A natural area with a clearly defined special feature and a church with architectural elements from several centuries give Neuvy-Le-Barrois distinctive themes for travel planning. The wet hollows of Bougel and Picot Bourdiau are home to a population of Coenagrion ornatum; at the same time, the Église Saint-Martin has a clear architectural layout. The Sentier de l'Aljotte starts in the town, and the business “Au petit chez soi” combines a café, restaurant, grocery shop and bread shop. Nature, architectural history and practical local amenities thus provide different focal points for a stay.
Wetlands and Biodiversity
The ZNIEFF site “Suintements et pâtures du Picot Bourdiau et du vallon humide de Bougel” covers 23.2 hectares in Neuvy-Le-Barrois. The wet hollows of Bougel and Picot Bourdiau form the only known site in Centre-Val de Loire where a population of Coenagrion ornatum occurs. Its significance is therefore clearly defined at the regional level: it relates to the known presence of this species in Centre-Val de Loire.
The streams are also part of this natural landscape. For just over 1,000 metres, they follow their natural courses through extensively grazed cattle and sheep pastures. Alongside the presence of the species, waterways and pastures are also specific aspects of the landscape. Anyone considering Neuvy-Le-Barrois for its natural features will find information both about a named species and about watercourses and agriculturally used land.
Neuvy-Le-Barrois is also included in the Natura 2000 site “Vallées de la Loire et de l'Allier entre Cher et Nièvre.” Two different references help put the nature theme into context: the area specified as 23.2 hectares and the municipality’s inclusion in the named Natura 2000 site.
Church and Architectural History
The Église Saint-Martin has been listed as a Monument historique since 1 October 1926. Its single-nave church has a chapel on the left. The two bays in front of the choir date from the 12th century; the exterior door dates from the 15th century. A bay is a structurally defined section. Here, two sections in front of the choir and a door from different centuries can be distinguished, without attributing a single construction period to every part of the church.
The private Château de Neuvy also has several construction phases, dating from the 12th, 15th and 17th centuries. Together with the church’s architectural elements, it offers another way to explore the town’s architectural history. The sculptor Jean Baffier is another link to local cultural history: a medallion was placed on his birthplace in Neuvy-Le-Barrois. Architecture and the memory of a person associated with the town thus provide two distinct historical points of reference.
Trail and Local Amenities
The Sentier de l'Aljotte starts in Neuvy-Le-Barrois. This provides a specific local reference for travel planning if a trail is one of your interests. The starting point can be considered a focus in its own right, alongside the themes of wetlands and architectural history.
For refreshments and shopping, “Au petit chez soi” serves four functions: café, restaurant, grocery shop and bread shop. The café and restaurant offer the possibility of a meal or a break; the grocery shop and bread shop are useful for shopping. If you plan to eat out or shop as part of your day, check the relevant opening hours in advance.
Discover more destinations: Vignoux-Sur-Barangeon, Clémont, Lignières, Culan, Vallenay, Berry-Bouy, Vereaux, Sancergues.
For the main travel overview: Cher.
