For families and those with plenty of energy, walk or drive to La Chaumerette to find waterside leisure and restaurant facilities against the backdrop of cliffs and the river – a paradise for children and a picture-postcard view of Pont Noir bridge ! Gargilesse-Dampierre loves classical music and its annual Festival de Harpe in August is one of the highlights of the musical calendar in Berry. The elegant silhouette of the bell-tower and the magnificent décor of the crypt, painted between the 13th and 16th centuries, enhance the 12th century church. To finish your tour, go up the hill to the church and the old castle farm. Continue on to the Place du Château to admire the gorgeous views of the river and houses nestling on the hillside and don’t forget to call in at the ‘Galerie d’art du Château’ ! The artist, sadly little-known, is nevertheless a major figure among the Impressionist painters of the Creuse Valley. Another house to visit at the heart of the old streets is that of the painter Léon Detroy which displays his works in a private, intimate atmosphere. Gargilesse is a holiday destination with many themes : sporting with walking and fishing, romantic with the spirit of George Sand and family-friendly along the banks of the river !īegin your discovery tour in the steep, narrow village streets at George Sand’s house with its collection of the writer’s personal belongings, reflecting her numerous passions and her day-to-day life in the Berry region. Gargilesse has beautiful natural scenery around ‘Pont Noir et la Chaumerette’, a tranquil spot on the River Creuse. The writer had a deep interest in butterflies and named her home in Gargilesse after a very rare species she had spotted there, Villa Algira, bought by Alexandre Manceau in 1857. Gargilesse-Dampierre was definitely a village of artists ! George Sand, leading light of Romanticism, settled in Gargilesse and often came to her little haven in Indre to find the peace and quiet conducive to writing. In the past, the painter Léon Detroy settled there and Monet also set up his easel. In fact, there are still several art galleries and busy studios in the village.

Gargilesse, classed as one of the « Loveliest Villages in France », lies proudly wrapped around its castle and charming Romanesque church in a sea of greenery in the Creuse Valley, a source of inspiration for numerous Impressionist painters.

The Castle Of Pictures by George Sand