Unveil the hidden gems around Lac des Arrouettes

Explore the Pierrefitte-sur-Loire circuit. From the START sign: join the road from Pierrefitte to Saligny, turn left towards the village, cross the Canal, cross the Departmental 779 and continue straight; - Go along the Degands, turn right towards the wastewater treatment plant; - At the crossroads, go to the Moulin de Loddes then Les Boisseaux; - Near Les Boisseaux, turn left then right to cross a few boires; - Turn right to join the old path of the Bac de la Bourse; - Turn right then take the Perré des Boisseaux straight ahead, admire the Chevrette viewpoint and at Les Cornus turn right towards the Chevaliers; - Turn left on Chemin de la Loire and turn right before Les Mouilleaux; - After Les Buissons, turn left on Chemin des Boisseaux, walk along the church square, cross the D779 and join the Voie Verte straight ahead via the rue du canal; - Take the green lane to the right as far as the Saligny road bridge; - After the bridge, go up on it then join the ARRIVAL: the beach car park.

Located in the east of bourbonnais, this loop invits you to discover every castle in the Val de Loire Bourbonnais natural area. This 14,3km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Garnat-sur-Engièvre, cross the village, cross the village to admire the majestic of bricks pavilions which announce the entrance of Château de Torcy in which King Louis VII would have received Pope Alexandre III travelling to Souvigny in 1160. Take the direction of Saint-Martin-des-Lais the neighbouring village by crossing the wooding roads along the river and enter the Val de Loire Bourbonnais natural area , which shelters a unique fauna and flora . Ride at your own pace along the beautiful castle "" Château of Saint-Martin"" which owns the particularity to be in U form, and take the road to the village with its beautiful houses. Then, return to Garnat-sur-Engièvre.

Follow this ride to visit four villages along the Loire canal. During this loop you cross the canal and join the Val de Loire Natural Area and then ""Port des Vanneaux"". This 32,2km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Saint-Martin-des-Lais, follow the route to the ""Ecluse des Gailloux"" and continue your way to the stone and steel bridge that offers a superb view on the canal. Join Gannay-sur-Loire and the ""port des Vanneaux"" where the sailors old houseboats are now replaced by nice pleasure boats that you can admire by taking a seat on one of the many picnic tables near the port. Continue to Paray-le-Frésil. Follow the shaded roads and take the small bridge that crosses the Canal to reach Garnat-sur-Engièvre and the Val de Loire Natural Area. Take the wooded roads that follow the course of the river and shelter a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river by foot.

Located on the east part of the bourbonnais area, ride this loop and discover the longest river of France, the Loire, and its protected area, the Val de Loire. This 8,61km long loop is recommended for both the little ones and the big ones. Starting from Saint-Martin-des-Lais - which takes its name from the branches abandoned by the Loire in flood when it withdraws - travel at your own pace on small roads surrounded by fields where the cows of the bourbonnais gaze quietly. Cross the town of Garnat-sur-Engièvre and join the Val de Loire Natural Area.. Take the wooded paths that follow the course of the river and support a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river on foot by a small path. You may see a beaver or a frog!

This circuit forms a loop of 67 kilometers allowing to discover in a peaceful and bucolic atmosphere a heritage built around 7 castles.

1 - Before starting, take a few minutes to walk around the church and see the exposed stone choir, the only remains of the old church. 2 - When leaving, take the road to the right and look to the left at a house dated 1750 and a little further on, admire the beautiful view of the Loire Valley, on a clear day you can see several bell towers (Baugy, Vindecy and the tower hexagonal from that of Anzy le Duc…). 3 - From the village (road to the right of the church), go down towards the canal, cross the bridge and turn left along the canal: this canal was built around 1830 and opened to navigation in 1838; it goes from Digoin to Roanne. It was the only means of transport for the industries of Roanne. It has 14 locks with a drop of 36.80 m. 4 - Continue along the canal, halfway on the right, in a meadow, three wells collect the water to supply the water tower. 5 - Then cross the bridge and at 30 m, take the road to the right. 6 - Follow this road, then at the second crossroads, about 2 km away, turn left, continue until the cross; turn left then at 50 m take the dirt track slightly to the right; pass next to the water tower (built between 1968 and 1969) it supplies the Dungeon region with water with a production of 5,000 m3 in 24 hours, 54 meters high, it has a capacity of 1,000 m3. Its construction required 10 tonnes of scrap metal and 550 m3 of concrete. Its tank, located 50 meters high, is accessible by a staircase of 300 steps. At the end of the path, turn left, at the next junction about 600 m turn left; 200 m turn right, cross the courtyard of the farm “Les Potains”, continue then turn right, cross the D 265, at 250 m (beautiful view on the left on the village); continue straight on then turn right, at the next junction, turn left and at the farm “Les Gelins”, turn left, at the next crossroads turn right, at the end of the place called “Les Bosseilles” take the D210 for 150 m, leave it and turn left, continue then turn right, reach the canal, cross the bridge, turn left and walk along the canal to the first bridge crossed at the start, pass it and climb in the village. • Two variants also exist to shorten the circuit.

