Selles-sur-CherFrance

Selles-sur-Cher is a charming hamlet known worldwide as the birthplace of a famous goat’s cheese. It has a few thousand inhabitants and an elegant castle that overlooks their houses.

The town’s medieval castle of Château de Selles-sur-Cher has an elegant façade and thick defensive walls. Peruse the various buildings constructed in different eras. Don clogs to learn how workers polish the shiny wooden floors of the main hall. Learn about the history of the château through its English leaflet and visit the pigs and chickens on the farm.

This village’s appeal is its pastoral charm. Amble along the grassy riverbanks and stop for a picnic in view of the château. Sit with a book in the shade of a tree. Cross the Cher River via its arched bridge. Gaze up at the spire of the village church rising above the shrubs and houses.

A local market takes place in Place Charles de Gaulle’s village center on Thursdays. Purchase flowers, books and food from the various stalls. Try the Selles-sur-Cher goat cheese, an icon of the region and famous internationally. The cheese was first produced in this region in the 19th century.

Visit some of the nearby castles, such as Château de Valençay and Château de Cheverny. Many of the castles dotted around the province were constructed in the Middle Ages to defend the region from religious wars and foreign attacks. Learn about the rich history of the area, including the story of Joan of Arc.

The village is just east of Saint Aignan in the department of Loir-et-Cher in a rural part of the Loire Valley on the flanks of the Cher River. Drive 120 miles (190 kilometers) south from Paris, which has the nearest international airport.

Selles-sur-Cher is a nice break from city life. Enjoy its slow pace of life and picturesque riverside views. The region’s weather is pleasant with hot summers, although winters can be cold.