The Cher lies at the geographical heart of France and is home to a often overlooked heritage of castles, yet one that is remarkable for its diversity. Between the Cher valley, the Berry region and the game-rich forests of southern Sologne, the department has seen the rise of medieval fortresses, stately homes and beautiful country estates that bear witness to the eventful history of this buffer region between the North and the South.
Bourges, the department’s capital, was the residence of King Charles VII in the 15th century, and its Saint-Étienne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to the city’s influence during that era. The department’s châteaux reflect this heritage: Meillant, a masterpiece of the Gothic-Renaissance transition with its Lion Tower carved with stone lacework, Ainay-le-Vieil, nicknamed the ‘little Carcassonne of Berry’ for its intact medieval walls, or La Verrerie, an elegant Renaissance château on the banks of a romantic pond.
The Cher offers heritage enthusiasts an authentic experience, far from the crowds of the neighbouring Loire Valley. Its châteaux, often still inhabited by their owners, offer intimate tours, charming accommodation and cultural activities that are the hallmark of tourism in the Berry region.