Tourism
The Gîte de Nohant is situated in Nohant-en-Graçay, a lovely little hamlet in the Cher [Centre-Val de Loire region] near Vierzon. It is located halfway between Châteauroux and Bourges and is only a one and half hour’s train ride from Paris city centre. This accommodation boasts a spacious 80m2 surface area [861ft2] and a maximum occupancy of 6 people.
You will be staying only 15mns away for the Quincy and Reuilly vineyards, à 30/40mns away from the cities of Bourges and Châteauroux just short of a one hour drive to the main castles of the Loire and of the Beauval Zoo.
The region is culturally rich (castles, museums, historical monuments…)
We are convinced that everybody (young and old) will find something to love here!
The Quincy, Reuilly, Menetou-salon, and Valencay vineyards
In the south of the Berry-Sologne area are four vineyards with a Protected Designation of Origin [AOC]: Quincy, Reuilly, Valencay, and Menetou-salon.
Quincy
First AOC [Protected Designation of Origin] of the Loire Valley in 1936, the Quincy vineyard extends on the edges of the plateau which dominates the Cher valley over nearly 300 hectares divided between the towns of Quincy and Brinay. Its terroir, made up of sand and gravel, gives wines made from Sauvignon grapes a unique taste. The AOC guarantees the quality and character of Quincy: a fresh and fruity wine. This wine goes wonderfully with regional goat cheeses (such a Valençay, Chavignol, etc.) or fish and seafood.
Reuilly
Extending over 250 hectares spread over 6 municipalities (Reuilly (in Indre), Diou, Lazenay, Chéry, Lury-sur-Arnon, and Preuilly) in the departments of Indre and Cher, the vines of Reuilly are planted on gentle hillsides, alongside the banks of the Cher and the Arnon rivers. The AOC offers white (sauvignon blanc), red (pinot noir) and rosé (pinot gris) wines.
The roots of the Reuilly vineyard are deeply rooted in the history of Berry. According to legend, King Dagobert gifted these vines to the monks of the Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis (on the outskirts of Paris.)
Valencay
Valençay is a wine with a Protected Designation of Origin produced in parts of the Indre and a municipality of Loir-et-Cher, in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
The area is 165 hectares with as its main varieties of grapes being gamay noir (red and rosé wines) and sauvignon blanc (white wine.)
The history of the Valençay vineyard dates back to the 10th century, when it is mentioned for the first time in writings. It was at first a wine of shepherds, until it became the wine of monks, as evidenced by the three abbeys present in the AOC area (Saint-Christophe-en-Bazelle, Varennes-sur-Fouzon and Selles-sur-Cher.)
Menetou-Salon
Menetou-salon is aan AOC wine produced around Menetou-Salon, north-east of Bourges. The production area represents 590 hectares of sauvignon blanc (white wine) and pinot noir (red and rosé wines) vineyards.
Menetou-Salon is a very old vineyard if we are to believe the old writings and documents concerning the lordship and castle of Menetou-Salon. We still discover acts from the years 1063, 1097 and 1100, through which the Lord of Menetou donates vines from the region to a number of religious orders. Most famously, the famous Saint-Sulpice-lès-Bourges abbey located at the Clos de Davet.
The Castles
Come and discover the various monuments, castles of the region and the castles of the Loire.
Near us
-
- Bouges Castle (25mns)
- Valençay Castle (42mns)
Bourges
Capital of the Berry region and the Cher department, part of world heritage, Bourges offers its guests exceptional visits.
-
- The Saint-Étienne Cathedral (registered as a Unesco World Heritage Site.)
- The Palais Jacques Cœur (the other emblematic monument of the city)
- The Bourges marshes (a natural break in the heart of Bourges)
- Museums
- Gardens for strolling
- The Jacques Coeur Route
The Castles of the Loire region
Less than an hour’s drive away, come and discover the majestic architecture, manicured gardens and hidden treasures of the Loire’s castles. You will experience an exciting journey through the landscapes of the Loire Valley (listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.)
-
- Valençay Castle (42mns)
- Cheverny Castle (55mns)
- Chenonceau Castle (1h10)
- Chaumont-sur-Loire Estate (1h15)
- Royal City of Loches (1h15)
- Amboise Castle (1h20)
The Beauval Zoo
A must-see tourist site in the Centre-Val de Loire region, open every day of the year, the Beauval Zoo is home to over 35,000 animals, some of which are unique in France.
Stop at the giant pandas exhibit in the Chinese Heights to meet the twins there, take a detour to the Equatorial dome to discover 200 fascinating tropical species, take a break in the Land of Lions to admire the wild, majestic animals, take a 360-degree stroll around the African savannah, wander quietly in front of the renovated aviaries… and discover the brand new South American aviary!
A perfect place to escape to and relax… At the zoo, the impression of travelling around the world is striking and the opportunity to marvel presents itself at every step through the 20 specific territories!
Chinese Heights
Meet and greet the only giant pandas of France!
By stepping through the red and golden gate, you will enter the territory of the giant pandas! A journey to the Chinese heartland, surrounded by gigantic green spaces and impressive Chinese constructions. Meet the Asian fauna… Giant pandas, red pandas, snow leopards and takins welcome you to Beauval!
The Great South American Aviary
Discover this new exhibit suspended between “heaven and earth. “
Deployed with grandeur, the Great South American Aviary was designed as a unique walk during your visit. Coming out of a covered walkway, you arrive to a main footbridge that winds several meters high. From there, you can take rope bridges leading to various kiosks. Walking between “heaven and earth”, the impression of flying over South America is stunning! Just look up to admire the flight of multicolored birds or spot mammals moving on the ground at a glance.
The visit is unprecedented: it takes place on a footbridge 10m high for a life-size immersion…
The Equatorial Dome
Experience a unique moment
An unforgettable journey across the equator…
This tropical paradise, an extraordinary venue for the preservation of various species, hosts a large array of animals: anacondas, squirrel monkeys, scarlet ibis, giant otters, manatees, golden lion tamarins, Komodo dragons and many more…
Discover these species in exhibits that are as close as possible to their natural environments, adapted to each of their needs.
The Hippopotamus Reserve
“An exceptional view of the hippos of Beauval!”
Immersed in the hippo pool
The Hippopotamus Reserve
Pelican and hippos
Pelican and hippos
Go through the gates of The Hippopotamus Reserve and dive into the heart of a breathtaking environment! Bush pigs, nyalas and many species of birds flourish in harmony in this incredible space. Admire the aquatic dance of the hippos in their fabulous 1000m³ glazed pool.