Three villages made this loop which drives you cross the Loire Canal to join the Loire river and its protected area, the Val de Loire Natural Area. This 16km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Paray-le-Frésil - also known under the name ""Saint-Fiacre"" thanks to the writer Georges Simenon who tells there the adventures of his hero, ""Commissaire Maigret"" - ride on small roads until the Seguins bridge overlooking the canal. Take some time to admire the place. Then cross Garnat-sur-Engièvre to reach the Val de Loire Natural Area. Take the wooded roads along the river where you discover a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river on foot by a small path. You may see a beaver or a frog! Then join Saint-Martin-des-Lais and cross the canal again to reach Paray-le-Frésil.

Located in Gannay-sur-Loire, also called ""near the water"", during this ride you cross the Loire canal and reach ""Port des Vanneaux"". At this stop you have the chance to admire its pleasure boats. This 5,81km long loop takes both the little ones and the big ones along the water. Ride at your own pace on small tracks to reach a pretty bridge made of stone and steal that offers you a nice view on the Loire's lateral canal. Take some time to fully enjoy this landscape. Then join Gannay-sur-Loire, whose history is closely linked to the river and its canal. Today, Gannay-sur-Loire has a 3,5 meters high lock which is the eleventh of the thirty seven floodgate of this 200km long canal. The town also has its own port, ""Port des Vanneaux"", where the sailors old houseboats are now replaced by nice pleasure boats that you can admire by taking a seat on one of the many picnic tables near the port.

This loop drives you along the small roads of the Sologne bourbonnaise area to discover its many ponds and its beautiful castles and mansions. This 30km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. From Chevagnes, a village that preserves remarkable half-timbered and brick houses typical of the region, take the road that leads you to the nearby village of Thiel-sur-Acolin where you can admire the beautiful ""Château de la Fin"". This castle with two-tone bricks typical of Sologne bourbonnaise was the cradle of a chivalrous family until the 18th century. Then head to the village of Lusigny and follow the Château de Fougis and the Château d'Orvalet. Continue towards the village of Lusigny and the Farm pond. Take advantage of this bucolic setting to stroll around the pond, discover the pleasures of fishing or picnic. On the way back, take the time to admire the beautiful Mimorin house.

Large character house situated in the centre of 40 wild ha, close to its owners's farm. Perfect to practise outside activities and share friendly family moments.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths. 3 chalets of which one for disabled people.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths.

Home with an enjoyable enclosed garden with view on rolling countryside. Welcoming horseriders possible.

La Marguetière is a quiet, restful spot surrounded by trees in a green setting on the heights of Andelaroche. The 5-hectare estate offers a range of activities, accommodation and restaurants.

Nestled at the heart of grenn nature, the site is outside of time to relax and enjoy nature peacefully : fishing pond, forets, hammock, natural pool, beautiful hikings.

Large group gîte for 15 to 20 people. Access to the natural swimming pool. Option to eat at Chez Sam restaurant (200m away).

Comfortable and spacious cottage settled in an old farm building, close to an old mill. Nearby : a pond (possibility of fishing), waterfall.

Comfortable and spacious cottage settled in an old farm building, close to an old mill. Nearby : a pond (possibility of fishing), waterfall.

Renovated bourbonnaise house in the countryside, near the owners' house, Lapalisse and its attractions. Hiking paths departure (on foot, by bike or mountain bike). Bourbonnais house renovated in the countryside and close to the home of the owners. Ground floor/floor: Kitchenette, dining area, living room, fireplace, shower/wc. Floor: mezzanine (1 BZ 1 pers.), 1 bedroom (1 bed 2 pers., 1 bed 1 pers), shower/wc. electric heating. Large terrace. Access to the infrastructure of the owners under agreement (swimming pool, playground, playground games. * pets allowed subject to conditions - see with the owners *)

Free visit of the exterior on the path along the moat and the park. Guided tour of the interiors on prior request from 7 people. Sitting at the entrance to the village coming from Diou, the Château de Saligny (ISMH) welcomes you. Once you have crossed the bridge which spans the moat, which is still in water, your gaze is on the oldest part, the Lourdins tower dominating the castle which dates from the 14th, 17th, 17th and 19th centuries. Renaissance pink sandstone dormers adorn the facade overlooking the moat. Beautiful outbuildings.

Free visit. The village developed around a priory of Cluniac foundation which disappeared in the 15th century. The neo-Romanesque church was built at the end of the 19th century (1876-1878) and replaces a Romanesque church demolished in 1862. It is dedicated to Saint Martin in memory of the former priory which depended since 1268 on the Saint Martin de Nevers abbey.

