Le Grand Noir du Berry in Lignières

Start from the Church of Notre-Dame de Lignières, right next to the 16th-century market hall (car park and Wi-Fi). Note the unusual access to the church via a bridge.

(S/E) Head to the Lignières market hall, where the market takes place on Monday mornings. Cross the Grande Rue and go straight on into Rue Veuve Pateux.

(1) Opposite the post office, head towards Rue Jules Ferry. Leave Rue de la Fonderie on your left and turn into Rue Jacques Cœur. You’ll find a colourful workers’ housing estate here. In the 19th century, this neighbourhood was mainly inhabited by workers employed by the castle’s owners. Take the first street on the right, Rue de l’Ange Blanc, and walk past the library and the campsite.

(2) Continue along this dirt track to reach L’Ange Blanc, named after a former leper colony.

(3) At the next crossroads, carry on straight ahead. You will see the racecourse and the stands, situated on the site of the Pôle du Cheval et de l’Âne. After about 50 metres, take the tarmac road on your right. Walk alongside the Pôle du Cheval et de l’Âne for about 1.5 km.

(4) At the next crossroads, take the path on the right and follow it. You will see the new cottage village that has just opened. As for the Pôle du Cheval et de l'Âne, this nature and leisure park is open every day in summer and on Wednesdays and weekends in July and September (see website). Walk through the cottage village and, as you leave it, turn left to return to the tarmac road.

(5) Walk left towards Les Guérinets. Pass the hamlet sign and then take the first path on your right, which leads to the Arnon. After the footbridge, head right and follow the wide dirt track for 1.3 km. Cross the Arnon again via the footbridge (unless you fancy a dip for your feet), then head back up the path to join the D219.

(6) Walk along the road on the left for 20 metres and take the dirt track on the right (you’ll pass the chalets at La Mare aux Grenouilles). Continue to the crossroads.

(3) Turn left and follow the path back along the same route as on the way out to the car park (S/E).

Car parks: Place Roger Salengro (Place de la Halle) except on Monday mornings, market day. Place de la Paix, right next door.
Wi-Fi: under the 16th-century market hall or at the Tourist Office.
Public toilets: Place de la Paix.
Drinks at the cottage village on the Pôle du Cheval et de l'Âne site (open from Easter to All Saints’ Day).
Restaurants in Lignières: Café du Commerce, La Galtouère, Aux Sources
Soulas Bakery located at the roundabout towards Issoudun, Châteauroux, La Châtre – open Tuesday to Sunday

If you’d like to round off your visit, a route of the town of Lignières is marked by black donkeys painted on the ground, and a Baludik trail starting from the market hall is available 24/7
www.destination-sud-berry.com

Route of the town of Lignières available on request from the Tourist Office or as a download
Notre Dame Church in Lignières: formerly the chapel of the medieval castle, it became a parish church and was extended in the 19th century. Note its highly unusual entrance, via a bridge.

The Horse and Donkey Centre: a nature and leisure park, this is a haven for donkeys and horses.
A venue for national and international competitions and horse races, discover this site on a day trip – details can be found in the Events section
On the programme: horse-drawn carriage rides, donkey grooming, a maze, giant games, exploratory games, summer activities: a donkey-led walk with a snack...
A picnic or a nap behind the church at La Celle-Condé: a peaceful spot, perfect for a break or a nap by the banks of the Arnon.