Argenton-sur-Creuse

French commune
nomcommune=Argenton-sur-Creuse
région=Centre
département=Indre
arrondissement=Châteauroux
canton=Argenton-sur-Creuse
insee=36006
cp=36200
maire=
mandat=2001-2008
intercomm=Pays d'Argenton-sur-Creuse
longitude=1.52
latitude=46.5897222222
alt moy=119 m
alt mini=99
alt maxi=234 m
hectares=2934
km²=29.34
sans=5146
date-sans=1999
date-dens=1999
dens=175|

Argenton-sur-Creuse is a commune in the Indre department in central France. It lies on the Creuse River, 19 m. SSW of Châteauroux, close to the A20 motorway.

History

The modern city is built close to the site of the Gallo-Roman city of Argentomagus which lies a little to the north. The site has been developed as a museum vistor attraction. The name of the ancient town probably derives from the Latin word for "silver", as the town was a center of silver work.

The 11th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica of 1911 described the city as follows: "The river is crossed by two bridges, and its banks are bordered by picturesque old houses. There are numerous tanneries, and the manufacture of boots, shoes and linen goods is carried on." One of the riverside mills has been converted into the "Museum of the Shirt and Masculine Elegance".

The village of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, classified as one of the prettiest in France is 20 minutes away by road. The valley of the River Creuse south of Argenton is attractive. The village of Gargilesse is also classified as one of the prettiest in France and the home of the writer George Sand there may be visited.

Demographics

Démographie
1801= 3329
1826= 3950
1846= 4546
1962= 6344
1968= 6400
1975= 6424
1982= 5848
1990= 5193
1999= 5146
sansdoublescomptes= 1962

External links

* [http://www.ot-argenton-sur-creuse.fr/ Tourist Information Office website (in French)]
* [http://www.argentomagus.com/indexgb.php Argentomagus museum website (English-language version)]