ChapellesurLoire

ChapellesurLoire is a small commune located in the Cher department of the Centre‑Val de Loire region in central France. The village sits on the banks of the Loire River, just north of the town of Vichy, and covers an area of approximately 13 square kilometres. The elevation ranges from 200 to 350 metres above sea level, giving the landscape a gently undulating character that combines riverine plains with hilly outskirts. The Loire valley surrounding the commune provides well‑provenanced vineyards and agricultural land, predominantly used for cattle grazing and cereal cultivation.

The history of ChapellesurLoire dates back to the early Middle Ages when the village developed around a Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Martin. The church, built in the 12th century, is one of the notable heritage sites in the commune and remains an example of regional ecclesiastical architecture. Throughout the centuries ChapellesurLoire remained a rural settlement; the current population of roughly 500 inhabitants is spread over several hamlets. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the commune experienced modest growth following the expansion of the railway network in the region, which facilitated the transport of local produce.

The commune is governed by a municipal council headed by a mayor, whose terms last six years. Local governance focuses on maintaining rural infrastructure, preserving historical monuments, and supporting tourism related to the Loire River and its surrounding natural landscapes. The community hosts annual festivals celebrating its agricultural heritage, and a small farmers' market operates weekly, providing fresh regional products to both locals and visitors. ChapellesurLoire’s strategic location along the Loire also makes it a popular spot for angling, canoeing, and cycling, contributing to a modest yet steady influx of outdoor recreation enthusiasts during the warmer months.