Saint-Maur is a city of Indre, in the Center-Val de Loire region, west of Chateauroux which it borders.
Since 1 January 2016, the town has merged with the village of Villers-les-Ormes (400 inhabitants), and has a little over 3,600 inhabitants.
The vast territory (87 km²) belongs to the natural region of Champagne Berry. Crossed by the Indre, dotted with ballast, the site is inhabited since the Gallo-Roman and the charm of this "city in the country" explains the construction of residential homes from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The establishment of the vast Cap Sud shopping area and amenities serving the entire agglomeration did not, however, affect the quality of the living environment in the town.
With its historical heritage, its environment highlighted and its associative and cultural dynamism, Saint-Maur is worth visiting during a stay in the Berry.
A discovery of the built heritage of Saint-Maur and the former village of Villers-les-Ormes will begin, in the center of the village, by the church dedicated to Saint-Maur, the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, in which are preserved the relics of saint. The building that was remodeled in the fifteenth century has been restored several times and we note in particular its sundial at the southern transept.
The church Saint-Laurent de Villers-les-Ormes is more modest, although already considered as dependent on the abbey of Notre-Dame de Déols at the beginning of the XIIIe century. Abandoned in the late eighteenth century and even a time transformed into an agricultural building, it is restored in the twentieth.
Back on Saint-Maur, we can devote a walk to observe without always being able to visit many castles of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that prove that the town and the banks of the Indre were very early considered by the notables of Chateauroux as conducive to establish residences in a pleasant setting.
This is the case of the castle of Lienne, located in limit of Luant and Velles, with the imposing quadrangular construction. The property has a prestigious heritage (oaks, cedars of Lebanon) whose plantation dates back more than 150 years. More recently, ginkgos and elms have completed the set.
In the center, the Château des Planches (19th century) was bought by the city and now houses a village hall and a cultural area. Its generous park is ideal for walking and hosts many events throughout the year. Information on 02 2 54 08 26 30.
Behind the town hall, the castle of Martinique was built for traders importing products from the West Indies. We must also mention the
Laleuf castle, built by General Bertrand in 1761. A museum dedicated to this faithful servant of Napoleon I is open in Châteauroux. The estate is made up of farm buildings built in a neoclassical style.
South of the town, the castle of Cantins was built in 1859 by a Parisian entrepreneur in the Louis XV style. Finally, bordered by a park that goes down to the river Indre, Parçay Castle was built in the nineteenth century on the edge of the town of Niherne.
On the environmental level, we will appreciate the paths along the course of the Indre, and the ponds that seem to announce the Regional Natural Park of Brenne. Thus near the village, we will take advantage of Robert Tissier space, surrounded by two arms of the Indre. A mall, a bowling alley, a football field and a free basketball court have been set up. Walkers are also welcome.
It is also necessary to discover the site of Ballastières which constitutes the largest wetland of the agglomeration (18 hectares including 12 hectares of waterbodies classified as sensitive natural areas). The municipality has chosen to make the site a real "ecopark" dedicated to recreation and the discovery of the ecosystem of this part of the valley. Signage highlights fauna and flora and pathways with footbridges are dedicated to walkers.
All the ponds can also delight fishing enthusiasts. All information on the conditions to respect in +33 6 48 38 02 18.
For larger hikes, on foot or by mountain bike, including the remarkable points of Saint-Maur and its region, and the forest areas, documentation and information +33 2 54 34 10 74.
In terms of recreation, again, the aerodrome of Villers has a track of 800 m appreciated by amateur pilots, voltigeurs and other fans of microlight. It is possible to contact the local club for a baptism of the air or outings to discover the Berry from the sky... Join +33 7 81 39 11 43.
For those who stay on the ground, a game of tennis is possible at the complex of the rue de Villers. Contact the +33 6 69 55 36 55.
Last but not least, there is always the sports and leisure complex, the Tourneix complex, dedicated to motor sports enthusiasts. It is equipped with a rallycross track more than a kilometer long, motocross circuits and even a course dedicated to BMX bike specialists. This amazing complex with an area of 80 hectares is also open to fans of model aircraft.
When the circuits are not reserved for prestigious competitions, the general public or the tourists of passage, confirmed pilots or amateurs, can ask to profit from these unique installations. All information on +33 2 54 07 19 62 or +33 2 54 27 80 81.
On the cultural level, finally, the media library of the town regularly organizes readings meetings and programs exhibitions and quality shows. Information on +33 2 54 08 26 39.
In May, the Festiv'Arts festival in Berry stops at Saint-Maur for musical performances and theater.
On the occasion of the national holiday of July 14, flea market, torchlight procession, fireworks and ball.
On the first Friday evening of September, Jazz en Plein Air schedules concerts in the park of the Château des Planches.
The third weekend of September, the Méca Passion show attracts a large audience passionate about motorsports.
The first Sunday of October, flea market on the mail Tissier.
The third weekend of October, wine and flavors show at the sports hall.
The first weekend of November, the annual hike organized by the local club offers three different courses. Information on +33 2 54 22 38 11.
In mid-November, chocolate salon at the Château des Planches.
