The best road cycling routes around Berry-Bouy

It was therefore under the patronage of "Saint Firmin," the first bishop of Amiens in the 3rd century, who evangelized the land of Méry and became its patron saint after drinking from the miraculous spring that now bears his name, that the church was given in 856 to the Abbey of Saint-Sulpice (formerly the monastery of Notre Dame de la Nef, founded by Saint Sulpice II, known as "the Pious") by the Archbishop of Bourges, Raoul de Turenne, at the behest of Charles the Bald. Like so many others, the church includes parts dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, notably the north wall with a small, high, round-arched window with small voussoirs. The south chapel appears to date from the 14th century, with its mullioned window with trefoil arches at the top and an oculus above it. But the entire apse dates from the late 15th century; it is three-sided and lit by three large windows. The side windows have only one mullion, while the central one has two that intertwine at the top. The apse is vaulted internally, with ribs featuring openwork profiles, resting either on round pilasters or on corbels formed by reclining angels. The keystone of the chancel vault depicts the Eternal Father blessing and holding the orb surmounted by a cross. Also present is a blank escutcheon supported by a bear and a lion (the coat of arms of the Orsini Princes, one of whose members was Abbot of Loroy Abbey). The cornice rests on a torus molding supported by a molding. The original bell tower stood above the first bay of the choir. It was moved closer to the west gable end during the construction of the Sacred Heart Chapel, donated in 1881 by the Clermont-Tonnerre family, who resided at Loroy Abbey. The date 1525 is inscribed on one of the bells. In 1824, Henry François, the priest of Méry-ès-Bois, blessed a second bell. The bell mechanism was electrified on August 23, 1968, by decision of the Municipal Council.

The Romanesque-style village church was built in the 12th century in honor of the monk Dulcardus, Saint Doulchard. The first work of staking out the plasterwork led to some astonishing discoveries. They revealed, especially inside the church, white stones in more or less good condition as well as "pink" stones, the result of a very old fire that destroyed the building. Berry passages were also revealed on each side of the nave as well as a small secondary chapel or apse. This was located behind the choir and was walled up and unused. Having no historical interest, this partition was removed to restore the chapel to its original appearance.

Another beautiful residence in Berry...

It will be impossible for you to miss the Saint-Palais church with its seemingly endless bell tower, unless you don't look up from your handlebars. For the record, it is in the town of Saint-Palais, at a place called Les Combles, that the center of the great big circle that can be drawn in continental France is located. It is therefore the furthest place, precisely 291.3 kilometers, from any border.

The Saint-Martin church, a 19th century church which is distinguished by its impressive spire. The church was rebuilt after a fire by Baron Roger, owner of the neighboring castle. Inside the church you will find beautiful stained glass windows, a wooden pulpit and a marble altar. The church is also where some of the Spanish refugees who fled the civil war in 1939 were welcomed and housed by the local community. The Saint-Martin Church is a symbol of faith, generosity and resilience in the heart of Vouzeron.

Mehun-sur-Yèvre Castle was built in the 12th century and was the residence of several kings and queens of France, including Charles VII who died there in 1461. You can admire the architecture of the castle, which combines elements medieval and Renaissance, such as towers, ramparts and mullioned windows. You can also stroll through the magnificent French gardens which surround the castle and offer stunning views of the town and countryside. The castle is also a museum dedicated to Charles VII and his reign, where you can discover the history of this place and its role in the Hundred Years' War. Classified as a historic monument, the castle is a must-see for any history and culture lover.

Castle built during the 1st quarter of the 9th century whose ruins allow you to see how it has evolved over time. Charles VII often took his court there. It was also in Mehun-sur-Yèvre that he handed over his letters of nobility to Joan of Arc in 1429, and where he died in 1461.

Small pond perfect for taking a break or a picnic on the tables available.