Attractions and Places To See around Brion - Top 10

The 15th-century Porte de Champagne is the only remaining city gate in Levroux. Originally built with the permission of King Charles VII to fortify the town, it still marks the transition between the old and newer parts of the city. During the recent restoration, the gate regained its towers and roofs, giving you a good impression of how imposing the entrance to Levroux once was. A true eye-catcher and a reminder of the town's medieval character.

For a village, Levroux boasts a church that almost has the allure of a cathedral. The 13th-century Collégiale Saint-Sylvain is not called the "petite cathédrale du Berry" for nothing. Note the details: the Romanesque side portal that once housed the sick and outcasts, the wooden stalls with humorous carvings, and the unique organ cabinet from 1502. Inside, you'll even find the banc du bourreau—the executioner's seat, marked with a red cross.

In Déols, this bell tower is the only remnant of an earlier era. Inspired by medieval horticultural treatises, the abbey's medieval garden consists of twelve squares, planted and surrounded by hedges. They symbolize the twelve apostles of Christianity. Visitors can admire three distinct areas: the herb garden with plants used in medieval pharmacopoeias, the love garden inspired by medieval poetry and courtly love, and the heavenly garden dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the abbey's symbol.

Built in the 1760s, the Château de Bouges located near Valençay elegantly illustrates the arts of the 18th century. When Claude Leblanc de Carnaval bought the estate in 1765, the old building present until then was razed to make way for an “Italian-style house”. This new, up-to-date construction displays the ambition of the rich ironmaster, who managed to rise in the world of Parisian finance and was recently ennobled. Ruined twelve years later, his castle was seized and sold. During the 19th century, successive buyers included the Prince of Talleyrand and Henri Dufour, who restored the castle and had the park landscaped in the English style. The Château de Bouges owes its transformation above all to the Viguier couple: Henry, director of a Parisian department store, and his wife Renée. Acquired in 1917, the Château de Bouges regained its initial vocation as a sumptuous residence. The Viguier couple brought the castle back to life with the acquisition of exceptional furniture dating from the 18th century, which wonderfully expresses the taste for well-being and refinement specific to the society of that era in harmony with the setting. Left without descendants, they bequeathed the castle to the State in 1967. Of elegant Italian construction, the charm of this castle lies in its inhabited appearance. A visit that will transport you to the elegance of the 18th century! After visiting the castle, be sure to discover the English-style park designed by the landscaper Achille Duchêne at the beginning of the 20th century. The winding paths allow you to discover varied views of the Château de Bouges all along the walk. The stone balustrade separates the park from the French garden where boxwood embroidery and trimmed yews are bordered by lime trees. The old vegetable garden, transformed into a flower garden by Madame Viguier, is today dedicated to the cultivation of flowers used for the composition of the bouquets which adorn the rooms of the castle. A visit to the outbuildings made up of the stables, the saddlery and the orangery allows you to discover Henri Viguier's passion for horse riding.

The Château de Bouges is an 18th century residence surrounded by 80 hectares of greenery, with a pond where you can admire the reflections of the different trees. You can also discover the outbuildings where the stables, saddlery and horse-drawn carriages are located. The castle itself is open for guided tours, where you can explore its elegant rooms and furnishings. Opening hours vary depending on the season, do not hesitate to check them before traveling.

Around the 1400s, Levroux suffered attacks and acts of terror from local brigands. King Charles VII therefore authorized the city to fortify its perimeter. Sixteen towers, adjoining walls and a moat were built, of which the Porte de Champagne is all that remains today.

Built in the 13th century, this church is actually known as the little cathedral of Berry. Apparently, the south wall opens to a door with a porch that served as an entrance for lepers.

This castle dates back to the 1100s. It is believed to have been occupied at one time by Richard the Lionheart. Only three defensive towers remain of what one can imagine to be a beautiful castle.