Discover Murat, Allier, Auvergne: A Must-Visit Town

Discover the three private châteaux of Bizeneuille: Mauvaisnière, Grandchamp and Bagnard. As you walk along, you will come across these 3 witnesses to the past. Mauvaisnière, a gentleman's residence with lands crossed by a stream of the same name; Grandchamp, a castle on a fortified medieval site with a moat; and Bagnard, a castle surrounded by a moat and built on a motte. These three châteaux are not open to visitors.

The Colettes forest, recognized as one of the most beautiful beech forests in Europe, is a privileged place of relaxation and refuge for many plant and animal species. From the start, the tour follows the paths of the Colettes forest. After the first kilometer, a trail dives towards a small stream and then goes up for a good kilometer, concentrating almost all the 110 m of positive height difference of the course. The next two kilometers, on a wide forest track, offer a regular descent and invite the mountain biker to gain speed. On its momentum, the latter, then embarks on a narrower path and ends his course on a spicy note in a succession of small climbs and descents.

Discover typical medieval villages and varied landscapes. The circuit starts with a quick descent to reach the village of Bellenaves. Just before the village, from a monumental statue of the Virgin (orientation table, picnic tables), the Bellenavoise plain offers a wide panorama. The second part of the route follows the railway track over the plain for 1.7 km then climbs sharply towards the pretty little village of Valignat, privileged observation point on the surrounding hilly countryside. By a beautiful balcony path, still overlooking the plain, the journey now passes by the picturesque village of Naves with its ruined castle, its old washing houses and its ancient plane tree. From the plateau dedicated to the great cultures, it is necessary to join another plateau that of the famous medieval village of Charroux (one of the most beautiful villages in France) where the stop is required After crossing two castles (La Petite Varenne and Les Ruilliers), here is a nice descent to the Sioule followed by a rare 2 km long riverside path. The path then moves away from the river, starts a beautiful climb leading up above the sumptuous gorges de Rouzat. But to admire the Eiffel viaduct in the middle of this setting, the mountain biker will have to get off his bike for a few moments and walk, off circuit, the last meters on the rocks. South of Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort, the trail crosses the railway (caution, metal barriers) then continues up the valley to the castle of Rochefort (via the GR 300 of Compostela – white-red markings) before diving again towards the Sioule. Follows a small drop to reach the castle of Arçon before finding the river at Ébreuil.The GR 300 then gives way to the GR 463 (always white-red markings) which first creeps through a combe to reach the limestone plateau overlooking the city, then the village of Valignat at 9.5 km. The relief descends and then goes up towards Chenevière, makes also towards Boussat, then begins a slow ascent towards the hamlet of La Roussille above a pleasant valley of meadows. At the gates of the forest, a narrow path finally leads quickly to the MTB base, through a succession of small climbs and descents. The GR 300 then gives way to the GR 463 (always white-red markings), which sneaks first through a combe to reach the limestone plateau overlooking the city, then the village of Valignat at 9.5 km. The relief descends then goes up to Chenevière. also towards Boussat, then begins a slow ascent towards the hamlet of La Roussille above a pleasant valley of meadows. At the gates of the forest, a narrow path finally leads quickly to the MTB base, through a succession of small climbs and descents.

A pleasant walk through the rolling woods between Nades and La Bosse, the highest point in the area, under tall Douglas fir and beautiful beech trees...

This "royal" walk offers exceptional views of Chantelle and its abbey, once a fortified castle. Not forgetting the gorges, with their polished pebbles, locks and unchanging river murmur...

A long grassy path above the village of Bellenaves to gain acces to the "colettes" forest and offer yourself a beautiful point of view

This loop leads you to the discovery of the charming medieval village of Souvigny, whose heritage still testifies today to the splendor of the town at the time of the Bourbons. This 7,12km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from the pretty Saint-Eloi place surrounded by trees, join the center of Souvigny, a delightful medieval village of the bourbonnais which was the home and then the necropolis of the Bourbons. Take a moment to admire the extraordinary priory site that includes the Saint-Pierre and Saint Paul church and beautiful priory gardens accessible via the museum. Then take the pretty street ""rue de la Cure"" which is a witness of the former nobless of the town. Continue on the little roads that cross the beautifull Bocage Bourbonnais. Enjoy this green setting where the meadows are veined with hedges and return to the Saint-Eloi place.