The church is dedicated to Saint-Honorat of Arles or Lérins (died in 430). Coming from the Gallo-Roman aristocracy, he decided, as a young man, to convert to Christianity. He undertook a journey of several years in the East before returning to Gaul and founding a monastery, around 410, on the island of Lérins, off Cannes. Very quickly, the fame of Saint-Honorat led to the influence of the community. In 427, he was elected bishop of Arles where he tried to fish for as many people as possible. During the Ancien Régime, Avrilly was part of the diocese of Autun and depended on the priory of Anzy-le-Duc. The church has preserved, from the Romanesque period, its semi-circular apse as well as the transept crossing. These two parts are built with limestone rubble, whose yellow color reminds the churches of the Brionnais. In 1885, the departmental architect Moreau built the entire nave as well as a high bell, placed in the façade. Inside, the nave is barrel vaulted, supported by double arches and pilasters made of red brick. The crossing is delimited by 4 large arches in the center plain that support a dome on trumpets. The choir is decorated by an arcature formed by columns with sculpted capitals.

Free admission to the park of the 12th, 15th and 16th-century château from April to October. Set in woods and lawns, the château is an irregular pentagon flanked by five towers of varying angles. The enclosures and walkways are intact. ISMH.

Free visit of the exteriors. Beauvoir is discovered at the bend of a path. A beautiful French garden (ISMH) is the setting for this 14th century castle (ISMH), built in the 15th century. It was occupied by the English truck during the Hundred Years War, then taken over by Louis II of Bourbon. The 18th century orangery and the pavilion have been restored into reception rooms which can respectively accommodate up to 300 and 90 seated guests as well as 450 people under the cocktail awning (access to the garden is closed during receptions).

Guided tour (except on Sundays) and by reservation only. Romanesque building with a large nave ending in the east with a projecting transept on which opens a semi-circular apse lit by three windows framed by columns. The triangular tympanum, in the form of a frame, presents the Paschal Lamb surrounded by plant motifs, notably foliage. The whole is surmounted by a cross. It may be an emblem of the Templars. The porch has been classified as MH since 1933.

Isolated little chapel from the 20th century.

Free visit with a leaflet and information board. Romanesque church from the 11th century. To see : square tower (ancient keep), nave and 4 capitals.

Free visit of the exteriors. This 15th century castle is a small martial fort with an imposing appearance. Its restorer was the 20th Abbot of La Bénisson-Dieu, Pierre de la Fin. The works and the foundation of the castle would transform the town into a small town, half military, half ecclesiastical with a very particular and very interesting aspect (we can also notice the fortified city gate -MH- with a niche housing the statue of a mitered abbot and below the cabinets of Pierre de la Fin). This castle consists of a rectangular main building, flanked by 4 towers of unequal sizes, oriented at the 4 cardinal points and pierced with loopholes. The ditches have been filled. ISMH.

Ancient medieval crenelated tower, it had few transformations : openings enlargement, 15th-century bread oven and fireplace, staircase. At the begining if the 20th century, it became a chapel dedicated to Our Lady.

Real meeting place between consumers and local producers, the restaurant proposes beef meat specialities from the "sensiculture". On site, pond, hiking and accomodation.

Near the town centre, this 1854-mill by the river Besbre welcomes an inn. Its rooms decoration and local and seasonal cuisine will seduce you. Fishing on site, walks and hikes from the hotel.

Elegant building of the 19th century near the castle. Local cuisine.

Situated near the acstle, this bar restaurant snack proposes takeaway salads, hamburgers, platefuls, pizzas, meat, local products.

Traditional cooking with local products.

In a vintage room, enjoy this bar at the foot of the castle. It proposes snacking.

In front of the castle, have a break and feast with our local products. Reservation advised. Theme evenings (see social networks).

Pizzeria situated in town centre

Semi-gastronomic home-cooked cuisine from A to Z based on traditional revisited dishes.

Home-made biscuits. Grocery shop, patisserie, roastery, bar and tearoom. Monthly workshops on homemade and 0-waste products. Free knitting and sewing sessions on Thursday afternoons.

In a very pleasant setting on the edge of a stretch of water, this quiet and partially shaded campsite offers 20 flat and spacious pitches (100m²) delimited by hedges and lawns. Ideal for family vacations with the proximity of the lake, games for children, bowling alley, and fishing all year round. Walks on the greenway, on the towpath of the lateral canal to the Loire at 300 m, grocery stores at 500 m and the amusement and animal park Le PAL at 15 km.

Free natural area, without reservation and free. Shaded in the countryside with panoramic view and orientation table. Free camping.

Large character house situated in the centre of 40 wild ha, close to its owners's farm. Perfect to practise outside activities and share friendly family moments.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths. 3 chalets of which one for disabled people.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths.

Free machine for draining and water.

Town cottage at the first floor of the village hall.

Home with an enjoyable enclosed garden with view on rolling countryside. Welcoming horseriders possible.