The best road cycling routes around Aubigny-Sur-Nère

The church consists of two successive rectangles, formerly covered by a wooden barrel vault with exposed beams. The very prominent buttresses of the nave, doubled at the corners, date the construction to the 12th or 13th centuries. The bell tower is supported by internal timbers near the central gable. A document from 1489 informs us that at that time, the church of Sainte Montaine was in need of extensive repairs. The bell tower had to be rebuilt, perhaps following a fire. The current bell tower therefore dates from this period. The western door is also from the 15th century. Its leaves are adorned with nails of remarkable craftsmanship. The nave was surrounded to the north and west by a wooden porch, similar to that of Brinon, but of more refined and delicate workmanship. This extension, which serves as a hall and narthex, is called a "caquetoire" in the Sologne region. It dated back to the 16th century and was demolished during the years 1918/1919. The furnishings are very important in both quantity and quality. Among the 18th-century liturgical vestments are two dalmatics and an 18th-century pastoral stole. There is also a 16th-century statue of the Virgin Mary and a 17th-century statue of Saint Germain, a 17th-century painting of the miracle of Saint Montaine, and a 17th-century processional cross of Christ on the Cross.

The Sancerre vineyard covers the hills of 14 communes in the Loire Valley. The paths that cross it allow you to discover this terroir up close, well-suited to growing vines thanks to its exposure and orientation. Here, you'll find peace and quiet, perfect for cycling and admiring the scenery.

Priory-rectory dependent on the abbey of Saint-Satur. The church was rebuilt from the end of the 15th century, starting with the tower forming a bell tower-porch, which can be attributed to a certain Hélias Ruellé, while the coat of arms appearing on the keystones of the nave vault indicate the participation of Guillaume de Ménipeny, abbot of Saint-Satur attested until 1527. The date of 1533 is shown on a keystone. The renovation of the church was probably completed around 1535. The first church was built in the 13th century, of which some remains and perhaps the bell tower-porch remain. The current construction dates mainly from the 16th century and represents one of the rare Renaissance religious buildings in this department. The renovation of the choir and the chevet (capitals) and the construction of the sacristy date from the 19th century. Keystone dated 1533 with the Rochechouart coat of arms.

15th century church renovated in the 19th century. This 19th century restoration consisted of the addition of two chapels to the north and south, which thus form two side aisles. The western bay and the bell tower also date from this restoration.

An idyllic location just a few km from Sancerre, in the heart of the vineyards.

At the end of this alley, you will see the Château de Blancafort, a 15th century building built in place of an old lordship dating from the 11th century. Covered in bricks, the fortified house is surrounded by a beautiful French garden. The castle is currently private and inhabited but can still be visited.

Castle built during the Renaissance by Robert Stuart then Louise de Keroualle, Duchess of Aubigny and Porsmouth. Only the facade and one of the two wings exist today. It is one of the major witnesses to the historical presence of the Scots in this city of character. It can be visited and is worth a look, notably with the ceiling of its large room which is all made of wood, shaped like the hull of an upside-down boat. Good to know: Franco-Scottish festivals take place every year in July.

From this bridge over the Petite Sauldre, you can admire the Château de la Chapelle D'Angillon, also known as Château de Béthune, on the other side of the body of water. It was initially a keep dating from 1050, one of the oldest in the region, then several buildings were added over the centuries to form the castle that we discover today. Two cathedral builders lived there, as well as the princes of Boisbelle. In addition to collections of weapons, embroidery and costumes from the 18th century, you will find a museum dedicated to Alain-Fournier, the author of Grand Meaulnes, and the Royal Albanian Foundation.