Located in souvigny, a delightful medieval village of the bourbonnais, this loop makes you discover the pretty "Château d'Embourg", nestle in its green setting in the heart of the bourbonnais. This 8,52km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from the pretty Saint-Eloi place surounded by trees, take the small roads along the many meadows with hedges of the beautiful Bocage Bourbonnais. Continue to the beautiful ""Château d'Embourg"", nestled in its green setting. Located on a 14 hectar domain, this castle, which still has a round table from the 15th century, belonged many lords over the centuries : squires, knights, jurists, captains, etc. Take a moment to admire the place. Then continue and cycle at your own pace on the to return to the Saint-Eloi place.

Located in the heart of the Bourbonnais, this ride takes you on the footsteps of the Bourbons allows you to admire the superb priory of Souvigny with its gardens as well as the majestic Moulins cathedral. This 15,3km long ride is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Souvigny, discover the exeptionnal priory site that includes the Saint-Pierre Saint Paul church and priory gardens, accessible via the museum. Take a moment to contemplate this place. Take the pretty little street ""rue de la Cure"" and go to the neighbouring village of Coulandon whose sandstone quarries helped building the Régemortes bridge and the Moulins collegiate church. Ride along the stone castle ""Château de Certilly"" and join Neuvy and its water body equipped for strolling and picnicking. At your arrival in Moulins, take a moment to enjoy the superb view offered by the city and the Allier river. Cross the bridge to acces to the heart of the city and reach on foot the beautiful Notre-Dame cathedral.

Located in the vineyards of Saint-Pourçain and the Bocage bourbonnais, this loop leads you to discover the castles and chapels of the region, nestled in their green setting. This 14,3km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Bresnay, cross the village and take your time to admire its beautiful romanesque church, then take the small roads that cross the landscape of the Bocage Bourbonnais, which is made of large pastures separated by hedges and with isolated oaks. Join the pretty little Vernusses chapel, the only current testimony of the old monastery that once housed many monks. Continue on your way and enter the majestic wood of Bresnay. Then take the path that leads you to the entrance of the beautiful stone "Écossais" castle. The architecture of this castle, built in the 15th century and surrounded by beautiful ponds, is characteristic of the style of the Bourbon fortified houses.

Get off the beaten track. Enjoy a day of sport and fun in the heart of the forest. The park offers 8 courses, thrilling zip lines, including a 200m-long one, and a jump into the void at the end of the black course for the most experienced. Leave the marked paths! Based in Echasssières between the cities of Clermont Ferrand, Vichy, Moulins and Montluçon in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region, the treetop adventure park offers to families a natural and outstanding setting with a beautiful cottage for reception and restoration. Picnicking is allowed in the park. Thanks to Accro’Sioule, you will be sure to have a good day of sport and leisure in the trees. Adventure paths for every level. Affordable prices and ensured change of scenery. One of the most beautiful treetop adventure parks in Auvergne. 7 paths, ziplines and a leap in the air at the end of the black path for the most disciplined ones. A third path for young children from 3 and a half years old come to enrich our offer. And for those who are accompanying, you will enjoy yourselves during a treasure hunt and an orienteering with 18 markers around the lake. The treasure hunt for younger children will allow them to seek animals during 1 hour. A surprise is waiting for the little seekers.

The Cadanise is a suite of high quality, terraces, spa in the summer. free wifi. Private carport. Separate entrance, quiet and discreet. Town center on foot - continental breakfast - dinner on reservation. Good for business travelers - tourists - couples with babies.

A small cottage in a rustic setting, a renovated barn. South facing terrace with a fantastic view. Lovely lounge with kitchen and wood burner. Spacious bathroom with toilet. The 2-person gite is located on the south side, with its covered terrace and its garden furniture. For this cottage, we have transformed the old barn. The cottage has a pleasant living room with kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven, a 4-burner gas hob, a kettle, a coffee machine, a toaster, various kitchen utensils. The living room/kitchen is in the stable part, the bedroom in the barn, accessible by a small staircase. The bedroom has 2 single beds which can be pushed together or separated according to your wishes. In addition, we have a child's bed with sheets and blankets, as well as a chair. There is a large bathroom. For a cooler period, firewood is available.

