WELL ENDOWED

Cultural activities also play a large part in the Berry. Many music festivals are organized, including of course the unsurpassed International Festival d’Été in Gargilesse and the piano festival in Nohant-Vic, on the estate where in the 19th century writer George Sand lived with her lover, the composer Chopin. George Sand gathered a colourful group of painters, writers, philosophers, musicians and bohemians around her, and her influence on the cultural life of this region is still noticeable.

Painters have always been inspired by the amazing landscape of the Creuse valley.The Impressionists Claude Monet, Alfred Smith, Allan Österlind and Léon Detroy lived and worked here, as well as the cartoonists Jean-Charles Kraehn and Patrice Pellerin. In many villages and cities you will find small and large museums with different collections of these artists. And there still work and live many painters in the Berry.

As to architecture, the Berry is simply spoiled. The country is dotted with architectural delights. We already mentioned the impressive cathedral of Bourges, which has exceptionally beautiful, stained glass windows. Also in Bourges you will find the Palais Jacques Coeur, a beautiful example of the flamboyant Gothic. But also the magnificent castle of Valençay, once the residence of the Prince de Talleyrand, or the sober simplicity of the Abbey of Noirlac, or the serene atmosphere in the church of Ceaulmont, or … All equally inspiring, all equally beautiful.

During the summer season, Cirque Bidon, famous in the region, travels through the Berry in old-fashioned trailors drawn by horses. Attractive and animated performances are given in the open air on village squares.