Menetou-Sur-Nahon: River and Heritage

Menetou-Sur-Nahon lies in the valley of the Nahon, a 43-kilometre-long tributary of the Fouzon. The river, bridges and historic buildings give the town a distinctive character for travellers interested in landscapes and heritage. If you plan your stay around these themes, you can get to know the town from two perspectives: through the Nahon as a landscape feature and through buildings connected with the town’s history.

The Nahon and the Château de Menetou

Historically, the Nahon powered the wheels of two mills in the town centre, which belonged to the Château de Menetou. The river also fed the château’s moats. The château, now destroyed, has a history dating back to 1529. These two connections illustrate different functions: the mills used the river to turn their wheels, while the château used it to fill its moats. The river is therefore both part of the landscape and a tangible link to the town’s history.

Bridges and other historic sites

Menetou-Sur-Nahon is notable for its many bridges. Two bridges at Parc du château de Campoix date from the time of Louis XIV. They provide a specific example of the town’s bridges. By comparison, the Château de Menetou’s history is associated with the year 1529, whereas the bridges are associated with the era of Louis XIV.

The town’s history also includes a medieval religious establishment with a church, cloister and pilgrims’ hostel. The hostel points to the reception of pilgrims, while the church and cloister complete the picture of a religious complex. A former fortified site was also located within the commune. It was probably the castle of the Roury family. The establishment is described by its component parts; the identification of the fortified site as the castle of the Roury family remains probable.

Nature, fishing and the riverside

Three additional bird species were added to the Natura 2000 site FR2410023 – Plateau de Chabris / La Chapelle Montmartin by a ministerial amendment dated 22 November 2017: the Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus), the hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) and the European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus).

Tourism guides for 2024 and 2025 list the Nahon at Menetou-Sur-Nahon as a second-category river for fishing. If you plan to fish during your trip, check the local fishing regulations before setting off. Along the banks of the Nahon, there are tables, a leisure area with children’s play equipment and toilet facilities. As these facilities may change, check their current condition before visiting.

A road connection

The road at Pont du Marchois connects Varennes-sur-Fouzon with Chabris. This identifies both the bridge name and the two places connected by this route.

Discover more destinations: Roussines, Chasseneuil, Chalais, Orsennes, Saint-Aigny, Gargilesse-Dampierre, Francueil, Argenton-Sur-Creuse

For the broader travel overview: Indre.