.
In 1954, the owners of the chateaux in Meillant, Ainay le vieil and Culan grouped together to promote their chateau and gardens. Over the years they attracted several tourists to the Berry region for the summer and the weekends. This sucess has grown and attracted further sites, sixteen in all, 8 of which are privatly owned chateaux.
In the cher department the trail runs south from Gien, which crosses somewhat into the department of Loiret, down to Culan taking in sixteen chateaux, gardens and other attractions along the way. By road this route is well signposted and easy to follow.
The man himself was born around 1400 and was originally a trader in the provinces, becoming a seasoned traveller and commercial expert trading in spices, silks and weapons between Europe and the near east. He became the grand financier of king Charles v11 and became a noble under his rule. Like many before and after him the King later confiscated his goods and he finished life much as he had started.
The suggested route, starting at Gien is:
Museum Argent sur sauldre
Aubigny sur nere
Chateau de la verrerie
Chateau de maupas
Dun sur auron
Abbaye de noirlac
Saint Amand Montrond
Chateau de Culan
