It even hosts a yearly festival celebrating Scotland.
17:21, 10 Sep 2025Updated 08:44, 13 Sep 2025
Aubigny-sur-Nère is a one-of-a-kind place(Image: Cjp24, CC BY-SA 4.0)
All across the world, there are villages, towns, and cities that have unique ties to Scotland. In fact, there are many more than you might think.
The Daily Record has previously reported on a variety of these ‘Scottish towns’. From an island in Canada where people speak Gaelic to an Australian town with its own Highland Gathering, Scottish influence can be felt across the globe.
Today, we are journeying to the town and commune of Aubigny-sur-Nère in France. The small settlement has earned the reputation of being France’s ‘most Scottish town’.
Aubigny-sur-Nère is situated in the region of Centre-Val de Loire, approximately 110 miles from Paris. It is home to around 5,500 people.
To find out why the town is linked to Scotland, we have to journey back to the 15th century. All the way back in 1423, constable of the Scottish army Sir John Stuart of Darnley was awarded control of Aubigny-sur-Nère by King Charles VII of France as a reward for his services against the English during the Hundred Years War.
Sir John Stuart of Darnley’s descendants were prominent figures in the town. As reported by France Today, Robert Stuart helped the locals rebuild Aubigny-sur-Nère following a devastating fire in 1512 and also made improvements to a number of important buildings.
Aubigny-sur-Nère proudly displays its Scottish heritage(Image: GAPS / Getty Images)
The small town was under Scottish control for centuries, all the way through to 1672 when the last Stuart died. While it has since returned to France, this period had a major impact on Aubigny-sur-Nère that can be felt to this day.
The most notable attraction in Aubigny-sur-Nère is its castle, which was constructed in the 16th century. Known as Château des Stuarts, the castle is comprised of two wings that are joined by an entrance pavilion.
Château des Stuarts is home to Aubigny-sur-Nère’s town hall, as well as a museum. The heritage centre is dedicated to the town’s unique history, and is therefore a must-visit for Scots.
Château des Stuarts (Image: MOSSOT, CC BY-SA 3.0)
The town also hosts the annual Les Fêtes Franco-Ecossaises festival. Also known as the French-Scottish Feasts, the festival is a celebration of Aubigny-sur-Nère’s historical ties to Scotland. During the festivities, there is a parade and a range of Scottish shows and concerts.
Aubigny-sur-Nère even has its own pipe band that performs with traditional bagpipes. The band, which was formed in 1993, plays at the French-Scottish Feasts and various other Scotland-related events.
Elsewhere, the town features a monument to the Auld Alliance that celebrates the relationship between France and Scotland. According to France Today, there is even a giant statue of a Scottish man that sits on the edge of Aubigny-sur-Nère.
Walking around town, you will notice many other small nods to Scotland. One such example is The Cutty Sark pub, which boasts tartan carpets and serves up haggis to hungry patrons.
Meanwhile, it is not uncommon to see a kilt out and about in Aubigny-sur-Nère. Altogether, it is easy to forget you are in France.
Anybody looking for an autumn holiday destination may want to consider Aubigny-sur-Nère. As well as being nestled in beautiful French countryside, it is a one-of-a-kind place with a fascinating history.