Mauvières lies on the border between Petite Brenne and Boischaut Sud. Its cultural history is reflected on different scales: at the Maison-forte de Villiers, with its wall paintings dating to around 1500; at former workplaces; and at mills on the Anglin. There is also the “Le val d'Anglin n°39” hiking trail, which leads to the hamlet of Villiers. Visitors planning a stay can therefore pursue several interests: historic architecture, industrial history and a trail with views over the river.

Building history across different periods

The Maison-forte de Villiers dates from the late 15th century and the first half of the 16th century; its wall paintings date to around 1500. This brings together two closely related, but not identical, dates on a single building: the construction of the house and the dating of its paintings. Anyone interested in historic architecture can consider this chronology a distinctive aspect of the local history.

The house is partly listed as a Monument historique and partly classified as a Monument historique. A different point in time comes into play with the Ferme du Bas-Durenet: it was listed as a Monument historique in September 2025. For the Maison-forte, the dates concern its construction and paintings; for the Ferme, they concern the date of its listing.

Industrial history and buildings on the Anglin

Industrial history offers another perspective. In Charneuil, forges gave rise first to a hydroelectric power station and then to a plant belonging to the Delecta du Blanc company. A remarkable workers’ housing estate also developed there in connection with this history. The sequence of uses is key to understanding it: in Charneuil, the focus is on the transition from forging to hydropower and then to later industrial use.

Another trace is the historic lime kiln site at La Ronde, which is still visible in Mauvières. The municipality is also home to two mills on the Anglin. These local features each tell a different story: at La Ronde, the still-visible kiln site stands out, while Charneuil’s history encompasses a succession of industrial uses. The mills add further buildings along the river to this picture.

The hiking trail to Villiers

The “Le val d'Anglin n°39” hiking trail leads to the hamlet of Villiers, which has preserved its old buildings. The trail therefore has a specific destination with its own architectural character. From the banks of the Anglin, it also offers a striking view of the Château d’Aigues Joignant on the opposite bank. The hamlet and the river view appeal to different interests: the former for its preserved old buildings, the latter for the view of the château across the Anglin.

The view of the Château depends on the season and the weather. If this viewpoint is important to your plans, take both conditions into account. This way, the view can remain a memorable part of the hike without assuming that conditions are the same at every time of year.

A specific food option

For a takeaway meal, the “Au Val d'Anglin” restaurant in Mauvières offers dishes to go. If you would like to include this option in your plans, check availability before your trip, as it may change. This lets you take a specific place to eat into account alongside your cultural and scenic interests.

Discover more destinations

Le Blanc, Bélâbre, Douadic, La Chapelle-Sur-Loire, Ardentes, La Vernelle, Menetou-Sur-Nahon, Saint-Chartier

For the broader travel overview: Indre.