Thursday 7 October 2010

Montrichard

Montrichard is a really pretty little town on the north bank of the Cher River. We have driven through a number of times, but never remembered about stopping until we had missed the opportunity to get a good view. I think the problem is that you dont get the real impact of the view until you are on the quite narrow but very long (and busy) bridge - and by then it's too late!

On Monday we were working in the area: in the morning we had visited Chaumont in the pouring down rain, and in the afternoon we were at Cheverny and the weather was improving. By the time we reached Montrichard on our way back to Chenonceaux the weather had brightened considerably. As we were heading in the opposite direction to which we normally travel, I was able to cross the bridge, then park looking back at the town.

Montrichard from across the river.
The chateau in Montrichard is another originally built by Foulkes Nerra (discussed here and here) and dismantled in 1589 by Henri IV. It looks properly imposing and medieval, which is always a good thing.

The Chateau

The Bridge across the Cher
We have never stopped in the town itself and explored, which is a pity. The chateau looks well worth visiting, the streets narrow and old (and some are pedestrian only) and there are some large but interesting restaurants lining the quay, which for some reason always reminds me of a seaside resort. One day we really must make the effort and explore properly.

Simon

6 comments:

Ken Broadhurst said...

Montrichard is an attractive little town. People who speak French have a hard time pronouncing the name correctly: it is MonTrichard, with the T being pronounced. That's an exception to a rule.

There's a good market in Montrichard on Friday mornings, and there are several good restaurants there. I can't think of any pedestrian-only streets, however.

Simon said...

Ken - you can tell I have never got out the car in Montrichard - driving along the quay the streets leading up the hill look pedestrianised to me

ladybird said...

We visited the donjon of Montrichard in 1999 or 2000. It was impressive but in very bad repair at the time and a large part was closed to the public. Withing the donjon's grounds was (is?) another museum displaying prehistoric finds ...I found it only mildly interesting.

Ken Broadhurst said...

Simon, I forgot to mention that there is an organic/exotic grocery store called Planète Verte in Montrichard. They sell things like millet and tofu.

Pollygarter said...

That's one heck of a tree! Nearly as biig as the donjeon!

Jim's Loire said...

No outstanding restaurants in Montrichard but Serge Granger has wonderful patisseries and chocolates.

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