Marilyne and Florian Concert
A lively musical experience inviting everyone to sing and dance along with the performers in a friendly atmosphere.
Plizio Visual Lab
Aubigny-sur-Nère
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Aubigny-sur-Nère
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The half-timbered houses (Maisons à pans de bois) look best in the soft morning light before the crowds arrive.
- Look out for Scottish flags and tartans; the town celebrates its historic ties to the Stuart clan, especially during the Franco-Scottish festivals in July.
- Free parking is usually available near the Grands-Jardins park, just a short walk from the historic center.
- The Château des Stuarts gives a lovely backdrop; explore the adjacent gardens for a peaceful perspective of the town.
🍽 Food
🍽
Shortbread
Local bakeries sell excellent Scottish-style shortbread thanks to the town's heritage.
🍽
Berry Lentils
Try dishes featuring Lentilles du Berry in local traditional bistros around the main square.
🍽
Sancerre Wine
Pair your meal with a glass of nearby Sancerre wine, widely available in local wine bars.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Scottish products
Boutiques in the center sell authentic tartans, whisky, and kilts.
🛍
Local market
Great for picking up regional cheeses like Crottin de Chavignol directly from producers.
🧘
Les Grands-Jardins
A beautifully maintained park behind the castle, handy for a quiet afternoon stroll.
🧘
The Nère riverside
Follow the small Nère river for a tranquil walk away from the main streets.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Love Race 2026
The funnest tied-together race of the year returns to Aubigny-sur-Nère! Join the second, even more festive edition of this unique event.
Paris Taiko Ensemble: Japanese Drums
Feel the power and precision of Japanese drums in the majestic setting of the Château de la Verrerie and its lake.
Jazz Concert: Chanson d'occasion
The Chanson d'occasion trio breathes new life into French popular classics with a unique and swingy jazz touch.
Inter-Village Challenges
Get ready for an afternoon of energy and good humor as neighboring villages compete in friendly challenges.
George Sand: 150 Years of Modernity
A fascinating exhibition about the life and work of George Sand, created by the George Sand and Vallée Noire Museum.
Discovery Hikes
Join the Argentais hikers every Thursday morning in July and August for guided tours exploring the local landscape.
Opening: Allons Voir !
Attend the opening of the "Allons Voir!" exhibition followed by a guided tour of the various art installation sites.
Firefighters' Hike
Choose from 3 hiking routes organized by the Argent-sur-Sauldre firefighters, featuring refreshments and a fun raffle.
Franco-Scottish Festival
The 34th edition of the Franco-Scottish Festival will take place from July 10 to 12, 2026.
Aubigny-sur-Nère is a unique gem in the Cher department, widely known as the 'Scottish City' of France. Its extraordinary history began in 1423 when King Charles VII granted the town to John Stuart of Darnley for his vital support during the Hundred Years' War. For four centuries, the Stuarts ruled Aubigny, creating a lasting legacy of Scottish influence in the heart of France. Following a major fire in 1512, Robert Stuart oversaw the reconstruction of the town, resulting in the magnificent half-timbered houses that still line the historic streets today. The Château des Stuarts, now serving as the city hall, stands as a testament to the family's power and architectural taste. The town's Scottish heritage is celebrated every July during the Franco-Scottish festivals, featuring pipe bands, tartans, and traditional games. Beyond its historical appeal, modern Aubigny is a thriving industrial hub, home to major companies specializing in aerospace and precision engineering, successfully bridging its medieval past with a high-tech future.
- Location: Centre-Val de Loire, France
- Top sights: Saint-Martin Church · Grands Jardins Park · Château des Stuarts
- Nearby: Gien (27 km)
- Population: ~5.907
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 62 | 51 | 57 | 53 | 75 | 61 | 60 | 55 | 46 | 72 | 68 | 73 |
Geography
Facts
- Start of Stuart lordship: 1423.
- Population: 5,907 (2021 census).
- Land area: 61.53 square kilometers.
- Postal code: 18700.
- Annual festival: Franco-Scottish Days (July).
- Elevation: 161–233 meters above sea level.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Aubigny-sur-Nère (4)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Aubigny called the 'City of the Stuarts'?
The town was gifted to the Scotsman John Stuart in 1423 for his aid in the Hundred Years' War, starting a long Scottish tradition.
When do the Scottish festivals take place?
The 'Fêtes Franco-Écossaises' take place every year around July 14th, featuring bagpipes and kilt parades.
Which buildings should one visit?
The Castle of the Stuarts (now the town hall) and the numerous well-preserved 16th-century half-timbered houses are a must-see.
Is there a Scottish museum?
Yes, inside the castle, there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the 'Auld Alliance' and the town's Scottish roots.
What is the local landmark?
The 'Maison de François Ier', a magnificent half-timbered house with carvings, is the most famous architectural symbol.
Aubigny-sur-Nère: where is it located?
Aubigny-sur-Nère is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Aubigny-sur-Nère: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Martin Church, Grands Jardins Park, Château des Stuarts.
Aubigny-sur-Nère: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Aubigny-sur-Nère: why is it worth visiting?
Aubigny-sur-Nère is a unique gem in the Cher department, widely known as the 'Scottish City' of France.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Tours
Tours is a historic city on the Loire and a great starting point for the castles of the Loire Valley.
Orléans
Orléans is closely tied to Joan of Arc and is a tradition-rich Loire city with a strong historic core.
Bourges
Bourges is a historic city with a grand Gothic cathedral, half-timbered houses, and a calm cityscape.
Blois
Blois is a Loire city with a castle, narrow streets, and an important role in the history of the French kings.
Châteauroux
Châteauroux is the largest city in the Indre department and a central administrative and commercial hub of the Berry region.
Chartres
Chartres is known for its famous cathedral and its well-preserved historic center on the Eure.
Tours-Sud
Tours-Sud is an area with modern urban infrastructure south of the Loire.
Dreux
A history-steeped city on the edge of Normandy, famous for its Royal Chapel and as the burial place of the House of Orléans.
Vierzon
A historic industrial city in the heart of France, at the confluence of five rivers, known for its agricultural machinery production.
Olivet
An upscale riverside city south of Orléans, renowned for its scenic promenades along the Loiret River and its historic water-front estates.
Fleury-les-Aubrais
A dynamic railway city located north of Orléans in the heart of the Centre-Val de Loire region.
Romorantin-Lanthenay
The capital of the Sologne region, famous for its ties to Leonardo da Vinci and its Matra industrial heritage.
Saint-Jean-de-Braye
A dynamic city on the Loire, known as a hub for the luxury cosmetics industry and a key part of the Orléans metropolitan area.
Vendôme
A historic City of Art and History on the banks of the Loir, famous for its medieval abbey and picturesque canals.
Lucé
A modern neighbor of Chartres, recognized for its extensive sporting facilities and green spaces.