10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Berry That You Shouldn't Miss

Wine Tours in the vineyard and winery around Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Menetou-Salon...and wine tastings "Discovery of Upper-Loire wines".Circuits oenotouristiques autour de Sancerre et soirees degustation "Decouverte des vins Centre-Loire"...

George Sand’s house was built at the end of the XVIII century. The great woman writer spent her childhood at Nohant and wrote most of her works in the house, which retains the original furniture and decor. Site with the "Outstanding Garden" label. Open: > 2nd May to 30th June: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st July to 31st August: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st to 30th September and 1st to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

Among the trees of the beautiful Sologne forest, stands a most peculiar metal landscape: the various radio telescopes of the Nançay Radio astronomy facility. Let us be your guide for a stroll into the mysteries of radio astronomy. Take a close look at these instruments and find out how the scientists study celestial radio waves. Visit our exhibits and discover the Universe. Then enjoy our sky theatre shows for a journey to the stars.

Enter into the magic of this garden and let yourself be charmed by the colored and scented festival of the many varieties and species of trees, plants and flowers from all over the world. Your fairytale walk will be punctuated by waterfalls, buildings and invitations to travel and to discover the talent of its fanciful designer, the great traveller and nature lover, Gilles de Brissac. The Park has been awarded the "Jardin Remarquable" label by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.

The Chateau de Culan is a medieval castel, a fortress from 12th-15th century. One of the oldest castles still occupied in the world. The castle classified as a french "Monument historique" has known a turbulent history. It is built on a rocky outcrop dominating the River Arnon (a classified natural site). The first wooden construction, of which nothing remains, was demolished in the 10th century. A second building was besieged and destroyed by King Philip II Augustus of France (1188). The present castle dates from the 12th century until the 15th century, with additions from the Renaissance. It has belonged, among the others, to Admiral Louis de Culant (1360 – 1444), to Maximilien de Béthune, duc de Sully (1599 – 1621), and later the Prince de Condé. In 1651, during the Fronde, Mazarin laid siege to the town with royal troops and destroyed the 15th century ramparts. During the Revolution, the castle lands were shared among several families and the fortress was sold as national property. Around the castle, at the end of the 20th century, 'medieval gardens' were laid out. The castle received several famous visitors: Joan of Arc, Louis XI, Sully, Madame de Sévigné, the novelist George Sand, the writer Ernest Renan, General Charles de Gaulle and painters who have made exhibitions here like Picasso, Buffet or Vasarely.