Bruère-Allichamps: Milestone Column, Prieuré d'Allichamps and Châteaufer

Bruère-Allichamps and its history

You can explore Bruère-Allichamps during a culturally focused stay through specific places and their distinct histories. The milestone column takes you back to Gallo-Roman times, the Prieuré d'Allichamps points to a stop on the Roman road from Avaricum to Néris-les-Bains, and Châteaufer to the architectural history of the 17th century. There is also a 21.3-kilometre circular route, guided visits and an option to collect vegetable baskets. If you are looking for a hotel, you can plan your stay around these interests and decide in advance whether history, outdoor activity or a particular visit will be your main focus.

The milestone column and Prieuré d'Allichamps

The Gallo-Roman milestone column of Bruère-Allichamps dates from the 3rd century. It was found in 1737 near the church of Allichamps and moved to the square in Bruère in 1799 at the behest of Béthune-Charost. It has been protected as a Monument historique since 26 August 1909. Its history thus connects a Roman monument with several clearly dated milestones.

The Prieuré d'Allichamps is also protected as a Monument historique. It is the last surviving evidence of an important stop on the Roman road from Avaricum to Néris-les-Bains. The two sites offer different historical perspectives: the column centres on a Gallo-Roman monument, while the Prieuré recalls the former importance of a stop along this road.

Châteaufer: architectural history, estate and visit

Châteaufer was built between 1666 and 1670 for Charles Le Fer on the site of the former parish of Allichamps. The Domaine de ChâteauFer includes nearly one hundred oak species from around the world, as well as 10,000 trees and shrubs planted as part of an agroforestry system. Alongside the building's history, the layout of the estate is another specific aspect to explore during a visit.

The grounds of the Domaine de ChâteauFer can be explored freely outdoors with an audio guide. Guided tours of the château, entitled “Renaissance d’une maison de champs”, are available by reservation only. Check the latest dates and booking conditions before your visit.

ChâteauFer also offers vegetable baskets ordered online and collected directly from the farm. As the farm's offering may change, it is advisable to check the current collection arrangements before setting out.

Walking route and abbey visit in Noirlac

The Circuit de la vallée du Cher is an easy, 21.3-kilometre loop that passes through Bruère-Allichamps. If the trail infrastructure changes, check the distance and route again before setting out.

Noirlac is another nearby destination in its own right. At the Abbaye de Noirlac, visitors can explore eight areas of monastic life: the cellars, cloister, abbey church, chapter house, warming room, refectory, and the monks' and lay brothers' dormitories. Since April 2024, the “résoNance” installation has offered an audio and musical experience throughout the monument every afternoon. Availability may vary during events or artists' residencies, so check before your visit.

If you are weighing up a walk against an abbey visit, these offer different kinds of activities: an easy loop of a stated length, and eight areas to explore at the Abbaye de Noirlac, complemented by an audio and musical experience.

Discover more destinations: Orval, Allogny, Boulleret, Villegenon, Massay, Saint-Jeanvrin, Clémont, Thénioux.

For the broader travel overview: Cher.