Argenton-sur-Creuse

Visit Argenton-sur-Creuse, Loire Valley

Argenton-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 (particularly in the part of the town on the right bank of the river), the most impressive of which is the Hotel de Scevole (17th century).

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 also very picturesque and pass very old watermills, and the remains of a bridge that stood here in the roman era.

A sadder note in the history of Argenton-sur-Creuse is also 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 also a good selection of shops, restaurants etc in Argenton.

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.

Note: photo of Argenton is copyright

See Centre and Indre (the region and department for Argenton-sur-Creuse) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Argenton-sur-Creuse: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Argenton-sur-Creuse, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Verneuil-Moustiers 40km;

Argenton-sur-Creuse tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin-arboretum de La Sédelle - remarkable garden (23km) : Brenne - regional natural parc (24km) : Etangs de la Brenne - site of natural beauty (24km) : Chateauroux - ville fleurie 4* (28km) : Jardin du domaine de George Sand - remarkable garden (34km) : George Sand House - national monument (35km) : La Chatre - recommended detour (36km) :

See more places and a map at places near Argenton-sur-Creuse