George Sand and the Vallee Noire

Nohant and Gargilesse

This area of La Chatre, called the Vallee Noire, is dedicated to the memory of George Sand. She spent much of her time at Nohant Chateau. Bought by her grandmother, in 1793, it is now designated a national monument to commemorate this prolific writer.

Her house, La Maison de George Sand, is open to the public and its gardens can be visited free.
The verdant countryside provided a pastoral background to her novels of the Vallee Noire, and her works were inspired by friendships with celebrated visitors to her home such as Chopin, Liszt, Delacroix and Balzac. Chopin is said to have composed many of his major works at Nohant.
Also visit the Romanesque church of St Martin at Nohant-Vic with its 12th Century frescoes.

See too George Sand’s small cottage at Gargilesse – designated one of the Most Beautiful Villages (Plus Beaux Villages) in France.
The author referred to it as “Little Switzerland”, and it was renovated by her grand-daughter. This is open every day from 1 April to 31 October from 0930 to 1230 and 1400 to 1900 hrs. Telephone 02 54 47 84 14 for further details.

For more information on Gargilesse, visit www.gargilesse.fr