Three of the four original square gates in Mennetou-sur-Cher’s fortifications have survived, and five round towers stand on the defensive walls. At the Canal de Berry, there is also a wooden drawbridge and its mechanism. The medieval village is freely accessible all year round. When planning your trip, you can take into account the historic buildings, guided tours and a cycling route along the canal.
Fortifications and building history
Mennetou-sur-Cher was founded in the 13th century and developed because of its strategic location on a former trade route between Bourges and Tours. The ruins of the ramparts, gates and towers were classified as historic monuments by a decree dated 24 December 1913. The village’s history therefore connects its development along a trade route with the surviving parts of its fortifications.
The buildings also reflect different historical periods. The Grange aux Dîmes is one of the oldest buildings in Mennetou-sur-Cher: it rests on foundations dating to the 11th century and is in the Angevin Gothic style. The Église Saint-Urbain was built in the 13th century, and the village also has half-timbered houses dating to the 15th century. Together, these buildings offer several specific points of interest for anyone interested in architecture and the village’s history.
The wooden drawbridge and its mechanism provide another link to the Canal de Berry. The stone boundary markers framing it are also part of this ensemble. The drawbridge, its mechanism and the boundary markers have been listed as historic monuments since 17 May 2013. The fortification ruins and the bridge are thus distinct historical points of interest in the same village.
Plan your visit and cycling route
The medieval village’s year-round free access is separate from the guided tours on offer. Guided torchlit tours of the medieval town are available in summer and require a reservation. Group tours are available throughout the year, during the day or at night. If you plan to take a torchlit tour, check the available dates and book in advance. Group tours are offered at different times of day.
For cyclists, the Cœur de France à vélo cycling route runs along the Canal de Berry between Selles-sur-Cher and Mennetou-sur-Cher. The route is described as safe and quiet. This adds a specific cycling option to the medieval village experience. As routes may change, it is worth checking the latest route information before setting out.
Leisure and regional products
La Guinguette de Mennetou is located on the tree-lined beach in Mennetou, between the Cher and the Canal de Berry. Stop by for coffee, drinks or a meal; there are also boules courts and outdoor games. If you plan to have a meal there, check the current opening arrangements in advance, as operations may be seasonal.
The Maison des Artisans is a shop run by creative makers, offering crafts, regional products and souvenirs from Sologne and Berry. It adds a place to discover crafts and regional produce to the sightseeing and leisure options. If you plan to visit specifically, check the current opening hours and what is available in advance.
Mennetou-sur-Cher therefore offers a range of interests when choosing a place to stay: medieval fortifications and buildings, a cycling route along the Canal de Berry, and leisure options between the Cher and the canal. Whether you plan a guided tour, a bike ride or time at the Maison des Artisans will influence which aspects of your visit take centre stage.
Discover more destinations: Bracieux, Saint-Rimay, Maslives, Valaire, La Marolle-En-Sologne, Yvoy-Le-Marron, Neung-Sur-Beuvron, Feings
View the overview of destinations in the region: Loir-Et-Cher.
