arboretum, landscape garden and flower garden.

11. Festival DARC

Starting around the second weekend of August, the Festival DARC (dance, art, rhythm, culture) is a two-week celebration of the all things dance.

The event began in 1975 and attracts about 65,000 spectators every year.

If dance is your thing you can catch world-class performances in almost any discipline you can think of, whether it’s tap, classical, modern jazz, hip, hop, salsa, flamenco, the range is huge.

And running at the same time as the recitals are workshops giving you expert tips or helping you take your first steps in all kinds of dance styles.

12. Abbaye de Déols

In the middle ages one of France’s largest and most powerful abbeys was set a few minutes down the road in Déols.

Today the site is a spectacular ruin, with a Romanesque bell-tower and large chunks of the crypt, chapter house, refectory and church nave surviving.

Before you explore the ruins you can pop into Déols’ tourist office next door, which has a model of the abbey at its peak in the 14th century.

This was before the 100 Years’ War and the French Wars of Religion, which both took their toll on the building.

13. Maison de George Sand

The 19th-century novelist and cultural icon had a long relationship with this exquisite house, which she inherited from her grandmother.

George Sand lived here on and off in her youth, and visited every summer between 1837 and 1876 when she died.

Nearly all of her most famous works were composed at the house, including La Mare au Diable, Consuelo and Le Meunier d’Angibault.

She also entertained some of the era’s other luminaries like Liszt, Delacroix, Balzac and Flaubert, and of course her lover Frédéric Chopin.

The wooden panels Sand installed to muffle Chopin’s piano are still plain to see.

14. Argenton-sur-Creuse

This riverside town demands a day trip.

Take as long as possible to see its warren of picturesque alleys, and the adorable waterfront with old mills and houses built with galleries and balustrades.

At the Bonne Dame esplanade there’s also a dreamy view of the steep, wooded hills of the Creuse Valley.

A lot of that waterfront industry was once dedicated to the shirt-making trade, and this legacy is beautifully presented by the Musée de la Chemiserie.

This museum takes you on a quick trip through the history of men’s clothing, showing the small changes made to shirt sleeves, cuffs and collars, and also giving you an inside look at the old ateliers and their tools.

15. Food and Drink

There are also many culinary discoveries to be made around Châteauroux: Wine connoisseurs can acquaint themselves with the AOC vineyards in Reuilly, Valençay and Chateaumeillant.

At the market you’ve got to try the region’s Martin du Berry, petit noire and Muant cherries in summer, while in autumn and winter the pears are superb.

A classic wintry dessert in the Indre department is pears poached in red wine.

There’s also an enticing lineup of cheeses like Pouligny-Saint-Pierre and Saint-Maure de Touraine, both made with goats’ milk.

And at restaurants try pâté berrichon, which is made with pork and comes in a pastry crust, and galette aux pommes de terre, a satisfying potato pancake.

15 Best Things to Do in Châteauroux (France):

• Musée-Hôtel Bertrand
• Couvent des Cordeliers
• Base Nautique de Belle-Isle
• Château Raoul
• Église Saint-Martial
• Maison des Arts et Traditions Populaires
• Parc de Balsan
• Scène Nationale Équinoxe
• Domaine Apicole de Chezelles
• Château de Bouges
• Festival DARC
• Abbaye de Déols
• Maison de George Sand
• Argenton-sur-Creuse
• Food and Drink

Best Things to Do in Châteauroux, France

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

A wonderful (yet under-the-tourist-radar) town in the Centre-Val de Loire region , in the Indre department, Châteauroux is a destination that should be on your France bucket list. Founded in the Middle Ages, Châteauroux boasts not one but two châteaux, other stunning and important monuments, and an incredible amount of green space.

Easy to reach from Paris by train (2 hours one way) and perfect to visit all year round, Châteauroux is particularly beautiful when the sun shines, and the temperature is pleasant so that you can explore its many parks and cycle along the Indre River.

