In the south of Berry, Apremont-sur-Allier
Apremont nestles on the banks of the Allier: a former mariners' and quarrymen's village, it was entirely restored last century. Its pretty ochre houses are overlooked by a castle with five towers and with a floral park inspired by informal English gardens at its foot.

Candes-Saint-Martin in the heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park
At the junction between the Loire and Vienne Rivers, Candes-Saint-Martin reflects the white of its houses made of ‘tuffeau' stone and the grey of their slate roofs in the water of the Loire. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, Saint-Martin collegiate church, standing on a hillside, watches over this former fishing and navigation port.
 

In Touraine, Crissay-sur-Manse
On the banks of the Manse, Crissay reveals its houses made of ‘tuffeau', the white stone from Touraine. Admire the transom windows and sculpted dormer windows. Wander along the little streets of this village, among the flower-laden gardens and walls, discover the church and climb up as far as the 15th century castle.

Gargilesse, the romantic town
George Sand fell in love with this artists' village and bought the Villa Algira here. Standing on the banks of the Creuse, the houses with their steep sloping roofs are set around the Romanesque church. Open its doors to see its magnificent set of capitals and murals (13th, 15th and 16th centuries) in the crypt. All year round, Gargilesse offers a wide variety of artistic and cultural activities.

Lavardin, a place to stop off in the Loir Valley
Nestling at the foot of a rocky promontory overlooked by the remains of an imposing medieval fortress and its dungeon, Lavardin espouses the Loir Valley. In the village, Saint-Genest Church is home to one of the region's finest Romanesque frescoes. Along its little streets you can admire cave dwellings, gothic houses and Renaissance homes.

Montrésor, a gorgeous village
In Montrésor semi-troglodyte dwellings stand alongside houses made of ‘tuffeau' stone and timbered houses in the gothic and Renaissance style. Built by Foulques Nerra, the cruel but pious Count of Anjou in the 10th century, the ancient fortress with its double outer wall is now a ruin which is reflected in the Indrois River. The castle, the collegiate church, the gothic bridge and the washhouse all bear testimony to the rich history of this little village.

A trip back to the Middle Ages in Saint-Benoît-du-Sault
Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, built on a rock looking down on the river, offers a pleasant walk for lovers of old stone: 15th and 16th century houses along narrow sloping streets, a fortified gateway, a belfry and a Romanesque church. At the end of the promontory, the priory, once occupied by Benedictine monks, gives a lovely view over the valley.

Welcome to Yèvre-le-Châtel
Who could resist the authentic charm of this little village in Gâtinais, once a royal stop-off on the road between Paris and Orléans? Stroll around the shaded streets with flowers, amongst the old limestone houses; stop off at the Romanesque church and its unfinished nave. Take the parapet road to get to the 13th century castle flanked by four big towers.

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