Discovery Route in 21 Stages of La Châtre
Description
A former Gallic or Roman camp (castra), and then probably the site of a feudal castle; the origins of the town are still much debated.
By the 11th century the Lord of La Châtre is finally identified: Ebbes VI, youngest son of Raoul de Déols, Lord of Châteauroux. Cistercian monks settle along the river Indre and initiate economic development with the construction of mills. 13th to 15th century: the town becomes the property of the Chauvigny family who, in c.1424, have a seignorial castle built within the stout walls of the town. Only the keep remains today.
The Charter of 1463 gives more freedom to the burghers. In the 15th century, at the end of the Hundred Years War, the town develops significantly.
Situated between the estates of the King of France and former English provinces, it becomes a centre trade, facilitated by the presence of the court at Bourges. Beautiful mansions are built.
Early 18th century: at the boundary of low and hugh salt tax zones, La Châtre becomes a garrison town and magistrates build private residences.
1788: the Council decides to tear down the remaining gates of the town, whose walls were already three quarters demolished.
19th century: prominent leather industry. Located in a cattle-breeding region watered by the river Indre, the town, by the Middle Ages, already possessed numerous tanneries, and a district is still so named today. Marked by the presence of George Sand the novelist, who used to come to La Châtre to meet her friends, even if she confessed to deploring the conformance of the town. In the sixties, La Châtre is transformed, as complete suburbs are established around the od town. Today, La Châtre is a dynamic sous-préfecture with more than 4700 inhabitants.
Technical informations
5.1 km
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max. 231 m
min. 201 m
56 m
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Style : Discovery Public : FamilyOccasional hikersSeniorsTeenagersSchool Themes : CouplesCulturalPatrimonyHistory | ||||
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
De Villaines Mansion
This town house was built by Bargat at the end of the 18th century...Read more
Statue of George Sand
In 1877, in homage to George Sand (1804-1876), the Town Council decided...Read more
Town Hall - Carmes* convent
In 1838 the Town Hall was etablished in the choir of the Carmes Convent,...Read more
Maurice Sand Théâtre
In 1798, outbuildings of the Carmes Convent were converted into an...Read more
La Maison du Chevalier d'Ars
This tall house, embellished with stone moulded windows, was the property...Read more
The Timbered House Place Laisnel de La Salle
Formerly called Place du Pavé, this old small square is named...Read more
Saint-Germain Church
The present church is located on an historic site in the heart of...Read more
Place of the medieval cemetery
Parvis St Germain street.
N°9 Bellefond's street.
Henri de Latouche, journalist, legal reporter, poet, author and founder...Read more
Pavillon's street
George Sand found refuge in this house during the separation from...Read more
The Chauvigny Keep
Here stood the castle built in c.1424, residence of the Chauvigny...Read more
The Bridge of Cabignat
The bridge takes its distorted name from the Escabignat family, rich...Read more
Former abattoirs
The Sainte-Radegonde fountain
Long ago, the Grand'Font was delicated to Our Lady but popular belief...Read more
Former tannery's quarter
This picturesque quarter is the oldest working district in the town....Read more
Pont aux Laies
This medieval bridge with two arches is a listed building located...Read more
House of Ajasson de Grandsagne family
This old residence was occupied at the beginning of the 19th century...Read more
Place de l'Abbaye
This pretty square owes its name to a plot of land which used to belong...Read more
Place Notre-Dame
In olden times, on their way to Santiago de Compostela, numerous pilgrims...Read more
N°19 Place du Docteur Vergne
This square is named after Dr.Vergne, renowned for his cataract operations....Read more
Law Courts – Place de la République
During the 14th century plague, this square was used as a burial ground....Read more
The market square
From the 15th century this was the main square of the town, and some...Read more
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