The town
of Chatillon-sur-Indre in the department of Indre, grew around its
12th century fortified *'Caesars' tower, built by Henry II
Plantagenet, count of Anjou and King of England. It is said to be
the oldest oldest tower with a cylindrical vault in France. As the
town grew its walls encompassed the 11th century collegiate church
of Saint Outrille.
The
church is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles and if you are
visiting the town it is worth exploring.
Today the town has all the amenities of a modern community
with shops, including a supermarket plus leisure facilities that
include a large multipurpose gymnasium, a multipurpose indoor
swimming pool winter-summer, a stadium, two soccer fields, three
tennis courts, a recreation area with fitness trail,a roller ring, a
fishing trail and a bowling green. As well as fishing the river
Indre offers opportunities for kayaking. Nearby there is also
an international track for go-karting and motorsport.
A walk round the old town is an interesting exercise as you
are transported back to its medieval origins. You cannot normally visit the tower
(although it sometimes opens on
'Patrimoine
day' see blogpost below) but to circle it by way of its fortifications
gives you a feel for its proportions.
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