In July and August 2024, Châteauroux will host shooting competitions during the Summer Olympics 2024 , which makes a great opportunity to explore this lesser-known city. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Châteauroux, France. 

Are you planning a trip to Châteauroux last minute?

Below are some of the best Châteauroux tours, hotels, and more!

• Check out this Châteauroux transportation guide
• Book your train tickets to Châteauroux

Looking to travel around Châteauroux independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Châteauroux .

Top Experiences and Tours in Châteauroux

• Kayak Tour along the Indre River (departure from the Belle Isle in Châteauroux)
• Official Site L’Indre à Vélo (Indre River bike route)
• Loire Valley Châteaux Pass to visit the Loire Valley Castles near Châteauroux

Top Châteauroux Accommodation and Lodging

• Best Western Plus Hotel Colbert  (a former 19th-century tobacco factory turned into a lovely hotel) 
• Elysée Hotel (charming 3-star hotel in the heart of the Old Town)
• Logis Hotel Continental (budget, dog-friendly hotel in the Old Town)

Don’t leave for Châteauroux without travel insurance!

Compare plans, prices, and coverage with  Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs.  Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

What to Do in Châteauroux, France

Ideal for enjoying nature, heritage, and the French “art de vivre,” but without the tourist crowds, here’s what to do in Châteauroux, France.

1. Château Raoul

The town is named after the Château Raoul , the 10th-century fortress built by Raoul le Large, the Lord of Déols. The Château’s location on a steep hill on the left bank of the Indre River makes it beautiful to admire from a distance.

Although from Medieval times, the Château Raoul has been renowned throughout the centuries, so it now displays a mix and match of architectural styles.

The castle is registered as a Historical Monument and is open to the public only during special events such as Heritage Days (in September). Even if you don’t have the chance to visit inside, it is the perfect Château for taking postcard-perfect pictures.

2. Old Town

Châteauroux’s Old Town is incredibly charming with its cobblestone narrow streets, churches, and little buildings.

Unmissable is Porte Saint-Martin , which is part of a tower that was once used as a prison. The road leading to Saint-Martin’s Gate is pretty steep, allowing guards to slow down access to Château Raoul. Today, Porte Saint-Martin is the entrance point to the Old Town.

Strolling around the town’s center, you will also pass by the former Town Hall , built in 1828 and boasting a neoclassical façade, and the Church of Saint-André , built in Neo-Gothic style in the 19th century.

3. Couvent des Cordeliers

Once a Franciscan convent, the Couvent des Cordeliers dates back to the 13th century, and it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Châteauroux.

The Convent follows the standard layout of houses of the Franciscan Order, with a large central church surrounded by smaller buildings and an enclosed cloister courtyard. What’s streaking about the Couvent des Cordeliers is its gardens arranged in terraces and featuring regular French-style flower beds.

Today, the Couvent des Cordeliers hosts modern art exhibitions, which are free to visit, and the International Biennial of Modern Ceramics (every other summer).

4. Hotel Bertrand

This elegant 18th-century mansion belonged to General Bertrand, one of Napoleon Bonaparte ‘s most trusted military companions, who accompanied the former Emperor during his exile on the island of Sainte-Helene.

Listed as a Historical Monument, Hotel Bertrand boasts 26 rooms where you will see the general’s possessions. In particular, the ground floor displays artifacts of Napoléon and his time, while the upper floor features the general’s cabinet of curiosities and historical artifacts from different periods.

The mansion also has a lovely backyard garden with independent and free access from the street. Today, Hotel Bertrand is a museum, and it is free to visit. It opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 2 pm to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

5. US Museum – Châteauroux c’était l’Amérique!

The US Museum is one of our favorite things to do in Châteauroux. This small museum is managed by an association that preserves the history of the “American period” of Châteauroux. In 1951, a US Air Force base was opened in town. Since then, Châteauroux became a pivot of the American military forces in Western Europe.

The museum depicts the history of the American military people living in Châteauroux with their families by displaying personal objects, movies, and photos from the 1951-1967 period.

