Visit superb castles and majestic châteaus in Lignières. Uncover a rich equestrian history and wander through quiet streets, stopping at boutique shops and cafés.
Lignières is town of modest size, the outskirts of which are decorated with fabulous architecture. Start with a stroll to the extravagant 17th-century Château de Lignières bordered by a perfectly square moat. Though privately owned, you can still enjoy a pleasant view of the gorgeous garden setting and striking white façade.
Just as impressive is the Plaix Castle, a 5-minute drive south along the Arnon River. From the parking lot, make your way down a woodland path before a fabulous exterior of high towers and spires appears from beyond the thick trees. Go through the grand main entrance and into a museum with exhibits devoted to the region’s past. Displays explain the history of how donkeys provided labour to pull barges, with artifacts including old saddles and horseshoes. Look for preserved 19th-century household tools and utensils.
The castle is surrounded by lush rural landscape. Head out from here onto miles of countryside trails, each with views of seemingly never ending fields and forests.
Head back to the centre of town and find a café or bar. Relax while you sip a coffee or enjoy a lunch of fresh bread and cheese. Amble along the narrow roads and weave in and out of stores that sell organic produce as well as handmade crafts and garments. Stay around for the Monday market. Here sellers come from across the local area to fill stalls with sculpted souvenirs and clothes.
Lignières is located in the department of Cher in central France. The departmental capital of Bourges is a 40-minute drive north, with Paris about 3 hours in the same direction. The village has limited accommodation. Look for additional options in Bourges.
A town that encapsulates some of the best of rural France, Lignières also has culture and history in abundance.
