The town of Aubigny-sur-Nere is in the eastern part of the Loire Valley region, north of Bourges and south-east of Orléans.
Explore Aubigny-sur-Nère
For many centuries the town was ruled by the Scottish Stuart family, and it was them who built the multi-turreted chateau in the town centre that is the most dominant monument in Aubigny-sur-Nère. The castle was built in the 16th century although a significant part of what we see today is a result of modifications in the 17th and 19th centuries.
The castle is now used as the town hall for Aubigny and also contains a museum that tells the history of the close links between Scotland and the town.
Scottish links for the town are still maintained enthusiastically, especially on a weekend in the middle of July (around July 14) each year, when a procession of pipers and other entertainments bring a festive air to the town. There is also a large modernist statue of a Scottish piper, along with various smaller reminders of the association.
Apart from the castle, Aubigny-sur-Nere is also notable for a number of half-timbered (colombage) houses dating from the middle-ages. Note especially the Maison Francois 1 next to the church, which is one of the most impressive examples: the whole house looks as it would have done several hundred years ago, including the impressive woodwork around the doors and windows.
Other historical artefacts that you will discover as you explore the town include parts of the original defensive fortifications and the Church of Saint-Martin, a gothic style church with 16th century stained glass. The Scottish influence can also be seen, with an English pub and a red telephone box!
The public gardens and several planted areas around the town are beautifully maintained and explain how Aubigny-sur-Nère is a 4* 'town in bloom' (ville fleurie), a prestigious award especially for a small town. In particular the Parc de la Duchesse de Portsmouth (also called the Parc des Grands-Jardins) is a large park that was once the park around the town castle and now includes a wide range of trees as well as English style gardens and formal French style gardens.
Another small museum in Aubigny is in the Maison Victorine on the Square des Dames, where the history of the town is related using artefacts from the region (free to enter).
Saturday morning is a good time to visit when Aubigny holds its weekly market.
Attractions nearby
Most places of interest near Aubigny are along the Loire river, to the east of the town, and include Gien, a small town dominated by a castle, and the famous wine village of Sancerre.
You can find more travel ideas in the Cher guide and the Loire Valley guide.
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Map of Aubigny-sur-Nere and places nearby
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Gien
To the east of the main Loire Valley, the view across the bridge to the castle and town of Gien is very atractive
Gien guide
Briare
With the Loire River and the Canal de Briare crossing in the centre of Briare it is not surprising that water based activities are important here
Briare guide
Sancerre
The pretty village of Sancerre is best known for the famous wines of the same name produced nearby - and to be samlped in the village!
Sancerre guide
Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire Abbey
Fans of romanesque architecture will appreciate the many period features in the 12th century Abbey of Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire
Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire Abbey guide
Mehun-sur-Yevre
The castle and the 11th century Collegiale Notre-Dame are among several sights of importance in Mehun-sur-Yevre
Mehun-sur-Yevre guide
Bourges Palais Jacques-Coeur
The Palais Jacques-Coeur is a charming medieval palace with impressive rooms and fireplaces in the heart of Bourges
Bourges Palais Jacques-Coeur guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Cher
Tourist classifications for Aubigny-sur-Nere
Aubigny-sur-Nere is classified as a village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*
Address: Aubigny-sur-Nère, Vierzon, Loire Valley, 18700, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.4894, longitude 2.44
Plan your visit to Aubigny-sur-Nere, Cher
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Pierrefitte-sur-Sauldre: ville fleurie 4* (22 km)
- Briare: ville fleurie 4* (28 km)
- Sancerre: recommended detour (35 km)
- Abbaye de Saint Benoît sur Loire (Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire Abbey): religious monument (37 km)
- Potager du jardin du château de La Bussière: remarkable garden (39 km)
- Mehun-sur-Yevre: recommended detour (42 km)
- St Aignan de Brinay (Brinay): religious monument (42 km)
- Bourges: secteur sauvegarde (45 km)
- Palace Jacques Coeur: national monument (45 km)
- Les Prés Fichaux: remarkable garden (45 km)
- Arboretum national des Barres: remarkable garden (45 km)
- Bourges Cathedral: national monument (46 km)
Market days in Aubigny-sur-Nere, France
Regular market(s) are held in Aubigny-sur-Nere each Saturday all day. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Aubigny-sur-Nere (Francais)