City of more than 10 000 inhabitants located in the Cher, in Center - Val de Loire region, Saint-Amand-Montrond takes place about fifty kilometers from Bourges, in the historical province of Bourbonnais.
Populated since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the necropolis found on the spot, the town was divided into two parts in the Middle Ages: Saint-Amand-le-Chastel and Saint-Amand-sous-Montrond. Reunited, they experience many vicissitudes before joining the department of Cher definitely after the French Revolution in the late eighteenth century.
Saint-Amand-Montrond continues to attract many visitors wishing to enjoy the tranquility of the place and admire a charming architectural and historical heritage bearing witness to great wealth over the centuries. Dynamic, the city of Cher also offers a wide range of leisure and activities suitable for all ages.
Fortress Montrond today account for a major monument of St. Amandois and one can still admire one of the pre single Vauban defensive systems in the Center Region. Ownership of Albret, of Culan, Sully and princes of Condé, it is now classified as an historic monument. Built in the thirteenth century, it once dominated the town for defensive and strategic goal, made famous during the episode of the Fronde.
Dismantled and sold piece by piece by its last owner, Miss Charolais leading large train to Paris, including the building used to build some of the most beautiful homes in the city, as evidenced by some beautiful stones carved to admire for a stroll in the old center.
Romanesque building from the thirteenth century, the church Saint-Amand, completely restored in 2015, reveals beautiful stained glass Max Ingrand. It houses the organ of the Grand Conde, offered by him to the people after the painful episode of the Fronde.
Do not miss the church of the former Capuchin monastery from the mid seventeenth century and today adjoining the existing hospital.
Housed in an antique sixteenth century, the Holy Vic museum presents local collections from - 100,000 to today. It is particularly possible to admire a beautiful painting of Charles II of Amboise, a bust of the Grand Condé or descent of the Cross, or to browse the lovely public garden that surrounds the site.
Walking through the city, you can enjoy the current town hall installed in the church of the former Carmelite convent fathers of the fifteenth century, the hall of the mid-nineteenth century, the esplanade of the Righteous inaugurated in 2010, or Malakoff tower built by General-Marquis de Rochechouart-Mortemart for the victorious troops of the Crimean war.
In the old center, you can admire many mansions of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to discover in a light path. Everywhere the houses tell the importance of the passage of pilgrims to Compostela with the shell of St. Jacques, code of hospitality, carved on the portals. Every evening at nightfall, the streets of the historic center are adorned with blue lights and offer a unique path to discover the architectural wealth of the city in great detail.
Let yourself be carried by the charm of the Berry canal and cycle route, before you go into the center or balnéoludique Lake Virlay.
The market is held every Wednesday and Saturday morning. A Christmas market with entertainment is also organized in December. Exhibitions, shows and other concerts are offered throughout the year.
In early August, up to the garden party on the banks of the canal with a garage sale, flea market, craft stalls and local products as well as other events of all kinds. A brass band, a tavern and a fireworks complete this exceptional day.
The wine fair in France stands mid-March and brings together more than 70 producers. This is a unique fair in France because it combines winemakers, terroir products, tastings and animations for 3 days.
Every third Monday of October are held Orval fairs: funfair in the city center for 10 days, big unpacking Monday with over 750 street vendors, flea market last Sunday parade and music in town.
