Entrains-Sur-Nohain combines archaeological history with buildings from later centuries and walking tours with distinct characteristics. At its heart is ancient Intaranum: its archaeological collections and long period of habitation make it a destination for those interested in culture. Other highlights include the choir of Église Saint-Sulpice and the Maison de l’Amiral, both evidence of later building phases. When planning your visit, you can distinguish between an archaeological focus, architectural history, and two walking tours with their own features.
Archaeological Collections and Intaranum
Since 1971, the Maison des Fouilles d’Entrains-sur-Nohain has been housed at its current location. It serves as a place to exhibit and store archaeological finds from Entrains and the surrounding area. The Maison des Fouilles archéologiques presents collections recovered from the archaeological deposits of Entrains; these document the ancient settlement of Intaranum, which flourished from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. Each summer, a newly presented temporary exhibition on a specific topic in the archaeology of Entrains complements the permanent exhibition. The permanent display of the collections and a seasonal thematic focus are thus presented side by side. If you are particularly interested in a specific archaeological aspect, check the summer exhibition’s theme when planning your visit.
During the Roman period, Intaranum was a thriving settlement covering about 80 hectares, excluding the necropolises. Ancient Intaranum stood on a slight rise at an elevation of 225 m above the confluence of the Nohain and Trélon rivers. Together, its approximate extent and its location at the confluence offer two different points of reference: the settlement’s size and its position in the landscape.
Architectural History from the Middle Ages to the 17th Century
Looking at later centuries extends the story beyond Intaranum. The choir of Église Saint-Sulpice dates from the 13th century. The Maison de l’Amiral was built in 1636 for Roger II de Saint-Lary (1562–1646), Duke of Bellegarde. The comparison keeps two distinct historical references separate: a clearly dated part of the church, and a building for which both the construction date and the person it was built for are specifically identified. This architectural history therefore offers a medieval and an early modern point of reference alongside the history of the Roman settlement. If historic buildings particularly interest you, you can explore these different periods alongside the archaeological highlights.
Two Walking Tours, Different Highlights
The specific points of interest also differ between the walking tours. “À la découverte d’Entrains-sur-Nohain” is 2.5 kilometres long, takes about an hour and a half, and is rated easy. The approximate duration helps you plan the walk as a separate block of time; as route details can change, check the route before setting off. The Circuit du manège à eau passes around a dozen washhouses and includes a stop for fishing at the pond. This gives it a different focus from the walk specified by length and duration: its character is shaped by the washhouses and the fishing stop. Fishing permits and conditions can change; check them in advance if you plan to fish at the pond. Access conditions along this circuit can also change; check them before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Moussy, Châtin, Saint-Brisson, Vitry-Laché, Saint-Vérain, Saint-Amand-En-Puisaye, Thianges, Isenay
For the regional travel overview: Nièvre.
