Culan (French pronunciation: [kylɑ̃]) is a commune in the Cher département in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.

It is best known for its 12th-15th century medieval castle, the Château de Culan, one of the oldest castles still occupied in the world. The castle has beautiful medieval gardens and it is open to visitors every day from Easter until November.

Geography

The commune is a farming area comprising the village and a few hamlets situated by the banks of the river Arnon, in the south of the département some 35 miles (56 km) south of Bourges and at the junction of the D997 with the D943, D4 and D65 roads.

Population

Historical population
YearPop.±%
19621,261
19681,310+3.9%
19751,164−11.1%
19821,055−9.4%
1990932−11.7%
1999822−11.8%
2008796−3.2%

Sights

  • The church of St. Vincent, dating from the seventeenth century
  • The castle
  • A watermill
  • A nineteenth-century viaduct
The village of Culan

See also

External links