September 2025
A little tour in Cher
On the occasion of the 40th French National Greyhound Breeding Show, we hit the road for a weekend in Cher. Saturday was devoted to the competition events, held at the Cérilly exhibition hall, a must-see for breed enthusiasts.
But we couldn't head straight back to Paris without enjoying the region a bit! On Sunday, on the way back, we made two charming stops: in Apremont-sur-Allier, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, and in Sancerre, a wine-growing hotspot.
Between beautiful gardens, old stones, the gentle way of life and the rolling landscapes of the Charolais breed country, this weekend offered us a break that was as unexpected as it was pleasant.
Summary
A dog friendly
destination?
Accommodation and
logistics
Cargo biking
with a puppy
Cargo biking
with a puppy
80th anniversary of the CAGF and 40th national livestock exhibition!
The 40th National Breeding Show had a special flavor this year as the CAGF (Club des Amateurs de Greyhound de France) celebrated its 80th anniversary. The greyhound remains a rare breed in France, with few breeders, but all share a deep and sincere passion. Contrary to the popular belief that dog breeding is solely a lucrative business, the world of the greyhound is driven above all by a love of the breed and the desire to preserve it. It is not a “fashionable” dog, and this further strengthens the commitment of those who devote themselves to it.
This year, the event was all the more prestigious as the dogs were judged by a specialist from England, a true authority in the greyhound world. This gave the competition an international and even more solemn dimension. The day was also marked by beautiful speeches highlighting the commitment of the volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible.
The competition, which lasts all day, is structured into different categories: baby, puppy, young, intermediate, open and veteran, with a distinction between males and females. From 8:30 a.m., the atmosphere was already in full swing: dozens of greyhounds, their breeders, enthusiasts, and a friendly and warm atmosphere. It was also a precious moment for us: Vaïka was reunited with, among others, her sister and her aunt, and we were able to chat again with her breeder, Kaël de Rosae Fidelis , a goldmine of valuable advice.
Vaïka didn't win a prize this time, but she did achieve a fine distinction: Excellent – something to make us proud nonetheless. And the pride was even greater for her breeding since two of her protégés won the male and female champion titles: a real success that proves the breeder's serious work! The next big event for us and Vaïka: Pompadour, for the annual gathering of the 13 sighthound breeds. In the meantime, time for training!
Apremont-sur-Allier
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Apremont-sur-Allier is a true picture postcard. Located on the banks of the Allier River, this medieval village was restored and enhanced in the 20th century thanks to the Schneider family, who revived the site and created the floral park in 1970 under the leadership of Gilles de Brissac.
Even today, this park is a green haven that attracts visitors with its botanical richness and poetic atmosphere. We were amazed by the majestic trees, the flowerbeds, and especially the many architectural follies that punctuate the promenade: Chinese bridge, Turkish pavilion, gazebos, and other exotic elements that give the garden a unique touch. From the paths, the view of the ramparts adds even more to the charm of the place.
The village itself is equally attractive, with its perfectly restored stone houses topped with orange tiles that stand out beautifully against the surrounding greenery. Each alleyway exudes authenticity and tranquility. As for the castle, while it is not open to visitors, it is possible to walk around it and admire its perfectly maintained ramparts, which reinforce the impression of timeless elegance.
Special mention goes to the small museum, a real success. Fun and informative, it offers videos, reconstructions, and immersive settings that allow visitors to delve into life in the past. You'll learn as much about the history of the Schneider family as you will about the traditional trades of the time: farrier, everyday artisans, and even the arrival of the automobile in the village. A visit that's as fascinating as it is surprising.
Finally, what particularly struck us was how dog-friendly the site is. Dogs are allowed absolutely everywhere—museum, gardens, lawns—as long as they are kept on a leash. A rare touch in this type of heritage site! And the detail that makes the difference: a water bowl awaits dogs at the entrance. Enough to make the visit even more enjoyable for us and for Vaïka. In short, a real favorite, as much for the beauty of the heritage as for the welcome reserved for four-legged visitors. Admission, in 2025, was 12 euros per person, which is very reasonable considering the maintenance required for this magnificent place.
