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A town in the very heart of France
Locations don’t come much more central than this one. The attractive and interesting town of Châteaumeillant is situated in the south-west of the Cher department of the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, which puts it smack bang in the centre of France! Communications to all parts of France are therefore excellent, but don’t dismiss Châteaumeillant as just a travel crossroads, as the town has a lot to recommend it besides its location.
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Surrounded by vineyards
Dating back some 2,000 years, Châteaumeillant has a lot of history, and indeed some important archaeological finds have been made here. Once a supremely fortified Gallic town of great defensive importance, Châteaumeillant these days is surrounded by vineyards. It now relies more on the wine trade for its fame and glory than on military might.
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Historical sites
Due to its long and intriguing history, the town has some fascinating historical sites and buildings to visit. The Church of St Genés is one such case, and it is well worth a visit to this important listed Romanesque building. Also worth a look, although much of its former glory has been destroyed, is the one time Church of Notre Dame La Petite, also known as “Chapitre”. Its imposing bell towers were pulled down during the French Revolution, and it was turned into a prison, offices and a market. The archaeological importance of the town and its environs has resulted in an interesting museum (the Musée Emile Chenon) which houses some of the finds, particularly an interesting collection of ceramics.
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Friday market
Châteaumeillant offers a good amount of shops and modern amenities as well as its historical and cultural assets. There is a general market on Fridays, which supplies all the expected local colour and fun, so don’t waste this opportunity to enjoy a little authentic French life!
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Wining and dining
The area is known for fine French cuisine, and true to this tradition, Châteaumeillant boasts a great selection of quality restaurants. Here you can not only enjoy the food, but perhaps more significantly in this wine town, sample the wines! Wine tasting is also available at the wine producing estates and direct sales outlets which abound around the town. Trips to the vineyards can be arranged, and these are highly recommended for both would be wine buffs and those who simply enjoy a glass or two of something special.
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Out and about
As Châteaumeillant is so centrally located, nothing is impossible or unreachable! Most sporting activities are accessible within easy travelling distance of the town, with golf, walking, swimming and cycling as popular and enjoyable here as anywhere in France.
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How to get there
The nearest airports include Tours (Ryanair), Limoges (Ryanair, flybe), Poitiers (Ryanair) and Paris (Air France, British Airways, easyJet, bmi, flybe, bmibaby, Thomsonfly, Aer Lingus and Jet2). Rail links to the area from the fast TGV network are good, and travel by road is also a fast and pleasant experience, as the town lies not far from the excellent A71.
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Property prices and availability in and around Châteaumeillant
Cher, but not trop cher! The prices in the Cher department (despite the French word “cher” meaning “dear” as in “expensive”) are among some of the cheapest in France, as foreign buyers seem to work their way around the coastlines of the country before discovering its beautiful interior! This can’t last, however, so you would be well advised to take advantage of the situation before it changes and prices begin to match those found in other regions of France.
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CHÂTEAUMEILLANT AT A GLANCE |
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WHERE IS CHÂTEAUMEILLANT?Châteaumeillant is located in the very centre of France, in the far south-west of the department of the Cher. It lies very close to its department’s border with the Indre.
Châteaumeillant Property Mapnew
IN THE REGION OF CENTRAL LOIRE VALLEY
Central Loire Valley Guide
Central Loire Valley Mapnew
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CHER
Cher Guide
Cher Mapnew
Population: 2,057
Access:
By air: Fly into Paris, Tours, Limoges or Poitiers. By rail: The town has good rail links to major TGV routes, making train travel fast and effective. By road: The town lies within 30 kilometres of the A71 motorway, from Orleans to Clermont.
Economy:
The economy is strongly based on the wine trade.
Interesting fact:
The town’s most famous wine is called “Gris”, which literally translates as “grey”. Don’t be put off, however, as a Gris is simply a light-coloured, fine tasting pink!
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