Boulleret offers several ways to plan a trip that combines architectural history, water and outdoor activities. The Sainte Marie Madeleine Church, two châteaux and three restored washhouses give the town’s heritage a tangible form. For active pursuits, there is a moderate mountain biking route and a bicycle rental service; seasonal visiting hours are also worth taking into account when planning.
Church, Châteaux and Washhouses
The Gothic Sainte Marie Madeleine Church dates from the 15th century. Its bell tower porch is a later addition from the 18th century, while the church houses statues from the 16th century. From June to September, you can visit it free of charge and without a guide. Its different construction periods and open-access visits give the church several points of interest for anyone interested in architecture and historic furnishings.
The châteaux also differ in appearance and visiting options. Château du Pezeau dates from the 16th century and can be viewed from the road. Château de Buranlure is a square complex of buildings with medieval masonry and moats that have been refilled with water; it was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is open for visits in summer and during the European Heritage Days. While Pezeau is specifically noted as being viewable from the road, Buranlure has designated visiting hours. Check the seasonal hours and event dates again before your trip.
The architectural heritage also includes three old washhouses that have been saved and completely restored. One of them is the Fontaine St Martin washhouse. Alongside the church and châteaux, these smaller historic buildings are also part of the selection.
The Loire, Waterways and Cycling Routes
The Loire borders Boulleret. A flood protection embankment runs along the left bank of the “petite Loire.” The natural landscape is also significant: Boulleret is part of the Natura 2000 site “Vallées de la Loire et de l’Allier entre Cher et Nièvre.” The standard data form published in 2021 lists the municipality as validated within the site. The river, the flood protection structure and the Natura 2000 site thus highlight different aspects of the area’s relationship with water and landscape.
The Canal latéral de la Loire is lined with automatic or manual locks and can be navigated using a rented or privately owned boat. The options for a cycling trip and a boat outing are quite different: one follows a designated route over land, while the other follows a canal with locks.
Moderate mountain biking route No. 48, “Lavoirs, écluses et moulins,” starts at Boulleret’s church square and is 15.4 kilometres long. Its starting point, length and difficulty rating give you concrete details for fitting the ride into your travel plans. For outings along the Loire or elsewhere, France Services in Boulleret rents out five bicycles. The rental service is another option alongside the designated mountain biking route; check availability and conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Saint-Pierre-Les-Bois, Culan, Vignoux-Sur-Barangeon, Saint-Symphorien, Méry-Sur-Cher, Saint-Priest-la-Marche, Aubigny-Sur-Nère, Fussy.
Go to the main travel overview: Cher.