After this superb visit, we took a well-deserved lunch break at the restaurant "La brasserie du lavoir" . Very good cuisine with beautiful local products, pleasant and spacious terrace and dog-friendly welcome!
Sancerre
Perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire, Sancerre is a medieval city steeped in history. Long considered impregnable, it was a strategic stronghold during the Wars of Religion, notably during the famous siege of 1572-1573. Today, while its ramparts and towers still serve as reminders of this tumultuous past, the city is best known for what has made it world-renowned: its vineyards. With its sun-drenched hillsides and mineral-rich soils, Sancerre is one of France's most renowned white wines, produced from Sauvignon Blanc, but also available in red and rosé from Pinot Noir. Paired with Crottin de Chavignol, the region's iconic goat's cheese, it makes for an unmissable gastronomic duo.
We chose to explore the city using the “Ariadne’s thread,” an interactive trail you can follow on your phone. Fun and informative, it allows you to learn a lot about local history and identify the main monuments. However, we must admit that we were not particularly charmed by the architecture: the buildings, although witnesses to a rich past, did not seem as picturesque or attractive as other villages we visited. But that is, of course, a question of perspective!
Sancerre's main attraction is undoubtedly its role as a wine capital. The surrounding area offers magnificent views of the vineyards, with rolling hills as far as the eye can see and a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly embodies the region's art of living. For wine lovers, this is a must-see, if only to taste on site and leave with a few bottles of this exceptional terroir.
It's impossible to visit the region without discovering the Crottin de Chavignol, this small AOP goat cheese that is the pride of the locals. We chose to visit the La Bête Noire goat farm , an address that allows you to learn more about the production of this emblematic cheese. The visit is both fun and educational: we discover the daily life of the goats, the manufacturing process and especially the different stages of ripening that give the Crottin its varied flavors. A pleasant feature: the goats are visible behind a large window, which makes the visit 100% dog-friendly - no stress for them or for our four-legged friends.
The discovery ended with a tasting: several crottins depending on their maturation, accompanied by a glass of Sancerre wine (€7) or juice (€5). A moment of pure indulgence that Vaïka obviously did not fail to share: she was very fond of cheese! An original and tasty stop that perfectly complements the visit to Sancerre and its vineyards.
Logistics and accommodation
Since Cérilly is not easily accessible by train, and since we wanted to explore the region a little on the way back, the car proved to be the most practical means of transport. So we set off on Friday evening after work and, after about 3.5 hours of travel, we arrived at our destination: the Village Loisirs de la Goule .
Located about twenty minutes from Cérilly, this was an excellent compromise. We stayed in a comfortable chalet equipped with a small kitchen, particularly useful for preparing Vaïka's meals. The breakfast, prepared to order, was a pleasant addition to this simple but functional setting.
The holiday village is located on the shores of Lake Goule, in a preserved natural environment, and offers a wide range of activities in season: swimming, canoeing, pedal boats, children's games, fishing... Something to please the whole family. During our visit, at the very end of the season, we were not able to take full advantage of it and the weather was not there, but we can easily imagine the potential of the place in the middle of summer.
Also note: the chalet area is fully fenced, a real plus when traveling with a dog. A secure and peaceful setting, which allows us to warmly recommend this address for a practical and exotic stay in Bourbonnais.
As for restaurants, our experiences in Cérilly were mixed. For lunch, we had a very pleasant break at the Logis Chez Chaumat hotel restaurant. A lovely surprise: tasty home-cooked food, excellent value for money, and a warm welcome. Vaïka was very welcome, sitting quietly at our feet in the dining room, before enjoying her own meal – a truly convivial moment.
In the evening, however, everything was much more complicated... In a small country town like Cérilly, where the offerings are limited, it is essential to book in advance – something we hadn't anticipated. After being refused several times at fully booked restaurants, we ended up driving more than 30 minutes to reach the restaurant La Selette. And there, the disappointment was immense: frozen and reheated dishes, flavorless, no passion in the kitchen, and prices far too high for what was served. Frankly, it's a real scandal that in France, the country of gastronomy, we can still find this type of establishment. This kind of address has nothing to do with catering and should seriously rethink its approach. A failed evening that we won't soon forget – and which will serve as a lesson for future visits: in the countryside, it's better to book in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
