Area

Theresa rijssenbeek's studio is situated on a small domain, 'Domaine des Bertais'. A forest, a meadow and a small river are part of the domain. The tranquillity, the beautiful old trees, the surprising views and incredibly coloured skies are most inspiring

The village of Pruniers is at about 3 kms. It is on the border between two 'départements', the Indre (36) and the Cher (18), but part of the Indre. Both départements are part of the historical region known as LE BERRY. The rivers Cher and Indre and their many tributaries flow quietly in this area. The cities and villages are old and often bedraggled, not (yet) renovated so very authentic. Mass tourism has not discovered this area ... as yet. But a number of historical places are well known, such as the family home of Georges Sand, Nohant, which has been transformed into a museum and attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world. The village in itself has a lot to offer in the field of classical, romantic music, mainly in summer.

Cities worth a visit in the area are: Bourges, with its famous St Etienne cathedral; Issoudun, a city with a rich, Roman background and, amongst others, a beautiful museum for modern art in the Notre Dame Abbey; Chateauroux, it's restaured historical center and the smaller town of La Chatre, beautifully situated on a hill along the river Cher.

In the fields near Saint Amand Montrond the pearl of restaurational art can be found: the Noirlac abbey, accommodating a museum with very interesting, changing expositions. For amateurs of French cuisine: there's a very good restaurant just in front of the Abbey entrance...

There are serveral interesting visits for garden lovers. First of all Le Prieure d'Orsan: a fully restaured medieval monastery with garden that take your breath away, you will be in awe over what can be achieved by the combination of nature and green, human thumbs...(www.prieuredorsan.com).
There is also the garden of the Château de Villiers in Chassy, Ainay le Vieil, Bouges le Château and finally Manzay, all of them certainly worth a visit.

For those who like some exercise: horseback riding, tennis, swimming, eveything is possible within a range of 10 kms. Golf: two lovely golf courses, Les Dryades in Pouligny Notre Dame and Sarrays in Saint Faust near Issoudun.

Wine: Sancerre, Reuilly with beautiful visits along fields and châteaux.