The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church dates from the XIIth century. The church has the particularity of having a truncated belfry Free tour with leaflet and information panel or as part of the guided tours of the village. The church of Saint John the Baptist dates from the twelfth century and was once part of the fortifications of the medieval city. It has the particularity of having a truncated bell tower whose mystery is finally elucidated.

Tasting cellar featuring Saint-Pourçain reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines. Gift store. Free tasting. The only cooperative in the vineyard, with nearly 40 cooperative winemakers. Cellar for tasting where the different red, white and rosé wines as well as traditional method are presented. Shop. Free tasting. Only cooperative of the vineyard bringing almost 60 cooperative winegrowers together. Gallery with a view on the vats and with a game of scents.

Descents of Chouvigny gorges for a day or half day depending on the water flow, if the navigation conditions are not favorable on the lower part of the Sioule, meet at the Pont de Menat in Sioule leisure. Pure rental or supervision. Several routes are offered, of different durations (discovery, half-day, day etc..). Terrace at your disposal on the banks of the Sioule with cold drinks available.

A magical journey on the Sioule! Thrills guaranteed during the canoe kayak descent! Possibility to rent paddle and pedal boats. 45 km route over 2 days with bivouac on private land or campsite . A magical journey on the Sioule: The Sioule gorges will provide thrills during their descent by canoe kayak ! Aqua Canoë unveils the most beautiful of the Sioule Gorges. An unforgettable experience ! Practical information: - Know how to swim – Minimum age 6 years old – Protect yourself from the sun (cap + sunscreen). – Wear closed shoes. – Bring a change of clothes. – Take a drink and a picnic with you. – Respect the environment. – Bring your rubbish. – Do not make any fire. – Respect other river users. – Respect the banks of the river which are private property. – Transport included: Do not worry about transport, our shuttles take you to the starting points.

A magical trip down the Sioule! For your greater pleasure, we offer single or double canoe-kayak hire for a trip down the Sioule gorges. Thrills and spills guaranteed! Take a break with Aquacanoe and rent a canoë, a magic trip on the gorge de la sioule river .Practical information: - Know how to swim – Minimum age 6 years - Protect yourself from the sun (cap+sunscreen). "Wear closed shoes." - Provide spare clothing. "Take with you a drink and a picnic." - Respect the environment. "Bring back your rubbish." "Make no fire." - Respect other users of the river. - Respect the banks of the river, which are private property. - Transport included: Don’t worry about transport, our shuttles take you to the starting points.

Pleasant riverside location, close to all amenities. Heated swimming pool. Restaurant La Guinguette open to all: Theme meals Concerts / Snack bar. Numerous activities on site for everyone's enjoyment = Canoeing right at the campsite! Riverside campsite,close to all amenities.Swimming not monitored.The 8th day spent at the campsite is free. Facilities adapted to people with reduced mobility. Tourist tax.

Campsite accepts camper vans. Campsite that accepts motorhomes, Disabled access,.50 pitches

Self-guided tour with information panel. The commune boasts the only listed "clocher tors" (twisted bell tower) in the entire Auvergne region. The original church (ISMH) was built at the end of the 12th century in the Romanesque style. The interior boasts fine capitals and a granite basin used as a holy-water font, set on 4 Romanesque capitals. MH. A Gothic-style chapel was added in the 16th century. The spire of the bell tower was struck by lightning in 1894, completely burning down and damaging the top of the tower. The tower was rebuilt in 1897 using timber that was too green and weak in cross-section. The type of framing used, combined with the weakness of the timbers, was certainly the main cause of the spire's rapid twisting.

Guided tour of the castle, the oldest part of which is from the 13th century. The Max has the typical appearance of a 15th century building with its beautiful porch that was with drawbridge, moats, towers...as well as the exceptional frame.

A historic monument, it dates from the late 15th century. Its architecture is typical of the fortified houses built between Berry and Bourbonnais in the late Middle Ages. The Association Fontariol Evolution organises during the summer since 2019 a cultural season with outdoors shows (concerts, theatre plays…).

Take advantage of this pleasant site to relax. On site, swimming and fishing authorized as well as nautical activities.

