Aubigny-sur-Nere

Visit Aubigny-sur-Nere, Loire Valley

The town of Aubigny-sur-Nere is in the eastern Val de Loire region, north of Bourges and south-east of Orléans.

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 here and now acts as the town hall.

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 small museum explaining the history of the relationship with Scotland, and a large modernist statue of a Scottish piper, along with various smaller reminders of the association.

Monuments in Aubigny-sur-Nere

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, for one of the most impressive examples.

Other historical artefacts here include parts of the original defensive fortifications and the Church of Saint-Martin, a gothic style church with 16th century stained glass.

The public gardens and several planted areas are beautifully maintained and help explain how the town is a 4* 'town in bloom' (ville fleurie), a prestigious award especially for a small town

Saturday morning is a good time to visit when Aubigny holds its weekly market.

Note: photo is copyright

Tourist classifications for Aubigny-sur-Nere: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*;

Suggested places to visit near Aubigny-sur-Nere, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Palace Jacques Coeur 45km; Bourges 45km; Guedelon 55km; La Charite-sur-Loire 56km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Aubigny-sur-Nere

Aubigny-sur-Nere tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Pierrefitte-sur-Sauldre - ville fleurie 4* (22km) : Abbaye de Saint Benoît sur Loire (Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire Abbey) - religious monument (37km) : Potager du jardin du château de La Bussière - remarkable garden (39km) : St Aignan de Brinay (Brinay) - religious monument (42km) : Cathédrale Saint Etienne (Bourges) - religious monument (45km) : Les Prés Fichaux - remarkable garden (45km) : Arboretum national des Barres - site of natural beauty (45km) : Eglise de Notre-Dame-du-Pré (Donzy) - religious monument (52km) :

French version: see Aubigny-sur-Nere (Francais)