Allouis is a commune in the Cher department, in the Centre-Val de Loire region, 19 km northwest of Bourges.
Its vast territory of 35 km² is located a few hectometers from the course of the Cher, on the right bank, within the historic and natural region of Berry, renowned for its natural environment rich in forests, bocages, meadows and its flourishing agriculture.
The landscapes of the locality reflect this observation: it is mainly covered by arable land (43% of its surface area) and forests (41%). Allouis, however, no longer has any vines, despite the proximity of Quincy to the southwest and Menetou-Salon to the northeast.
The places have been inhabited since Antiquity: remains of a Gallo-Roman villa have been spotted. However, it was in the Middle Ages that the stronghold developed, falling under the tower of Mehun-sur-Yèvre while the Saint-Sulpice de Bourges abbey also had land there. As for the village, it takes shape around its Romanesque church in the 12th century, still renowned for its frescoes...
Much more recently, the geographical position of the town allows it to host a transmitter dedicated to public broadcasting from 1939 via two 350 m high pylons.
Today, the town with its preserved living environment has nearly 1,100 inhabitants and its approximately 60 km of hiking trails are the delight of lovers of green tourism!
In terms of heritage, the jewel of Allouis is undoubtedly its Saint-Germain parish church. It was built in the 12th century in a Romanesque style, before being remodeled several times (15th, 16th and 19th centuries). If originally, its interior walls (apse, choir and nave) were to be entirely covered with frescoes, a significant part of these have been preserved on the "west" face of the wall separating the nave and the choir. Specialists date the work to 1160. There are four main compartments. In the lower register, one shows a Virgin in Majesty to the right of the arch, and to the left the Crucifixion. Later additions were made: such as these three ecclesiastics standing out against a background of fleur-de-lis, painted in the 15th century on the "south" gutter wall of the nave. This remarkable heritage obviously justified the inclusion of the church in the Inventory. We also observe a baptismal font from the 11th century and a restored room serving as an entrance (called in the region a "caquetoire" because the faithful chatted there after the service). A true small museum of sacred art, the church is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Still worth seeing in the area are the Saint-Jean chapel, the Chancenay wash house (to the west of the town), the Château des Fontaines and its towers framing a redesigned classical-style facade (to the north, towards the hamlet of Champmartin) and finally the radio transmitter, to the west, bordering the road to Vierzon, which however only broadcasts time signals... The whole nevertheless remains imposing and bears witness to what a part of the 20th century was!
On the cultural side, the local library is very dynamic, regularly offering activities linked to the world of books (readings, meetings, conferences) but also various workshops (games, well-being, floral art, etc.) as well as concerts and exhibitions.
Association events are also hosted in the multipurpose room. In both cases, information at the town hall on +33 2 48 57 30 81.
For sports enthusiasts, tennis courts are accessible, to be reserved with the local club on +33 6 78 85 73 90.
All that remains is to take advantage of the vast municipal territory with such diverse landscapes (forests, ponds, bocage meadows) for hiking trails punctuated with viewpoints and elements of rural heritage. In total, no less than 60 km of trails are available to walkers in search of greenery and nature... A potential to which should be added the nearby routes along the Cher to reach Vierzon, for example. As for mountain bikers, secure loops are set out in Allouis and neighboring towns. Maps and hikes from the tourist office on +33 2 48 53 06 14.
Also note the possibility of joining the local club outings: contact +33 7 70 39 55 49.
On your return or detour from a healthy stroll, a stop is finally possible at the Billon farm, at a place called Sardonnet, which produces and offers goat cheeses and organic bread. Inquire at +33 2 48 51 55 94.