Imagine this small provincial city, after many years of war, which sees the arrival of 7,000 soldiers from the US Air Force in their beautiful uniforms, big cars, cigars, and dollars in hand. There were up to 10,000 military people to work on the air base.

Châteauroux was completely transformed. At the end of the day, Cabriolets, Buicks, and other Cadillacs invaded the streets of the city center. The bars were filling up. Jazz, rock,… the nocturnal atmosphere enchanted the locals. They also discovered hamburgers. It is certainly in Châteauroux that the first hamburger was cooked on French soil!

The US Museum is a Châteauroux must-see, and it has free entrance. It opens on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.

6. Marché de Châteauroux

French markets are the ideal place to get a glimpse of local life in France, and Châteauroux’s Market is no exception. The Marché de Châteauroux takes place every Saturday at Place de la République (in front of the Hotel de Ville and the Tourism Office) from 7 am to 1 pm, and it looked very lively.

The Market offers all kinds of products from the Berry region and around, flowers, and some quick eats for busy people. We particularly enjoyed the stands with cheeses, yum!

7. Parcs & Gardens

Châteauroux has an outstanding record: it is France’s city with more square meters of green per inhabitant! The town’s parks perfectly blend with the urban space.

One of the best spots to visit is Parc de Balsan , right next to the Indre River, where you will even find two châteaux (only opened on special occasions).

Châteauroux also boasts the Jardin Publique , which is divided into different areas, including the Mediterranean Garden, the Sensory Garden, and the Bamboo Garden.

Another fantastic green space is the Parc De Jeu Jardin Des Capucins , with a French-style layout featuring flowerbeds and lovely shaded pathways.

8. Déols Abbey

One of the unmissable things to do in Châteauroux, France, is crossing the bridge that connects it with the small town of Déols, where you will find an imposing Abbey.

The Abbaye Notre-Dame-du-Bourg-Dieu , also known as Abbey of Our Lady in Déols, was among France’s most important Benedictine abbeys during the Middle Ages.

Founded in the Xth century and built in Romanesque style, the Abbey is mostly in ruins today, but its main features are still visible, particularly the tall bell tower, the main nave, and the crypt.

The Abbey’s bell tower and the surviving walls are classified as Historical Monuments, and strolling around them will give you peace and awe. Most of the remains are free to wander. Visit the Abbey’s small museum, which features interesting artifacts and gives access to the cloister and some other parts of the Abbey underground.

9. L’ Indre à Vélo (Indre by Bike)

Whether you are a professional or an amateur cyclist, you will love spending time in Châteauroux. The area around the town has a very popular cycling path known as L’ Indre à Vélo , which follows the Indre River course.

The Indre à Vélo is a national cycle route (V49) that stretches for over 300 kilometers and connects with other major cycle paths, like La Loire à Vélo and the Tour de la Creuse à Vélo. While pedaling, you will get the chance to pass by the Château Raoul, the Vallée d’Ebbes, and the Forêt Domaniale de Châteauroux, which is France’s biggest beech forest.

If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one for the day at the Tourist Office in the Hotel de Ville building. A caution will be necessary: a French check for us, but they also accept credit cards.

10. Belle Isle

Located on the banks of the Indre River, you will find the lovely Belle Isle , a vast green space the locals frequent during the good weather seasons.

The park at Belle Isle boasts an 8-hectare lake perfect for having fun swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, or stand-up paddle boarding. The lake is immersed in 12 hectares of parkland, with fitness trails and a playground for kids.

Belle Isle also boasts a popular open-air café, “ La Guinguette, ” where locals meet to share drinks and have casual dinners. The café features a dance floor, and hosts live music events on summer weekends. We had lunch in the sun and dinner with a live DJ, and it was great.

11. Châteaux de la Loire

Châteauroux is relatively close to some of the most famous Loire Valley Castles , which you can reach with an easy day trip by car or – if you are fit – by bike.

The Château de Chenonceau is 85 km north of Châteauroux, and you will need to drive for 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to it.

