The Creuse Valley with the ruins of Crozant had a very strong attraction to many painters in the 19th century. The famous painter-impressionists are Monet and Armand Guillaumin.
This “movement” was so strong that it was given a name: l’ECOLE de CROZANT.
In June 2014 a museum opened in Crozant; l’HôTEL LEPINAT , this was the golden age of Crozant. Website: www.hotel-lepinat.com.
A visit to the ruins of Crozant; Ticket sales at the entrance of the Chateau. If you want a guided tour please contact the tourist office of Dun le palestel. Website: www.tourisme-creuse.com.
A tour by boat or kayak; Departure point and tickets are available at Hotel du Lac. This wonderful cruise offers a whole new perspective on the Creuse valley. The boat passes the ruins of Crozant, the old watermill Pilemongin, the water sports area, the beaches of Chambon, Fougères and Bonnu, the barrage of Eguzon and many more. A guide will tell you about the evolution of the landscape and its effect on the painting era.
Not far from Crozant is the village of Fresselines. This village, which is 8 km from Crozant, has an artistic centre named after the poet Maurice Rollinat. Part of this centre is dedicated to the painter Claude Monet.
A little further away, but just as interesting, is Gargilesse. Gargilesse has been “crowned” as one of the most beautiful villages of France.
With the cottage of the famous writer George Sand. An unconscious forerunner of feminism. A lady from a very rich family who smoked cigars, wore jeans, travelled the world and did everything that was certainly not usual for a lady of that time.
Be sure to spend a day in Crozant and a day in Fresselines and Gargilesse. If you wish, you can also visit the villages on foot. There are beautiful footpaths connecting these villages. Gargilesse and Crozant are on the SAINT JACQUES de COMPOSTELLA route.
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