The best road cycling routes around Vatan

Splendid 17th century castle in the heart of this picturesque wine-growing village

Built in the 1760s, the Château de Bouges located near Valençay elegantly illustrates the arts of the 18th century. When Claude Leblanc de Carnaval bought the estate in 1765, the old building present until then was razed to make way for an “Italian-style house”. This new, up-to-date construction displays the ambition of the rich ironmaster, who managed to rise in the world of Parisian finance and was recently ennobled. Ruined twelve years later, his castle was seized and sold. During the 19th century, successive buyers included the Prince of Talleyrand and Henri Dufour, who restored the castle and had the park landscaped in the English style. The Château de Bouges owes its transformation above all to the Viguier couple: Henry, director of a Parisian department store, and his wife Renée. Acquired in 1917, the Château de Bouges regained its initial vocation as a sumptuous residence. The Viguier couple brought the castle back to life with the acquisition of exceptional furniture dating from the 18th century, which wonderfully expresses the taste for well-being and refinement specific to the society of that era in harmony with the setting. Left without descendants, they bequeathed the castle to the State in 1967. Of elegant Italian construction, the charm of this castle lies in its inhabited appearance. A visit that will transport you to the elegance of the 18th century! After visiting the castle, be sure to discover the English-style park designed by the landscaper Achille Duchêne at the beginning of the 20th century. The winding paths allow you to discover varied views of the Château de Bouges all along the walk. The stone balustrade separates the park from the French garden where boxwood embroidery and trimmed yews are bordered by lime trees. The old vegetable garden, transformed into a flower garden by Madame Viguier, is today dedicated to the cultivation of flowers used for the composition of the bouquets which adorn the rooms of the castle. A visit to the outbuildings made up of the stables, the saddlery and the orangery allows you to discover Henri Viguier's passion for horse riding.

Mehun-sur-Yèvre Castle was built in the 12th century and was the residence of several kings and queens of France, including Charles VII who died there in 1461. You can admire the architecture of the castle, which combines elements medieval and Renaissance, such as towers, ramparts and mullioned windows. You can also stroll through the magnificent French gardens which surround the castle and offer stunning views of the town and countryside. The castle is also a museum dedicated to Charles VII and his reign, where you can discover the history of this place and its role in the Hundred Years' War. Classified as a historic monument, the castle is a must-see for any history and culture lover.

The Château de Bouges is an 18th century residence surrounded by 80 hectares of greenery, with a pond where you can admire the reflections of the different trees. You can also discover the outbuildings where the stables, saddlery and horse-drawn carriages are located. The castle itself is open for guided tours, where you can explore its elegant rooms and furnishings. Opening hours vary depending on the season, do not hesitate to check them before traveling.

Collegiate church from the end of the 11th century, which became a parish church at the time of the Revolution. The building is built according to a Benedictine plan and has been listed since 1886. One of its particularities lies in its twisted bell tower, which is covered with chestnut shingles.

Castle built during the 1st quarter of the 9th century whose ruins allow you to see how it has evolved over time. Charles VII often took his court there. It was also in Mehun-sur-Yèvre that he handed over his letters of nobility to Joan of Arc in 1429, and where he died in 1461.

Grab a coffee at the Tabac then open the bin and feed the large Grey duck with the other species she has adopted as her own

This tower is all that remains of a 12th century square castle and a fine preserved example of a square-shaped military fortress. There remain in the tower two rooms with three fireplaces.