Culan: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Arnon Valley is a defining feature of Culan’s landscape. The Château de Culan stands on a rocky promontory above the Arnon Valley and dates back to the 13th century.

Culture and History

The Château de Culan preserves massive towers, wooden hoardings made of chestnut wood, and crenellated defensive walls from the 15th century. The Notre-Dame-de-Saint-Vincent church was originally built in the 12th century and served as a castle chapel. The stone bridge known as the “Pont Romain” has arches whose oldest parts date back to the 17th century.

The former Tuilerie de Culan was a local industrial site where roof tiles and bricks made of fired clay were produced. Its restored kiln has been converted into a recreational area with a playground and picnic tables.

The lithography studio of Benoit Pascaud is also one of Culan’s cultural sites: it offers lithography courses, guided tours, and a lively exhibition space.

Landscape and Trails

Marked hiking trails starting from Culan lead through forests, along rivers, across fields, and to small rural heritage sites. The “Les rives de l'Arnon” hiking trail is an easy 11-kilometre circular route with an estimated duration of three hours. It crosses a footbridge over the Arnon and follows the former SNCF railway line.

The tourist office offers a self-guided tour in Culan lasting approximately 1.5 hours to explore the local heritage.

Viaduct and Activities

The Viaduc de Culan was built at the end of the 19th century for the Montluçon–Châteauroux railway line. It consists of 13 arches rising more than 50 metres above the Arnon. Bungee jumping is offered from the upper part of the viaduct at the Viaduc de Culan; the activity takes place more than 50 metres above the Arnon.

The Jacques Cœur Route was established in 1954 on the initiative of three owners, including Jean Ferragut in Culan.

Local Life

Culan’s market takes place on Tuesday and Friday mornings at the Place du Champ de Foire and features stalls from local producers.

Other Places

Other places: Rezay, Saint-Ambroix, Neuvy-Sur-Barangeon, Le Chatelet, Menetou-Râtel, Ivoy-le-Pré, Saint-Caprais, Boulleret.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cher.