Things to do

A chilled out holiday lazing in the sunshine, or more active exploring, walking, cycling, fishing, swimming or water sports?  The choice is yours!

History: From the Romans to the present day, this peaceful corner of the Berry has a story to tell. Chateaumeillant dates back to pre-roman times, when it was home to the Bituriges tribe and later conquered by the Romans. The small but interesting Chateaumeillant Museum/   has hundreds of Roman amphora and treasure found in the town, which still retains the ancient street layout and ramparts. We have even found roman roof tiles in our garden!

Chateaux: There are many fascinating chateaux in the area, 14th Century Sarzay with it's pepper pot towers looks like every child's dream of a "proper" castle.   Ainay le Vieil , also known as "Carcassonne in miniature" with it's moat and beautiful gardens and the chateau at Meillant, dating from the 11th century. Another favorite of ours is  George Sands' house   at Nohant, where she lived with Chopin.

Another of our favourite places are the peaceful gardens at the Prieure d'Orsan , featured in Monty Don's most beautiful gardens in France TV show. Now privately owned, the gardens and tea shop are open to the public.  

Walking and cycling: The area is excellent for walking or cycling, you can either just set off along the chemin rural [footpath] from the cottage or follow one of the many way marked trails. Our favourites are the vinyard walk from Chateaumeillant and the more challenging tour round the lake at Sidialles. Maps and details are in the cottage. For electric bikes there is a dedicated charging point and covered store in the gite garden.

Water fun! The lake at Sidialles has a large sandy beach with safe bathing, you can hire canoes or pedelos to see the lake from the water. 

If you are feeling adventurous, book in at Branche Aventure at Sidialles. a huge "Go Ape" type high ropes course, with routes for all ages. Including Tyro trek, with over 5km of zipwires criss-crossing the lake, I'm not brave enough, are you?   

Chateaumeillant has produced wine since the 5th century, it was granted its AOC status in 2010. This tiny region specializes in classic Loire vin gris (rosé) and red wines. There are a number of local producers where you can try before you buy while you follow the "wine trail" round the area. 

We are just 3km from Chateaumeillant, where you will find several restaurants and bars as well as local shops and a supermarket. The Friday market is home to many small producers, you will be able to buy delicious local produce and sample the local wine. The busy and picturesque towns of La Chatre and Saint Amond Montrond are nearby, with a variety of interesting shops, larger supermarkets and places to eat as well as the large bustling markets. If you enjoy a Brocante or local fete, there will be at least one every weekend in one of the villages nearby, check out this website for details: brocabrac 

Fishing: The lake at Saint Jeanvrin is just 2km away and has excellent carp fishing and for a fun afternoon or evening fishing try the lake at Chateaumeillant.

Horse Riding: Either riding cross country or in the school, we can recommend the stables le Clos des 4 Fers found 12km away on the way to Sidialles.