From Mareuil-sur-Cher to Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, following the banks of the Cher

On arrival in Mareuil-sur-Cher, park behind the church, near the campsite and the post office, to the north-west of the village.

(S) Looking north, opposite the campsite, you’ll see a beautiful building on your left, locally known as ‘the Château’.
Walk between this building and the campsite fence, heading west towards the tennis courts and other sports facilities located there.
Turn right towards the north to reach the river, then, once at the river’s edge, follow the path heading south-southeast, keeping the campsite’s fenced perimeter on your right.
Follow the path along the bank of the Cher towards the east, staying as close to the riverbank as possible. There are a few access points to the water’s edge and footbridges crossing the streams flowing into the river.

(1) When you reach the only fork in the road, take the left-hand path, which runs closest to the bank of the Cher; the other path disappears a little further on into a cultivated field.

(2) You’ll reach the lock. The area hasn’t been developed yet. There’s a lovely view of the lock-keeper’s house and the remains of the dam.

(3) Naturally, the wide path veers away from the riverbank, as the riverside path is not very well cleared along this section (as of June 2020). At the next junction, turn left, heading due north, to rejoin the riverbank and the path heading east.

(4) End of the current section of the path running alongside the Cher. Continue along the banks of the Cher for 30 metres (with a few fruit trees on your right), then cross a stream without using a footbridge.
Turn right before the sewage treatment works. Join the road heading south, walking alongside the fence of the sewage treatment works. You will come out onto the road to Saint-(E) Aignan.

(5) Complete the final kilometre (and a half) by following the road heading east, taking care of oncoming traffic, until you reach the place known as “Le Four à Chaux”, then cross over to take the safe path that runs alongside the same road to the centre of Saint-Aignan.

You’ll arrive at the Saint-Aignan bridge, which has a lock designed differently from the previous ones.

If you’re up for it, the return journey follows the same route (3 hours there and back). Please, on your return, do not cut across the campsite to shorten the journey, out of respect for the campers.

No known water source. Basic countryside walking gear; suitable low-cut shoes.
Most walkers are picked up by car in Saint-Aignan to return home, after taking a short tour of the town (the castle is worth a visit).

Continuing further west along the same bank, you’ll easily reach a second weir and its equally pretty house.
You can clearly see the lock piers on which the structure rested to accommodate the ‘needles’ – large, thick wooden beams operated by the lock-keeper to regulate the flow and thus adjust the water level of the Cher to make it navigable. It was a delicate, difficult job requiring a constant presence during the season, hence the official residence on the right bank. In winter, the Cher was ‘unblocked’ to prevent flooding. Navigation was suspended.
The weirs on the Cher are all built to the same design: a lock on the right bank for boats to pass through, the ‘aiguilles’ weir in the middle, and the overflow spillway on the left bank.
Note that in Montrichard, the lock-keeper’s house has been converted into a rural lodge; it is very easy to reach on foot.

South of Saint-Aignan lies Beauval Zoo – a huge surprise for anyone who hasn’t been there before.
Mareuil-sur-Cher welcomes holidaymakers to its campsite or to lodges run by the local council.
Also visit Montrichard and its keep, and Saint-Aignan and its castle.
Enjoy local wines – AOC Touraine – in moderation.