The impressive Château de Chambord is located 98 km north of Châteauroux, and you can reach Château de Chambord with a one-hour and 30-minute drive.

The Château de Blois is located 102 km north of Châteauroux, and the driving time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

TIP: If you plan on visiting more than one château, consider this Loire Valley Châteaux Pass by Tiqets , which will save you time and money!

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Châteauroux

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the indre.

Châteauroux, on the banks of the Indre river, is the préfecture (chief town) of the Indre département and the main town in the Lower Berry region. It boasts a wealth of places of interest including Saint-Martin gate, a vestige of ancient fortifications; pretty medieval streets (Rue de l'Indre, Rue de la Vieille Prison and Rue Grande); a 13th-century former convent, the Couvent des Cordeliers, today home to temporary contemporary art exhibitions; the elegant Château Raoul; and the Neo-Romanesque Notre-Dame church whose dome is topped by a gilt bronze statue of the Virgin.

Also not to be missed in the Musée-Hôtel Bertrand, an 18th-century mansion that once belonged to General Bertrand, Napoleon's comrade-in-arms and is today home to a collection of Napoleonic souvenirs and fine art.

The small town of Déols on the outskirts of Châteauroux is a must-visit place for architecture fans because of its splendid Romanesque bell tower, the remains of an ancient Benedictine abbey.

Every August, the town of Châteauroux hosts the Darc festival, a multicultural event featuring music shows and dance courses.

Additional information Châteauroux

Located in the Centre region, the city is Châteauroux Prefecture of Indre . It is twinned with Gütersloh (Germany), Olsztyn (Poland) and Bittou (Burkina Faso).

Its history is intimately linked with that of Deols. Around 937, the lord of the nearby city built a fortress on the left bank of the Indre. It is the Chateau Raoul. A city of artisans and merchants will develop on its premises and will soon name Châteauroux by contraction.

With its strategic location at the edge of Aquitaine, Chateau Raoul and the Kings of France and England are going to dispute the possession until the 13th century. It was the Revolution that Châteauroux will become the chief of the department.

In the early 19th century, the city became industrialized (tobacco, textiles ...) and the railway arrived in 1847.

The plant installed in 1936 Aviation Deols then the implementation of a major U.S. base between 1951 and 1967 will invigorate the city and contribute to its development.

Things to see and do

The historic heart of Châteauroux preserves many testimonies from the medieval period: rue de l' Indre , rue Grande, Saint-Martial church, Porte Saint-Martin, Cordeliers convent...

The 18th century is superbly represented by the 'Hôtel Bertrand, mansion that once belonged to General Henri-Gatien Bertrand, Napoleon's faithful companion in arms, whom he followed to Sainte-Hélène (the municipal museum is now located there). The churches of Saint-André (neo-Gothic) and Notre-Dame (of Romanesque, Byzantine and Auvergne inspiration) and the guitars of the town center bear witness, among other things, to the architecture of the 19th century.

Equinoxe , Scène Nationale is a brilliant contemporary achievement.

The two must-see sites are the Bertrand Museum (works from the Gallo-Roman period, Napoleonic memories, Flemish and Dutch paintings from the 15th to the 18th century...) as well as the Couvent des Cordeliers (former Franciscan convent from the 13th century, it now houses temporary exhibitions of contemporary art).

After having obtained the 4 flowers label, Châteauroux is part of the Association of Parks and Gardens. The city is crossed by the Indre river, itself bordered by green spaces forming a green flow. The Public Garden is the flagship of municipal gardens offering different atmospheres and creative landscaped spaces. The Daniel Bernardet leisure park (Belle-Isle) with its lake is for sports (fishing, swimming, nautical activities on the lake; playgrounds, walks and relaxation in green spaces).

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

• Flea market in the Quartier des Marins on the 1st Sunday of each month from October to July.
• Festival of the Voice in May.
• DARC Stage-Festival in August.
• Lisztomanias from Châteauroux in October.

