The best road cycling routes around Orçay

Garden created in the 1930s, on the former grounds of a Benedictine abbey, in an "Art Deco" style by Eugène-Henry Karcher, with the presence of industrial materials of the time, concrete, steel and ceramic, on an area of 6000m² between the Berry canal and the Yèvre.

If you are looking for a city with rich history, beautiful environment and vibrant culture, you should visit Vierzon. It is located at the confluence of five rivers, including the Yèvre and the Cher, and is surrounded by a magnificent forest of 7,500 hectares. You can discover the heritage of Vierzon by visiting its museums, such as the Vierzon Museum, which presents the arts of fire and ceramics, or the Museum of Agricultural Machinery and Rurality, which presents agricultural machinery and rural life. You can also enjoy cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as Flower Power Week in October or the Jazz Festival in June. Vierzon is also an important railway hub, connecting Lyon, Nantes, Paris, Limoges and Toulouse, allowing you to travel to other destinations easily. Vierzon is a town that will surprise you with its charm and diversity.

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.

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 whose origins date back to the 12th century but which was rebuilt and restored several times until the 19th century, following different designs. Its facades, sides and roof as well as the interior staircase of the south wing have been listed in the additional inventory of Historic Monuments since 1986. It now houses the Capazza international contemporary art gallery over 2000m2.

The Nançay Star Pole is a radio astronomy observatory created in 1953 over 150 hectares. Its instruments are used for the observation of astrophysical objects, particularly within the framework of European and international programs. There we also find the 4th largest decimeter radio telescope in the world.

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.

One of the 96 locks of the Berry canal, now downgraded. 2.70m wide, these locks could accommodate so-called "small berrichons" boats 27.50 m long by 2.60 m wide maximum. The shovel at the Vèves lock was replaced in 2020 to better regulate the water flow.