The department of the Indre is part of the Centre Region of France. This area, which used  to be part of the ancient province of Le Berry, tends to play second fiddle to its its more 'touristy' neighbour Indre et Loire but it will surprise you in many different ways. It offers nature lovers the delights of La Brenne Natural Parc one of France’s best kept secrets which is rich in flora and fauna with plenty of bird watching opportunities. It also has its chateaux with with Chateau de Valencay one our favourites of the region and  the exquisite Azay-le-Ferron with its gardens. Nearby Azay-le-Ferron you will find the safari  park of Haute Touche which is good day out for all the  family. As you travel further east into the Brenne Natural Park with its thousand lakes you can see why the area attracts bird watchers, ramblers and nature lovers. There is the lake at Bellbouche with its miles of sandy beaches plus many planned cycling walking and horse riding routes. Continue down to the department capital of Chateauroux and you are heading into what was the ancient territory of Berry which was lost (in name only) in a reorganisation split between here and the department of Cher.