Vierzon, Centre, France

Vierzon, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vierzon_pont_bassin_3.jpg
Author: Croquant


Vierzon is a town in the district of Cher in the Centre region of France. It covers 74.5 sq km (28.8 sq mi) and has a population of 40,000 people (2012 estimate). The town is on the banks of the River Cher, surrounded by forested land and farms.

Evidence of human habitation in Vierzon dates back to the pre-Roman period although there isn't much trace of Roman presence in the area. Earliest documented evidence of habitation in Vierzon dates only to the 10th century, when a Benedictine monastery was built here.

The English under Richard I Lionheart burned down Vierzon in 1196. The English House of Plantagenet ruled over the area until 1370, when they were ousted by Bertrand du Guesclin. Another upheavel came upon Vierzon in the 16th century, when it was the site of fierce fightings in the Wars of Religion, coming out firmly Catholic.

In comparison, it was not severely affected by the First World War. It suffered greater damage during the Second World War, when half of it north of the River Cher was occupied by Nazi forces until 1944, when Allied forces bombarded it, destroying large parts of the city.

The decline of its major industries such as iron and steel brought high unemployment during the 1970s and 80s, but these has been reversed in recent decades.

Town Hall of Vierzon, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vierzon_H%C3%B4tel_de_Ville_2.jpg
Author: Croquant

How to go to Vierzon

From Paris, take the A10 (E5) expressway heading south till Orléans, then continue on the A71 expressway until you reach Vierzon.

Places of Interest in Vierzon

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