Sancoins: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Canal de Berry crosses Sancoins from south to north. Since 1838/39, the Bief de Sancoins, at around 17 km, has been the longest section of the Canal de Berry; a large part of it still carries water. Parts of a turning basin and a dry dock from the former port of Sancoins have been preserved and remain visible. The largely preserved towpath of the Canal de Berry in Sancoins forms a green tourist route.

Nature

In the vicinity of Sancoins, the Étang de Javoulet is home to a nationally protected population of the greater spearwort (Ranunculus lingua). Its reed beds and marshy meadows provide a habitat for a diverse birdlife during the breeding, migration and overwintering seasons.

The shady banks of the Canal de Berry near Sancoins are used by walkers and anglers.

Routes

The Jouy area in Sancoins is crossed by the D41 and Véloroute 46. The Via Allier cycle route reaches Sancoins via La Chapelle-Hugon and Grossouvre.

Culture

The Musée Baffier in Sancoins houses part of Jean Baffier’s Paris studio collection, which was partially transferred to the town from the 1950s onwards. It also hosts temporary exhibitions of regional contemporary amateur artists. The museum also commemorates the writers Marguerite Audoux (1863–1937) and Hugues Lapaire (1869–1968), who originated from Sancoins.

The parish church of Saint-Martin in Sancoins houses 23 movable objects that have been registered as historic monuments.

History

The Tour Sainte-Catherine is a preserved fortification tower in Sancoins and is owned by the municipality. The preserved Donjon de Jouy, which is privately owned and heavily damaged, is a four-sided, five-storey structure with round towers at all four corners, as well as an interior well and a vaulted underground room.

Markets

The fairs and markets in Sancoins town centre have operated continuously since the Middle Ages; they take place on Wednesday mornings. The market held by free arrangement takes place in Sancoins every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.

The Marché des Grivelles, a livestock market north of the town, was established from 1974 onwards and reached European standards. Visits to the Parc des Grivelles initially include the cattle market, followed by the sheep market.

Other Places

Other places: Brinay, Plaimpied-Givaudins, Tendron, Massay, Sidiailles, Ivoy-le-Pré, Couy, Barlieu.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cher.