Mehun-sur-Yevre is a town located to the west of the Cher department, a few kilometres north-west of Bourges (towards Vierzon).
Exploring Mehun-sur-Yevre
The town grew up around the chateau and the court of King Charles in the 15th century. After a period of decline the city refound prosperity in the 19th century, with the development of the porcelain industry. The town is best known and most visited for the remains of its medieval castle.
Mehun castle
Dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, the donjon and a second tower are the main remaining parts of the original structure, and the part that is open to visitors. It was here in the Chateau de Mehun-sur-Yèvre that King Charles VII (who with Joan of Arc brought an end to the Hundred Years War) died on the 22 July 1461, and as a result Mehun-sur-Yyevre is known as Charles VII's town.
There is a museum dedicated to Charles VII in the donjon, featuring some interesting artefacts from both the medieval period when the castle and town were at their most important, and also items from earlier periods discovered during archaeological excavations.
Other sights
The Collegiale Notre-Dame in the heart of the old town of Mehun-sur-Yevre dates from the 11th century, although the belltower was added two hundred years later. Inside the church there are some fascinating medieval wooden sculptures and an unusual art-deco baptism font.
There is also a statue of Joan of Arc in Mehun to commemorate her important role in the town - she was here in October 1429 shortly after the King's coronation. You can also see an imposing 13th century gateway with two tours that once provided access through the town ramparts.
Take the time to also visit the attractive gardens (the Jardins du Duc de Berry) - these quite extensive gardens are a lovely peaceful area with lots of trees and streams.
Another place to visit here in Mehun is the 'Pole de la Porcelain', which features a very impressive selection of vases and other porcelain objects.
Attractions near Mehun-sur-Yevre
The most interesting town near Mehun is at Bourges, about 15 kilometres to the south-east, which has an interesting historic centre as well as two important monuments: the cathedral of Bourges and the Palais Jacques-Coeur. See the Bourges guide for details.
You can find more travel ideas in the Cher guide and the Loire Valley guide.
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Hotels in Mehun-sur-Yevre
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Map of Mehun-sur-Yevre and places nearby
Visit near Mehun-sur-Yevre with France This Way reviews
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
Bourges
Although Bourges is known for its stunning cathedral, it also has a substantial medieval centre and the Palais Jacques-Coeur among its many places of interest
Bourges guide
Bourges Cathedral
The cathedral in Bourges is a 13th century building with remarkable stonework and impressive stained glass windows
Bourges Cathedral guide
Issoudun
There are few important monuments here in Issoudun, but we enjoyed a stroll around the old town near the 'White Tower'
Issoudun guide
Aubigny-sur-Nere
It is the multi-turreted castle and the Scottish connection that explain the popularity of Aubigny-sur-Nère
Aubigny-sur-Nere guide
Valencay
The castle is the main attraction in Valencay, but we also suggest a visit to the Museum de l'Automobile and a stroll along the river
Valencay guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Cher
Tourist classifications for Mehun-sur-Yevre
Mehun-sur-Yevre is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Mehun-sur-Yèvre, Vierzon, Loire Valley, 18500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.1456, longitude 2.21993
Plan your visit to Mehun-sur-Yevre, Cher
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- St Aignan de Brinay (Brinay): religious monument (8 km)
- Bourges: secteur sauvegarde (15 km)
- Palace Jacques Coeur: national monument (15 km)
- Les Prés Fichaux: remarkable garden (15 km)
- Bourges Cathedral: national monument (15 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Plaimpied-Givaudins): religious monument (24 km)
- Issoudun: ville fleurie 4* (28 km)
- Vatan: village d'etape (32 km)
- Eglise de Saint André (Jussy-Champagne): religious monument (37 km)
- Collegiale Saint Etienne (Dun-sur-Auron): religious monument (39 km)
- Pierrefitte-sur-Sauldre: ville fleurie 4* (41 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Ineuil): religious monument (41 km)
Market days in Mehun-sur-Yevre, France
Regular market(s) are held in Mehun-sur-Yevre each Wednesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Mehun-sur-Yevre (Francais)