Charming lake for swimming, alone, with friends or family. A range of activities to help you relax and unwind. Pedalos for hire on site. TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR HEALTH REASONS You can consult the map on the quality of bathing water at baignades.sante.gouv.fr/baignades/homemap.do#a

From Lapeyrouse to Gannat, 5 exceptional railroad structures cross the Bouble and Sioule valleys. Some of the viaducts at Bouble, Bélon, Perrière, Rouzat and Neuvial are listed as historic monuments and natural sites. 150 years ago, a technological boom in Bourbonnais. Decided and declared of public interest in 1863, the railway linking the train stations of Commentry and Gannat in the Allier deparment was launched on June 18th, 1871. It linked the Paris-Orléans and Paris-Lyon-Méditerrannée networks. On 52km, it crosses a path with uneven terrain, which required the construction of 7 viaducts and more than 1,000m of tunnels. 5 of those viaducts were built in the Bouble and Sioule valleys: They are, from West to East: Boucle, Bélon, Perrière, Rouzat, Neuvial. 4 of them have a metallic structure illustrating an impressive industrial heritage, and are registered as historical monuments, and 2 of them are listed as picturesque natural sites. The 5th one, the Perrière, is a piece of masonry, more traditional at the time. They were erected between 1868 and 1869 and even at 150, they still contribute to the daily railway traffic.

The museum gathers Gallo-Roman vestiges found locally and invites to the discovery of the Gallo-Roman civilization. Collection of Gallo-Roman remains: ceramics, representations of divinities, columns, frescoes, everyday objects. Free visit only. Located near the Romanesque church and the Merovingian necropolis, this museum, housed in a noble 15th century building, completes the presentation of the city's cultural heritage. Most of the collections on display evoke the Gallo-Roman past through sculptures, inscriptions, pottery and funerary objects, which show the public and domestic life of the city's inhabitants in ancient times. Temporary exhibitions of paintings complement the permanent Gallo-Roman collections.

Near the Giverzat forest and the Bouble valley, fishing in a 3-hectare pond with carp, roach, tench and pike. Fishing with day passes. Campsite nearby. Close to the Giverzat forest and the the Bouble valley, fishing in a 3 hectares pond with carps, roaches, tenches, pikes and trouts. Fishing card: daily, or adult. Camping nearby. Marked hiking paths, with a bike or on foot, possibility to rent electric bikes on site. Splendid visit site with the Roman bridge, the church. Located 12 km from the St Pourçain vineyard. Possibility to eat on site (or take-away), coffee-restaurant, homemade cuisine.

The Saint-Joseph de l'Espérance et du Bon Secours chapel stands on a hill on the outskirts of the spa town of Néris. Built in 1874, it has long been a place of pilgrimage. Abandoned until 2003, the municipality of Néris decided to refurbish the bell tower and the imposing 2.40 m, 1.4 ton cast-iron statue above it. With everything still to be done inside the building, an association was set up to carry out the work, look after the chapel and open it to the public. Mass is said every March 19, St. Joseph's Day, and the procession has been re-established for May 1. Thursday to Sunday, 3 pm to 6 pm, with information leaflet and board, or guided tour by prior arrangement.

Entering this Burgundian Romanesque style church (MH), you are welcome by a strange character, leaning on a stick and surrounded by 2 reptiles. Free visit with document and information panels. Entering this Burgundian Romanesque style church (MH), one is greeted by a strange character, leaning on a stick and surrounded by two reptiles: a threatening aspic and a basilisk topped by a rooster. This is a symbolic representation of Saint Jacques Le Majeur. The animals recall two legends related to the pilgrimage of Compostela: the one of Hermogène, converted by the Christ apostle, and the one of the "di-hung hangman", widespread by pilgrims during the Middle Ages. The 12th century capitals are sculpted with naivety, borrowing to the vegetal realm with vine leaves, acanthus... and to the animal realm. Church part of the Bourbonnais Route of Painted Churches.

Theme restaurant, traditional cuisine and snacks open all year. Reservation required for meals on plate, on tray or take away. Service at all hours. From September to June, the restaurant is open every day for lunch, with a workers' menu and a buffet on Sunday evenings! In July and August, the restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner. The menu includes burgers, fish, meat, snacks and vegetarian dishes.

Tea room - Homemade pastries - Sweets - artisanal ice creams. Tea room - Homemade pastries - Ideas for presents and decoration - Sweets - artisanal ice creams - great choice of teas. Little menus offered during summer (by reservation): speciality the "Charloise".

