The Berry: a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The Berry lies in the heart of France and is a region that has remained true to itself. No traffic jams or crowded beaches, but fields, forests and villages where time seems to pass more slowly. Walking and cycling routes start right outside the door in Préveranges, and with a little luck you may spot deer along the way.
The region has a rich history. The writer George Sand found inspiration for her stories here. Bourges is home to one of France’s most beautiful cathedrals, while in Culan and Châteaumeillant you can step straight into a medieval village. In between, you will find flea markets, Romanesque churches and small museums, often overlooked by travel guides.
Préveranges
The village of Préveranges is located at the crossroads of the four departments, Indre, Cher, Allier and Creuse. Did you know that the highest point (Magnoux, 504 meters) of the Cher is located near Préveranges? On a clear day you can even see the Puy de Dôme, a famous dormant volcano!
In terms of culture, there is also plenty to discover: old castles, such as Château de Sarzay, nice villages and towns such as La Châtre, Boussac, Chateaumeillant, abbeys (Prieuré d’Orsan), the Museum of George Sand, gardens, castles, … too many to mention.
Sylvie & Eric
“What we found so fantastic about this region is the enormous variety. Lots of walking and cycling opportunities, beautiful castles and cool cities. And in the evening a tasty guest table with accompanying wine …”
Hiking in ‘Le Berry’
What about the many hiking trails, such as the GR41 or the long-distance hiking trail ‘Maître des sonneurs‘?
A must is the 11 km long route that starts from the Saint-Martin church opposite us on the square. This circuit leads you to beautiful hilly landscapes and traditional houses. What you should not miss is Les Pierres Jaumâtres. In addition to the beautiful view, you can make many beautiful walks here.
A game of golf?
Feel free to bring your golf clubs, because there are several golf courses within a 45-minute drive. For example, Golfclub du Val de Cher in Nassigny. Only 35 minutes away in a beautiful park with old oaks and a beautiful Bourbonnais castle.
But Golf de Sainte Agathe and Golf de la Jonchère are also beautiful golf courses.
Prefer a city visit?
If you like visiting cities, Bourges (the capital of the Cher department) is a good option. Bourges is a beautiful old city with a magnificent Gothic cathedral and narrow streets with nice shops.
Another large(r) city in the area that is worth visiting is for example Montluçon (Château des Ducs de Bourbon, MuPop museum). But don’t forget Châteauroux, La Châtre, Gargilesse Dampierre, Sainte Sévère sur Indre, Boussac of Chateaumeillant!
Discover the ‘Lac de Sidiailles’
The lake of Sidiailles is a 10-minute drive away. Here you can swim in a fenced-off part of the lake, lie on the beach, rent a pedalo or a boat, or for the real daredevils: take a trip through the ‘Parcours Aventure’, where you go from tree to tree with zip lines, among other things.
You can also fish there (the lake is classified as a ‘Grand Lac Interieur de 1ère Categorie’) or take a beautiful walk around the lake (16.7 km, ± 5 hours).
Land of castles and fortresses
France is a country with a huge number of castles. Real castle lovers will also find what they are looking for in the area around Préveranges, for example the Château de Boussac (12.4 km), the Château de Culan (17.5 km) and a little further away the Château d’Ainay le vieil (42.3 km) and the Château de Meillant (48.8 km).
Of course there are more beautiful castles to visit. We will be happy to give you more tips on site, such as the Château de Sarzay or …
Museums and gardens
In Nohant-Vic, just over half an hour’s drive from our chambres d’hôtes, lies the home of the famous French writer George Sand, who had a relationship with the composer Fréderic Chopin. You can take a guided tour and then wander through the beautiful gardens.
At the same distance lies the Prieuré d’Orsan, an old monastery with equally beautiful gardens. And for music lovers, there is the Mupop Music Museum in Montluçon. You travel from jazz to rock, via the bal musette and pop music.
Weekly markets and Brocante
There are several nice weekly markets to visit in the area. For example on Thursday morning in Boussac, on Friday morning in Châteaumeillant and on Saturday morning in La Châtre.
In addition, there are various brocante markets and ‘vide-greniers’ to visit. Feel free to ask us for more information.
