The main originality of the history of Châteaumeillant is its ancient origins: the oldest level of occupation dates back to Gallic times. Châteaumeillant can boast of more than 2000 years old, which is not so common in Berry.
The accidental discovery in 1956 of a pit formed amphorae starting point of Archaeological Research Châteaumeillant. Faced with such findings, the city wants to preserve these precious relics of its cultural heritage, decided to establish an archaeological museum: the museum Emile Chenon.
But the most remarkable relic of the Gallic town remains the bulwark of land surrounding an urban area with an area of 18 hectares, this is the famous Murus Gallicus described by Julius Caesar in his comments about the siege of Bourges . We are dealing with an oppidum, true Gallic stronghold.
The church of Saint-Genes contribute to the awareness Châteaumeillant across France and Europe, it is an asset for tourism in the region. Dimensions: 52 m long and 13 m wide, make it an important church, with Fontgombault Neuvy and St Sepulchre, the church is at the forefront of Romanesque sanctuaries in Berry.
The Church of Our Lady of Little, better known as the "Chapter", since they founded a college of canons in 1517, was built as a chapel of the castle from the 11th and enlarged in the twelfth. During the Revolution, the tower was destroyed and turned into the church hall, office and jail were established shear walls, ceilings of various heights and windows without style.
The archaeological museum Emile Chenon, created in 1961 by archaeologist Jacques Gourvest in a home on the 14th and seventeenth century, presents the results of rescue excavations on the oppidum Châteaumeillant. Excavations have yielded a considerable ceramic material, the museum has a collection of over 300 amphoras italics, and a very important set of regional pottery. The museum is open all year. Enquiries +33 2 48 61 49 24.
Châteaumeillant marriage and the vine is an old story! The vineyards spread over the neighboring towns of Cher and Indre, it gives a red wine AOC (obtained in 2010) which goes perfectly with roasts, poultry, game and all cheeses. It personalizes the appetizers and happiness to be associated with syrup of cassis and blackberries. For its part the wine is "gray" has been the glory of the land castelmeillantais. He still holds an important place in local production, while the white wine, wine country, acquired a deserved reputation.
Dial the market is somehow an auction electronically, it is held every Monday for a Tuesday on cattle and two sheep. Are displayed on the dial and read by all potential buyers, date of birth of the animal, race, weight. The animal is presented in a ring where buyers see the scroll, and appreciate its "marketability." The "Dial" was built in 1999, this is a modern structure where all the conditions of animal welfare are met.
