Places of interest

Nohant-Vic – George Sand, born Amantine-Aurore-Lucile Dupin, spent most of her life in Nohant Vic, near La Châtre. She was a very well-known French socialite and author, who had many dalliances and lovers, including (allegedly) the famous composer, Frederic Chopin. Sands’ novels were described as ‘rustic’ due to her love of the countryside and stories about the plight of the poor. By all accounts, it sounds like George was quite a girl!

Traditional Farmer’s Markets

St Aout market – The farmer’s market is every Tuesday and you will find all manner of small livestock for sale. Fresh local produce is also available – seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish and meat. In true French market tradition, you can also buy a new bed mattress if you need one!

Aigurande – approx. 16 km is a pretty, traditional French market town with a supermarket, petrol station, banks, post office and an assortment of bars and small restaurants. Market day is every Friday.

La Châtre – approx. 14 km is the largest and closest town with bars, banks, restaurants, supermarkets, petrol stations, garden centres and an assortment of other retail outlets. Market day is every Saturday.

Local Sports Centres

Teleski, Pouligny Notre Dame – approx. 2 km away it is well worth a visit. Developed using a lottery grant, during the open season there are several waterboarding and water skiing events. Lessons and all equipment are provided. However, there is a minimum weight (39 kg) for anyone wanting to take part.
Also on the site there is a very reasonably priced restaurant (open in high season), a picnic area, beach area for children, small outdoor gym equipment and frisbee golf. It is a great place to spend an afternoon watching all the experienced and novice water-boarders. Occasionally, on public holidays they host firework displays and music events. Check their website for more event details.

Hotel Les Dryades Golf and Spa – only 5 minutes drive from Petite Ferme Embir and we can highly recommend their onsite restaurant. Why not treat yourself to one of their indulgent spa treatments?

Food & Wine Tours

Gouts du Berry – Wine and Cheese Tasting Tours. One of the trips offered is to the vineyard in Chateaumeillant which is approx. 30 mins away. Peter, who lives locally, will pick you up, provide a very knowledgeable and informative tour and an opportunity to taste and buy the local wines.

Historical monuments

Oradour-sur-Glane – The Martyr Village. Approx. 134 km from our gites, it is worth taking a day out to this incredibly moving memorial that has remained untouched since the horrific massacres that took place there in June 1944.
Over 600 inhabitants were killed and everything – homes, cars, the church, schools, even children’s prams – has been left how it was on that fateful day.
As well as the cemetery and monument there is also an underground exhibition with glass cases displaying small personal possessions. Whilst the surrounding walls are inscribed with the complete list of names and ages of all those killed on June 10th 1944.

Crozant, Eguzon and Anzeme – all within an hour’s drive through beautiful countryside and well worth visiting. Take a picnic and enjoy the amazing sights and history of this diverse area. Many of the natural swimming lakes and inland beaches have pedalos, paddle boards and canoes for hire. Always check before booking

Fun On & Above The Water

Approx. 29 kms, Lac de Sidiailles is a manmade lake. Created in 1977, the lake is now fully established and definitely worth a visit. For the thrill-seekers, a series of zip wires will whizz you in stages across the lake. Alternatively, for a more relaxing time, simply hire a pedalo to gently navigate around the lake and enjoy the scenery.
Here the beach area is very clean and there is an inflatable aqua play area for children. Although there is a very reasonably priced onsite snack bar, there are plenty of places to have a picnic.