Reuilly is a commune of the Indre, in the Center-Val de Loire region, on the edge of the Cher department, 15 km north of Issoudun.
The territory of the locality (about 26 km²) is bordered on the east by the valley of the Arnon and stretches on a perpendicular valley, that crosses the course of Théols.
Reuilly also belongs to the natural region of Champagne Berry, vast limestone plateau that cross the Cher and Indre and surrounded by important forest areas.
A fief, first of all in the Middle Ages of the abbey of Saint-Denis, then welcoming the Templars of the Commanderie de l'Ormeteau and also falling under the lords of the Ferté, Reuilly is certainly experienced by the wars of Hundred years and then of Religion, but in the heart of a predominantly cereal-growing region, his prosperity from his vineyards allowed him to recover.
Viticulture remains today the basis of its economic activity (white wines of varietal sauvignon and red wines of pinot noir and pinot gris grapes forming the appellation of origin Reuilly), and the locality is also located in the production area of Valençay cheeses.
Its pleasant and hilly landscapes, its wines, its heritage make Reuilly which counts nearly 2 100 inhabitants a stage of choice during a stay between Center and Val de Loire.
A visit to the small town which has preserved a picturesque and flowery center dotted with old houses can begin with the church of Saint-Denis, Romanesque style, which originally neighbored the priory dependent on the royal abbey of Saint-Denis. Built in the 11th century in white stone, it was built according to the traditions of Blessings in the field, with an apse in the oven and two apsidioles. Remodeled in the sixteenth century and especially in 1936 during major renovation works, protected as historical monuments, the church hides a second treasure of architecture: a Carolingian crypt, semi-buried under the choir of the building which succeeded. With an ornate entrance, it has three corridors, pillars and a cellar. It is the oldest remnant of its kind in the region.
To see then, still on the plan of the inheritance, the Big House also Cellier-Dieu, old hospice which presents, at the level of its southern gable, a nice set with mullioned window of XVe century. Nearby, it is worth lingering rue de la Concorde, formerly called St. Jacques Street, some buildings have preserved ornaments style, most often appearing scallops.
Direction then Commandery Templar Ormeteau, erected in the twelfth century on the site of a former Gallo-Roman camp. The main building, rebuilt in the Renaissance, has kept a real nobility. In the meantime, if it had been implanted by Knights of the Order of the Temple, it was Knights Hospitallers of the Order of Saint of Jerusalem who took over in 1457. The exteriors are visited in July and August.
In this circuit of heritage discovery will be included the castle of La Ferte, built in the 17th century for a secretary of the king, Jacques de Lafond, who entrusted the plans to François Mansard, cousin of the great Mansart, master of classical architecture.
Having kept part of its moat, classified, the castle is now at the heart of an important vineyard. Visit of the exteriors possible.
Finally, we can linger at the monument erected in memory of the aviator Yves de Manoir, died accidentally in service in 1928 (also known as rugby emeritus), and in front of the house and the tomb of the anarchist Marius Jacob.
To better understand the history and economy of the small city, several "small" folk art museums have been developed. The first is dedicated to wine and wine techniques, presenting collections of tools and documents on the history of the local wine.
The second presents an interior of a Berry house with furniture and objects that faithfully evoke the everyday life of yore. It is coupled with another interior, this time typical of old winegrowers' houses, with their specificity.
These museums are open every day. Their entry is free.
Finally, there is still talk of highlighting the history, heritage and know-how of the city at the House of Reuilly, which hosts exhibitions and presents local products (arts and crafts, gastronomy). In addition, one of the rooms is devoted to Paul Surtel, impressionist painter born in Reuilly in 1893. Open from Tuesday to Saturday. Information on +33 9 67 37 84 89.
The town is also rich in a green environment. The meadows bordering the Arnon have benefited from development work, and are proving to be conducive to the walk in an ensemble where meadows, small woods, orchards, composing a natural space sensitive to the rich biodiversity are mingled. Once very remodeled by men who developed mills and breeding areas, these landscapes of meadows and of course the many vineyards crossed by trails will fill lovers of hiking. Tasting breaks are obviously possible... Documentation and information +33 2 54 21 74 02.
For fishermen, the Arnon and its banks are also an all-round exercise ground. Inquire at the local company on +33 2 54 49 24 62.
Finally, there is an original way to discover these landscapes of Champagne Berry when flying over Reuilly and its region aboard a microlight. Contact the local club on +33 2 54 03 19 07.
