Mehun-sur-Yevre

Visit Mehun-sur-Yevre, Loire Valley

Mehun-sur-Yevre is a town located to the west of the Cher department, a few kilometres north-west of Bourges (towards Vierzon). 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.

Exploring Mehun-sur-Yevre

Mehun castle

The town is best known and most visited for the remains of its medieval castle. It was here that King Charles VII (who with Joan of Arc brought an end to the Hundred Years War) died on the 22 July 1461, and Mehun-sur-Yyevre is known as the Charles VII's town.

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 (the picture

shows how the castle appeared in the 15th century).

There is also 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 (the belltower was added two hundred years later). Inside the church there are some fascinating medieval wooden sculptures and an interesting and 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), and 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 interesting place to visit here in Mehun is the 'Pole de la Porcelain', which features a very impressive selection of vases and other porcelain objects.

Tourist classifications for Mehun-sur-Yevre: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*; Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Mehun-sur-Yevre, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chateau de Valencay 49km; Valencay 49km; Sancerre 51km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Mehun-sur-Yevre

Mehun-sur-Yevre tourism: sights and attractions nearby

St Aignan de Brinay (Brinay) - religious monument (8km) : Cathédrale Saint Etienne (Bourges) - religious monument (15km) : Les Prés Fichaux - remarkable garden (15km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Plaimpied-Givaudins) - religious monument (24km) : Issoudun - ville fleurie 4* (28km) : Eglise de Saint André (Jussy-Champagne) - religious monument (37km) : Collegiale Saint Etienne (Dun-sur-Auron) - religious monument (39km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Ineuil) - religious monument (41km) :

French version: see Mehun-sur-Yevre (Francais)