Discover Charenton-Du-Cher

Charenton-du-Cher brings together church architecture, industrial history, an animal park and trails through varied landscapes. When choosing a hotel stay, you can consider whether architecture, animals or routes should be the focus of your trip.

Churches and industrial history

The Church of Saint-Martin was listed as a Monument historique by decree on 26 January 1927. The nave and choir date from the late 11th century; the bell tower and chapels belong to building phases between the 12th and 15th centuries. The church therefore makes it possible to distinguish the chronology of its surviving architectural elements.

The Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is located in the narthex of the former Romanesque abbey church, which dates from the 12th century. Some remains of the apse have been preserved in a garden. As access arrangements may change, check them before visiting.

Industrial history is also part of the local landscape: La Grosse Forge was one of five works belonging to the Meillant-Charenton metallurgical enterprise, which was probably founded around 1590 to 1600. Two masonry water channels, partly vaulted, survive from the site. They were part of the hydraulic system of its fenderie (iron-splitting forge), providing a tangible technical connection to the history of the forge. The façade and roof of one house were listed as a Monument historique by decree on 22 March 1930.

Domaine de Revert animal park

The Domaine de Revert animal park in Charenton-du-Cher covers 20 hectares. More than 200 animals live there, and the park showcases a wide variety of domesticated animal breeds from different continents. The animal population may change, so its specific composition can also vary. At the edge of the forest, the Domaine has landscaped paths and footpaths; these may also change.

Circular routes between the Marmande and the Canal de Berry

The 12-Boucle de la Marmande starts at the Salle des Fêtes car park in Charenton-du-Cher and is marked in yellow. It passes through the Marmande plains, across fields and stony paths, then returns to the banks of the Canal de Berry. Starting conditions and markings may change; check the latest information before your hike.

The Circuit Charenton Vernais is an easy circular route, 19.2 kilometres long. It passes through countryside to the village of Vernais and returns via the Canal de Berry. Both routes include the Canal de Berry, but have different highlights: the Boucle focuses on plains, fields and stony paths, while the Circuit takes in the route to Vernais and its stated distance and difficulty.

Parkland and southern Berry

The Parc du Château de la Grave is a tree-filled park laid out in the 1840s between the château and the Canal de Berry, which had recently been built at the time. As another route option, the Way of St James between Charenton-du-Cher and La Châtre passes through the landscapes, forests and villages of southern Berry. Alongside the local circular routes, this also brings the region’s landscapes and villages into focus.

Discover more destinations: Barlieu, Clémont, Saint-Bouize, Massay, Lazenay, Lignières, Thauvenay, Saint-Germain-Du-Puy.

See the overview of the wider region: Cher.