Henrichemont: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

History

Henrichemont was founded in 1609 by Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, to become the capital of the sovereign Principality of Boisbelle.

The original town plan of Henrichemont was laid out as a compass rose: eight main streets radiate from a central square. Henrichemont is a rare example of an ideal new town from the 17th century, characterised by symmetry, moats, ramparts, bastions and architectural aesthetics.

The Maison dite de Sully in Henrichemont is partially listed as a historic monument. It is the only one of the pavilions that stood along Henrichemont’s four main streets to have preserved elements of its original interior.

Culture

The hamlet of La Borne lies partly in Henrichemont and partly in Morogues; written evidence shows that pottery has been produced there since the 16th century.

La Borne’s traditional pottery production includes stoneware household objects as well as a folk-inspired imagery that is highly sought after by collectors.

The workshops and pottery kilns of La Borne in La Borne-d’en-Bas, Henrichemont, are partially listed as protected cultural heritage.

The Musée de La Borne is housed in the Chapelle St Jean Baptiste, a chapel in the heart of the pottery village, and is dedicated to traditional pottery. It displays a remarkable collection of ceramics from the 18th to the 20th century.

The Centre Céramique Contemporaine La Borne presents works by local, French and foreign artists. It is a permanent exhibition venue for ACLB members and also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring invited artists and ceramicists. In addition, the Centre offers workshops where visitors can learn about clay-working techniques.

The studio and kiln of Vassil Ivanoff in La Borne are included in the supplementary register of historic monuments.

Visits and Events

Guided tours of Henrichemont are available on request.

Les Grands Feux is an annual event in La Borne featuring the public loading, firing and unloading of wood-fired kilns.

Nature and Activities

The Hautes Terres Vives en Berry VRR-FFC area offers a free guide to mountain biking routes; eleven signposted circular routes are open from mid-March to mid-October.

On the outskirts of Henrichemont, in the direction of Les Aix d’Angillon, lies the Étang du Petit-Bois, where you can picnic and go fishing. There are also play facilities for children, as well as tables and benches.

Other places: Bannay, Saint-Denis-De-Palin, Saint-Germain-Du-Puy, Méreau, Le Chatelet, Vereaux, Allogny, Ennordres.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cher.