Mauvières: Heritage and Local History

Mauvières can be discovered through its architectural history, industrial heritage and the Anglin. Specific highlights include the Maison-forte de Villiers, historical traces in La Ronde and Charneuil, and the “Le val d'Anglin n°39” walking trail. The commune lies on the border between Petite Brenne and Boischaut sud. This offers different perspectives for planning your trip: named historical sites, the development of an industrial site, and a trail with views over the Anglin that depend on the season and weather.

Architectural history and historical sites

The Maison-forte de Villiers dates from the late 15th and first half of the 16th century; its wall paintings date from around 1500. This brings together a building with a long history and paintings from a more specific period. The Maison-forte is partly listed as a Monument historique and partly classified as a Monument historique. The Ferme du Bas-Durenet in Mauvières was also listed as a Monument historique in September 2025. La Ronde offers a different historical trace: the lime kiln site is still visible in Mauvières. These sites represent different forms of local history: a building with wall paintings, another site listed as a Monument historique, and a lime kiln site that remains visible.

By the Anglin: mills and walking trail

There are two mills on the Anglin in the territory of Mauvières. The river is also a reference point on the “Le val d'Anglin n°39” walking trail. The trail leads to the hamlet of Villiers, which has preserved its old buildings. On the banks of the Anglin, it offers a striking view of the Château d’Aigues Joignant on the opposite bank. The view depends on the season and weather; if it is important to your trip planning, take these conditions into account. Villiers is the trail’s destination, while the château is the viewpoint across the river—two distinct landmarks within the same route description.

Industrial history in Charneuil

Charneuil adds a history of industrial activity to the themes of architecture and the river. The place developed from forges, which later became a hydroelectric power station and then a factory belonging to the company Delecta du Blanc. A notable workers’ housing estate also developed there in connection with this industrial history. Alongside the development of production sites, the estate brings housing in an industrial context into focus.

Different focuses for planning your trip

The historical sites and the route offer different ways to discover Mauvières: the Maison-forte and La Ronde represent specific architectural and local history, while Charneuil tells the story of successive industrial uses. The walking trail leads to the hamlet of Villiers and offers the described view of the château from the river. You can choose to focus on architectural and industrial history or on a trail with a landscape setting.

The “Au Val d'Anglin” restaurant in Mauvières offers takeaway dishes. If you would like to include this option in your plans, check its current availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Baudres, Argenton-Sur-Creuse, Issoudun, Lignac, Néons-Sur-Creuse, Pouligny-Saint-Pierre, Concremiers, Bouges-Le-Château

For the broader travel overview: Indre.