The best traffic-free bike rides around Fontenay

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.

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.

If you're looking for a historical and spiritual hike, you might want to visit the Église Saint-Cyr d'Issoudun, a Catholic church that dates back to the 9th century. The church has a beautiful stained glass window from the 15th century, representing the lives of Saint Cyr and Saint Julitte, as well as six large candlesticks offered by Louis XIV. You can also admire the 17th century statue of the Virgin Mary and the staffs of the gardeners' and winegrowers' guilds. The church is open Tuesday to Sunday.

The White Tower of Issoudun is a medieval tower built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. The tower is located on a hill in the center of the town of Issoudun and offers panoramic views of the town and countryside. The tower is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the entrance fee is 3 euros for adults and 1.5 euros for children.

This tower is all that remains of a 12th century square castle and a fine preserved example of a square-shaped military fortress. There remain in the tower two rooms with three fireplaces.

This tower is all that remains of a 12th century square castle and a fine preserved example of a military fortress with its square shape. There remain in the tower two rooms with three fireplaces.