Saint-Chartier is a small town on the river Igneraie and in the natural region known as Boischaut in the south-east of the Indre department, to the north of La Chatre and just a few kilometres from Nohant-Vic.
Explore Saint-Chartier
You will perhaps visit Saint-Chartier as part of a visit to the region that is focussed on George Sand's house at Nohant-Vic. It is a quiet village but there are a couple of monuments of interest to see if you are passing including the little Chapel Barbault and the Chateau of Saint-Chartier.
Château of Saint-Chartier
Literary enthusiasts will be interested to know that this castle provided the setting for George Sand's novel 'Les Maîtres Sonneurs'.
It is said that Napoleon stayed here after the battle of Waterloo and that the villagers could see an important treasure being buried at the castle - although it has subsequently remained undiscovered!
Three clearly defined periods of construction can be seen at the castle, with the original tower dating from the 14th century; several important additions during the renaissance period including the other towers, the living accommodation, the interior courtyard and an arcaded gallery; and further modifications and renovations in the 19th century, such as the addition of lots of windows.
Although the castle is in private ownership and entrance to the interior of the castle is no longer possible the surrounding park, with views of the castle, is usually open - if not you will need to peer through the stone gateway!
Chapel Barbault
This small chapel in Saint-Chartier dates from the middle of the 19th century, and was built by Alexandre Naud (at that time owner of the Chateau) as a final resting places for members of the Naud family.
The decorative spire and small towers on each corner are the most unusual feature on the outside of the chapel.
Church of Saint-Chartier
You can also see the small village church of Saint-Chartier, with its origins in the 12th century.
Although the church we see today is essentially a 19th century reconstruction after the original was severely damaged during the Revolution, some ancient frescoes can still be seen inside the church.
Attractions nearby
There are several other locations and monuments to visit close to Saint-Chartier that are also linked with George Sand, and tours based on these are the most common way to explore the local region. Typically these start with the author's home at Nohant-Vic and continue to Gargilesse-Dampierre.
You can find more travel ideas in the Indre guide and the Loire Valley guide.
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Map of Saint-Chartier and places nearby
Visit near Saint-Chartier with France This Way reviews
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
La Chatre
La Chatre is a small town and quick to explore - before setting off to discover the other castles and countryside nearby
La Chatre 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
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
Issoudun
There are few important monuments here in Issoudun, but we enjoyed a stroll around the old town near the 'White Tower'
Issoudun guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Indre
Address: Saint-Chartier, Châtre, Loire Valley, 36400, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.650556, longitude 1.978056
Plan your visit to Saint-Chartier, Indre
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardin du domaine de George Sand: remarkable garden
- George Sand House: national monument (3 km)
- La Chatre: recommended detour (8 km)
- Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre collegiale St Etienne (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (14 km)
- Jardins du prieuré Notre-Dame-d'Orsan: remarkable garden (18 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Georges (Saint-Jeanvrin): religious monument (21 km)
- Chateauroux: ville fleurie 4* (27 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Ineuil): religious monument (28 km)
- Les jardins artistiques de Drulon: remarkable garden (31 km)
- Issoudun: ville fleurie 4* (33 km)
- Eguzon-Chantome: village d'etape (38 km)
- Abbaye de La Celle (La Celle): religious monument (38 km)
The French version of this page is at Saint-Chartier (Francais)