Guide to Cher & Properties for Sale in Department 18

Explore the Cher & Properties in the Area

Cher is a department in France's central region, established during the French Revolution in March 1790. It is one of the original 83 departments and was predominantly formed from the former province of Berry and the adjacent department of Indre. As a result, the inhabitants of Cher are called 'Berrichons'. The department is bordered by six other departments: Indre, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Nièvre, Allier, and Creuse. It is part of the current administrative region of Centre-Val de Loire and covers an area of approximately 7,235 square kilometres. Cher is home to about 314,000 people. Cher's administrative capital, Bourges, is a city steeped in history and culture. It is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Cathedral of Saint Étienne, one of the city's major attractions.

UNESCO Heritage Sites in Cher

The department is also known for its beautiful landscapes, including the vineyards of Sancerre and the Loire Valley. These areas are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are popular tourist destinations. Cher has a rich history, and the department's museums, monuments, and landmarks provide an insight into its past.

Economic Landscape

Cher's economy is based on a combination of agriculture, viticulture, and industry. The region is renowned for its vineyards in Sancerre and Menetou-Salon, which produce some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc wines in the world. These wines, paired with local goat cheeses like Crottin de Chavignol, are central to Cher's gastronomy. Traditional dishes such as pâté berrichon (a meat pie with eggs) and poirat (a pear pie) highlight the department's culinary heritage.

Outdoor Activities and Cultural Events

The Cher River, along with numerous lakes and forests, makes the area a paradise for outdoor activities. Cycling, hiking, and boating are popular, as are cultural events in Bourges, like the Printemps de Bourges music festival, which attracts large crowds each spring. Cher offers a delightful mix of culture, history and scenic beauty, making it a captivating destination within the Loire Valley.

Key Information about the Cher (18)

• Main City/Prefecture: Bourges
• Nearest Airport: Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport or Paris-Orly Airport
• Population: Around 300,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 7,235 sq. kilometres and 2,793 sq. miles
• Landmark: Bourges Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Gothic architecture and stained glass.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. One million visitors are attracted by its historic towns, vineyards, and medieval heritage.

Types of Properties for Sale in Cher

Discover Berry's gentle heart, where history, charm, and rural beauty unite. In Cher, stone farmhouses, manors, and modern homes blend into hill and vineyard landscapes. The region offers a diverse property market, appealing to heritage lovers and modern buyers. Cher's housing reflects its rural roots and evolving lifestyles, balancing historic architecture, countryside, and value, ideal for families and those seeking a heritage-modern blend.

Common Property Styles in the Department

• Longères – Typical country houses, usually long and rectangular and on one level, built in stone and full of rustic character.
• Farmhouses & rural estates – Traditional properties with barns or outbuildings suitable for renovation or conversion into gîtes.
• Stone houses – Found throughout the region, known for authenticity, thick walls, and timeless charm.
• Townhouses – These properties range from compact village homes to spacious multi-storey townhouses.
• Contemporary houses – Modern designs with open spaces, gardens and energy-efficient features.
• Wooden houses – Eco-friendly options in rural areas combine natural materials with a warm aesthetic.
• Châteaux, manors & prestige properties – Grand estates and period residences, often on large grounds.

Property Prices in the Cher in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1 250 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €1 660 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: +3% over the last 12 months, +29% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Cher

• Average House Price in Bourges: €1,650 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Vierzon: €1,051  per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)


If you are looking to buy a property in the Cher, please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.