Detailed information

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

• Old town of Déols , with the site of the Abbey, one of the most important in France in the Middle Ages, fortified gates, Saint-Etienne church with carved marble tombs dating from the 3rd century.
• Romanesque church of Saint Martin of the twelfth century in Ardentes .
• Church of Montierchaume of the twelfth century.
• Church of Étrechet of the XIXth century.
• Church of Sassierges-Saint-Germain of the twelfth century.
• Church of Saint-Maur of the 12th and 15th centuries.
• Chapel of Our Lady of the Wings of the nineteenth century in Diors .
• Saint-Pierre church of the XIIIth century in Mâron .
• Chapel Notre Dame du Chêne of the XIXth in Arthon .
• Church of Saint Martin of the twelfth century in Arthon.
• Forest of Châteauroux , bordering the town of Poinconnet, one of the largest oak groves in France, extending over 5204 hectares.

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Related articles Châteauroux

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Home → Our must-sees → Historical Center

Historical Center

From Château Raoul to Rue des Pavillons, from Place Monestier to Place de la République, Châteauroux unveils its thousand years of history.

From Château Raoul to… Châteauroux

The origins of Châteauroux date back to the XNUMXth e century. It was at this time that Raoul Le Large , Lord of Déols, built on a rocky outcrop on the banks of the Indre, the very first feudal castle. It is then a simple motte at the foot of which a small town settles and develops gradually. As early as 1112, we find in the texts the term Castrum Radulphi or, Raoul's Castle to designate the city. What could be more normal when we know that no less than seven lords bearing the name of Raoul have succeeded each other at the head of the territory!

By contraction, over time, Château de Raoul thus becomes… Châteauroux!

In the middle Ages, Châteauroux has a completely different face. Built in length, it was then surrounded by ramparts of which there are still some vestiges today, on the side of Place Roger-Brac in particular. Located at the crossroads of two very important roads: the Vézelay route on the way to Saint-Jacques de Compostela and the Paris-Toulouse commercial axis, Châteauroux is an important city, renowned at the regional level for its fairs and markets.

From the old royal road to the rue de l'Indre, from the Saint-Martin gate in the rue des Notaires, Châteauroux will reveal its unsuspected treasures to you which recall, with simplicity, all the beauty of an ancient flourishing medieval city. Places Saint Helena , La Fayette and Gambetta still mark today the location of the old outer ditches.

Come and enjoy the charm of the small cobbled streets of our historic center. Departing from the tourist office, a free tour of around an hour and a quarter allows you to discover the essentials of the history and heritage of our town. Thirty-six totems will inform you throughout your journey.

Ask for the map free of charge at the tourist office.

Guided tours of Old Châteauroux

Guided tours of the historic center of Châteauroux are organized from time to time for individuals, especially during school holidays.

For any group request from 8 people, specific visits are possible.

• Contact Julie on 02 54 34 79 00.

Go on a visit, in total autonomy, using the Wivisites tour routes!

Also discover

From the Ebbes Valley to the Cordeliers convent, from the Raoul castle to the Bertrand museum, find all the places not to be missed during your stay in Châteauroux .

The tops of our destination

Château Raoul and the banks of the Indre

The Bertrand museum and its French garden

The Cordeliers convent and its terraced gardens

Notre-Dame de Déols abbey and its medieval garden

Balsan, park and castles

The Ebbes Valley

imperial city

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Chateauroux travel guide

Visit Chateauroux (Centre-Loire Valley, France)

The important town of Chateauroux is situated in the centre of the Indre department (Centre region) about half-way between Orleans (to the north) and Limoges (to the south).

Exploring Châteauroux

France This Way review: while Chateauroux contains some monuments of interest it would not generally be considered as a tourist destination but rather a town to visit if you are passing.

Before you start to explore be sure to visit the Chateauroux Tourist Office to ask for the detailed town guide showing a large number of monuments and buildings of interest in the town, and suggesting two routes to follow as you explore, one focussing on the medieval period (the northern part of the town centre) and the other on more recent history (the southern half of the town centre).

