Menetou-Râtel: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Menetou-Râtel lies in a transition zone between the bocage landscape of the Pays-Fort, the Champagne plain and the Sancerrois wine-growing region. The surroundings therefore combine different landscape areas, which can be seen in the villagescape and along the paths around the village.

Landscape

The landscape of Menetou-Râtel is characterised by a complex relief with green hills, small cultivated valleys, sparse hedgerows and wooded islets, and has so far been little altered by land consolidation. At 375 m, the Montagne des Marnes is the highest point in Menetou-Râtel.

Paths and Activities

Menetou-Râtel has several signposted hiking trails leading to the Montagne des Marnes. The Boucle de Menetou hiking route starts in the village centre and leads over the Montagne des Marnes. For road cycling, the Le Menetou Rathon Sancerrois circuit also starts in Menetou-Râtel. The village is also home to an equestrian centre called Écurie des Mangues.

Culture and History

The oldest buildings in Menetou-Râtel are concentrated around the parish church. The entrance portal and nave of the Église Saint-Martin date from the late 11th or early 12th century. The settlement of the religious members of La Charité probably required an extension to the choir of the Église Saint-Martin in the 13th century. The church contains two engraved limestone tomb slabs dating from the late 15th and late 17th centuries, respectively.

The Benedictine priory is built of black sandstone, known as black stone; the window surrounds are made of limestone.

Culinary Delights

B. Fleuriet et Fils has been organically certified since 2016. Concrete is one of B. Fleuriet et Fils’ preferred materials for winemaking in the wine cellar. Ferme des Chapotons sells Crottin de Chavignol and offers tastings.

Other places: Brécy, Vouzeron, Culan, Vignoux-Sur-Barangeon, Bannegon, Neuilly-En-Dun, Lignières, Saint-Doulchard

For the higher-level travel overview: Cher.