Argenton-sur-Creuse travel guide
Visit Argenton-sur-Creuse (Centre-Loire Valley, France)
Photo Gallery Book a visitArgenton-sur-Creuse is a small town in a scenic setting on the Creuse river, to the south of the 'Centre' region of France in the Indre department.
The town originally developed around an important medieval castle, then over the centuries the centre of the town slowly moved and by the 15th century most commerces were based on the other side of the Creuse.
Exploring Argenton-sur-Creuse
It is the houses that line the river that are the most scenic highlight in Argenton - many have balconies that further overhang the slow moving water, and the Church of Saint-Benoit and an old stone bridge adding interest to the backdrop.
There are also several small highlights to explore in the town. You can see the remains of an ancient castle (not very extensive - Richelieu did an impressive job of its demolition after the French revolution) and three churches:
- the Chapel of Saint-Benoit, dating from the 15th century and now used for exhibitions;
- the church of Saint-Sauveur, also dating from the 15th century and with an impressive 19th century belltower;
- the church of Saint-Etienne - step inside to see the large painting by Paul Chenavard called 'The martyr of Saint Polycarp'
You will come across a good number of medieval houses as you explore the streets of the historical centre of Argenton-sur-Creuse (particularly in the part of the town on the right bank of the river), the most impressive of which are the Hotel de Scevole (17th century) and the 16th century Hotel Duperthuis. Although we can only glimpse the outside of this manor house, near the end of the old bridge, you can see the main tower which holds the staircase and also the watchtower.
There is a medieval bridge that crosses the Creuse river in Argenton-sur-Creuse, built when the town grew to occupy the right bank of the river in medieval times. While at the river take the time for a stroll along the river banks, which are very picturesque and pass very old watermills, and the remains of a bridge that stood here in the roman era.
It is a shame the original bridge built to join the two parts of the town is no longer standing - it would be fascinating to see the original 15th century bridge, which had substantial houses and shops actually built on the bridge itself and supported by the piles of the bridge.
There is a footpath that follows along the riverside in the town, starting near the end of the old bridge, and is the highlight of your visit to Argenton-sur-Creuse. By the 19th century a thriving industry based around tanneries and flour mills had developed along the Creuse river in Argenton, and this industry is the source of many of these buildings. This trade subsequently gave way to shirt-making, which for a period of time brought considerable wealth to the town.
Mills in Argenton-sur-Creuse
150 years ago there were numerous active mills along the river, with wheat mills, tanning mills and cloth mills all busy here. You can still see three of these original mills along the riverside.
A sadder note in the history of Argenton-sur-Creuse is commemorated with a memorial to the 56 civilians murdered in the town by the Nazis in June 1944 as part of their anti-resistance efforts as they moved towards the north of France to meet the invading Allied forces (see also Oradour-sur-Glane further south).
There are a good selection of shops, restaurants etc in the main part of Argenton, which although less historically interesting than the ancient quarter still merits a brief exploration. For those who are more fashionable than myself, you can also visit the Museum of Dress and Masculine Elegance!
Travel planning: close to an important motorway that heads south through France (the A20/E9) Argenton is about half-way between Orleans and Limoges (or between Paris and Toulouse if you prefer) and is a good stop-off point to break up your journey if you are driving southwards towards the Dordogne or the Pyrenees - leave the motorway (autoroute) at junction 18.
Local highlights
Close to Argenton-sur-Creuse you can see a reminder of the long occupation of the region - the substantial remains of a Roman Theatre at Argentomagus, the town that later gaves its name to the modern town. Said to have existed as a gallic theatre before the Romans arrived, there is also a museum on the site exhibiting finds from the excavation works.
To the south of here you will enjoy exploring the villages of Gargilesse-Dampierre and Saint-Benoit-du-Sault, and if you are spending a few days in the region around Argenton-sur-Creuse you will also enjoy exploring the Brenne Regional Natural Park.
You can find more travel ideas in the Indre guide and the Loire Valley guide.
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Map of Argenton-sur-Creuse and places nearby
Visit near Argenton-sur-Creuse with France This Way reviews
Gargilesse-Dampierre
Gargilesse-Dampierre is a very small village, but also very pretty and in a lovely setting. Don't miss the frescoes in the church crypt!
Gargilesse-Dampierre guide
Saint-Benoit-du-Sault
The unspoiled medieval streets in the 'most beautiful village' of Saint-Benoit-de-Sault quickly take you back several hundred years in time
Saint-Benoit-du-Sault guide
Chateauroux
A little remote from the main tourist routes, Chateauroux is quite a sprawling town but has some sites of interest in its historic centre
Chateauroux guide
Brenne Regional Natural Park
This quiet region of small lakes and fields is a perfect place for cycling on peaceful lanes
Brenne Regional Natural Park guide
Nohant-Vic
The 18th century French manor house where George Sand lived is the main attraction in the village of Nohant-Vic
Nohant-Vic guide
Saint-Chartier
Take a stroll through the grounds of the castle here in the quiet town of Saint-Chartier
Saint-Chartier guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Indre
Address: Argenton-sur-Creuse, Châteauroux, Loire Valley, 36200, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.589722, longitude 1.52
Plan your visit to Argenton-sur-Creuse, Indre
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eguzon-Chantome: village d'etape (17 km)
- Saint-Benoit-du-Sault: most beautiful village (19 km)
- Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre collegiale St Etienne (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (22 km)
- Jardin-arboretum de La Sédelle: remarkable garden (23 km)
- Etangs de la Brenne: site of natural beauty (24 km)
- Brenne: regional natural parc (24 km)
- Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe Abbey: heritage site (26 km)
- Chateauroux: ville fleurie 4* (28 km)
- Jardin du domaine de George Sand: remarkable garden (34 km)
- George Sand House: national monument (35 km)
- La Chatre: recommended detour (36 km)
- La Souterraine: village d'etape (39 km)
Market days in Argenton-sur-Creuse, France
Regular market(s) are held in Argenton-sur-Creuse each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Argenton-sur-Creuse (Francais)