Most visits to Chateauroux will concentrate in the older part of the town, where many houses can be seen that were built from the 16th century onwards, when Chateauroux became an important local centre for textile production.

Notable monuments in Chateauroux include the Chateau Raoul, with its origins dating from the 12th century and which gave the town its name, can be seen from outside but is not open to the public, and a 15th century tower on the Rue de la Vieille Prison.

Along the Rue de la Gare several of the houses have interesting windows and decorative elements, especially at the upper levels - see numbers 12 and 72 for examples.

The 13th century Cordeliers convent was built by the Franciscans and includes a church, ancillary buildings such as the dormitory and refectory, and a cloisters accesed by five large arches in a stone wall. The convent also has well maintained terraced gardens, and high quality art exhibitions, usually of contemporary art, are regularly held here.

Other religious monuments in Chateauroux include the Church of Saint-Martial, dating in part from the 13th century and retaining a roman style nave, and the 19th century neo-gothic style Church of Saint-André.

Chateauroux Museums

Local history, arts and traditions are also well represented in the town with two museums:

• The Museum of the Hotel Bertrand is situated in an impressive 18th century villa and has exhibits related to archaeology, historical collections related to Napoleon, and fine arts represented by paintings from the 15th - 17th centuries.
• The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions is dedicated to life as it used to be in the Berry region, with local costumes and historical tools being the main exhibits on display.

Attractions nearby

Most leisure activities near Chateauroux are based in the Chateauroux forest, to the south of the town at Le Poinconnet, which has lots of trails, cycle routes and opportunities to enjoy the countryside. Within the forest you can visit the popular animal park of Haute Touche, which has a very wide range of animals and is set in a very extensive region of forest. We also enjoyed a visit to the nature reserve called La Prairie Saint-Gilda.

There are also several monuments of interest nearby, such as the ruins of the abbey at Déols and a quaint roman style church at Ardentes.

Further afield, to the south-west of Chateauroux you can see the pretty river frontage in the village of Argenton-sur-Creuse as well as the pretty village of Gargilesse-Dampierre .

You can find more travel ideas in the Indre guide and the Loire Valley guide .

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Map of chateauroux and places nearby, visit near chateauroux with france this way reviews.

Argenton-sur-Creuse

There are several churches of interest here in Argenton-sur-Creuse, and a very pretty walk along the banks of the Creuse river

The 18th century French manor house where George Sand lived is the main attraction in the village of Nohant-Vic

Saint-Chartier

Take a stroll through the grounds of the castle here in the quiet town of Saint-Chartier

There are few important monuments here in Issoudun, but we enjoyed a stroll around the old town near the 'White Tower'

Gargilesse-Dampierre

Gargilesse-Dampierre is a very small village, but also very pretty and in a lovely setting. Don't miss the frescoes in the church crypt!

La Chatre is a small town and quick to explore - before setting off to discover the other castles and countryside nearby

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Indre

Tourist classifications for Chateauroux

Chateauroux is classified as a village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*

Address: Châteauroux, Loire Valley, 36000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.810278, longitude 1.691111

Plan your visit to Chateauroux, Indre

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre collegiale St Etienne (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (25 km)
• Jardin du château de Bouges: remarkable garden (26 km)
• Bouges-le-Chateau Castle: national monument (26 km)
• Issoudun : ville fleurie 4* (28 km)
• Jardin du domaine de George Sand: remarkable garden (28 km)
• George Sand House: national monument (30 km)
• Vatan: village d'etape (31 km)
• La Chatre : recommended detour (34 km)
• Veuil: ville fleurie 4* (37 km)
• Brenne : regional natural parc (38 km)
• Etangs de la Brenne: site of natural beauty (38 km)
• Valencay : recommended detour (40 km)

Market days in Chateauroux, France

Regular market(s) are held in Chateauroux each Wednesday & Tuesday & Thursday & Saturday all day & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Chateauroux (Francais)

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