Municipality of nearly 4,000 inhabitants, Dun-sur-Auron takes place in the Center-Val de Loire region, in the department of Cher. Crossed by the Auron and the Brass, it is located not far from Bourges and Saint-Amand-Montrond.
Occupied since the Bronze Age, during the Celtic period, the town of Dun-sur-Auron owes its name to the Gallo-Roman, dunum, meaning Fortified enclosure. Former dependency of the Viscount of Bourges in the Middle Ages, it took its current name at the time of the French Revolution, abandoning Dun-le-Roi.
Dun-sur-Auron still has today an important architectural and cultural heritage which testifies to its good times over the centuries. Full of charm, the commune of Cher attracts visitors wishing to get to know this part of France better, and its ideal geographical location makes it possible to appreciate all the most beautiful tourist sites in the region.
The Saint-Etienne collegiate church, founded at the beginning of the 11th century, is listed as a Historic Monument. Modified several times during the 12th, 13th and 16th centuries, it has a reddish hue on the outside due to its limestone rich in carbon monoxide very common in Berry. You can still admire a late 14th century bell tower on the Gothic-style facade, as well as a very beautiful carved decoration on the south facade. In the choir, in Romanesque style, columns also present illustrations from the Old and New Testaments such as Daniel in the lion's den or the mystical marriage of the Virgin.
The 15th century belfry provided access to the interior part of the second fortified enclosure of Dun-le-Roy. Also called Porte de l'Horloge, it is 42 meters high (including weather vane) and has 6 floors. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1913.
Place du Châtelet brings together the remains of the old Dun castle. One could find there in particular the strong house (old lodging of the lord remodeled over the centuries, housing the museum of the Berry canal currently closed to the public). The remains of La Grosse Tour, destroyed in the 17th century, form a promontory offering you a beautiful view of the city, the Auron, the Berry canal and the Berrichonne countryside.
The Philippe Auguste promenade takes visitors to the foot of the ramparts and its 3 towers. The beautifully restored enclosure has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1988.
Curiosities can be found in the historic city center such as the house known as Charles VII, the Louis XIII gate, several half-timbered houses in the 17th century and other surprises that will intrigue the attentive eye of the visitor!
In the vicinity of the town, you can also admire the remains of the Château de Bois-Sir-Amé, the former home of Agnès Sorel, famous mistress of King Charles VII.
The market is held every Saturday morning. A fair takes place on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and on the third Tuesday of December for the winter fair. A Christmas market is also offered at the end of the year.
Every year in August, during a week, the city proposes its Summer sport with various animations revolving around the sport.
Discover the history of Dunois through a hiking and cycling tour (MTB) around the former royal stronghold of Dun-le-Roi and the heritage of the sailors of the Berry canal.
The "Calon" means "Walnuts" in Berry, so don't forget to take your bottle of walnut oil with you, Dun-sur-Auron being the gastronomic capital of walnuts in Berry!