Small pub; feeling at home ambience. Good humor guaranteed. Musical nights on the last Thursday of each month.

Artisanal bakery, patisserie Artisanal bakery, patisserie. Possibility of eating on site: sandwiches, salads, gratins, coffees,

Homemade pizzas. Takeaway. Open 7 / 7 noon and evening. All information on the website and facebook page Homemade pizzas. Takeaway,open 7/7 noon and evening.All informations on the website and facebook page

Homemade bread,world wines,local products, no menu, all homemade . Cool, vintage, clasic frame..that happiness! Reservation required Homemade bread,world wines,local products, no menu, all homemade . Cool, vintage, clasic frame..that happiness!! Reservation required

Traditional French cuisine with fresh products. Bistro ambience. Terrace during summer. Traditional French cuisine with fresh products. Bistro ambience. Terrace during summer.

Traditional and terroir cuisine. Specialties: grenouilles, Charolais meat, pan-fried foie gras, homemade desserts... Traditional and terroir cuisine. Specialties: grenouilles, Charolais meat, pan-fried foie gras, homemade desserts…

Artisanal pizzas. This pizzeria offers diverse pizzas, fresh pasta, salads, desserts and ice creams. On site or to take away.

Grand Hotel Restaurant has a stylish Belle Epoque atmosphere. Our tasty seasonal cuisine is made with local ingredients. Try our saffron specialties.

Camper park on campsite. campsite that accepts motorhomes.10 pitches

Maison Balady is located in the countryside and close to the Southern highway. The house is furnished with natural materials and with attention to detail. Marco and Marjolein offer meals and are ready to make you feel at home. In the natural stone house, Marco and Marjolein provide you with 3 spacious bedrooms with beautiful fireplaces, wooden beams and pretty decorations. Maison Balady invites you to take the time to live, to enjoy the calm. You have all the comforts for short and long vacations. You can enjoy the swimming pool and terraces, with beautiful views of the Bourbonnais countryside, or take a walk or bike ride on the trails and greenways, in natural spaces. Marco and Marjolaine offer table d'hôte with regional and organic products. Every day they offer a menu including a starter, a main course, cheese and a dessert.

In a green setting of six hectares, on the edge of the forest of Colettes and near the Gorges of Sioule, this holiday village is suitable for groups, individuals and people with disabilities. In a green setting of six hectares, on the edge of the forest of Colettes and near the Gorges of Sioule, this holiday village is suitable for groups, individuals and people with disabilities.Meeting rooms, classroom, video room, two dining rooms, fireplace, bike wash station, repair workshop, bike garage, laundry, washing machine, playground, seminars. Departure of the hiking, mountain biking and equestrian circuits. Labeled FFCT. Wifi in the rooms and meeting rooms. Free management on weekends; Sports stays, family celebrations, seminars,youth holidays. Baby equipment (2 folding beds, high chairs and microwave). Wellness area: jacuzzi, sauna, indoor swimming pool (01/04/ to 01/11). Tourist tax.

The Cadanise is a suite of high quality, terraces, spa in the summer. free wifi. Private carport. Separate entrance, quiet and discreet. Town center on foot - continental breakfast - dinner on reservation. Good for business travelers - tourists - couples with babies.

A small cottage in a rustic setting, a renovated barn. South facing terrace with a fantastic view. Lovely lounge with kitchen and wood burner. Spacious bathroom with toilet. The 2-person gite is located on the south side, with its covered terrace and its garden furniture. For this cottage, we have transformed the old barn. The cottage has a pleasant living room with kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven, a 4-burner gas hob, a kettle, a coffee machine, a toaster, various kitchen utensils. The living room/kitchen is in the stable part, the bedroom in the barn, accessible by a small staircase. The bedroom has 2 single beds which can be pushed together or separated according to your wishes. In addition, we have a child's bed with sheets and blankets, as well as a chair. There is a large bathroom. For a cooler period, firewood is available.

Two rooms in a renovated long house (dating back to the second half of the 19th century) renovated with modern comforts and private bathrooms. Situated in the the peaceful countryside with hiking close by. Close to Montmarault and Combronde tolls on the A71 motorway. Fishing and lake, Sioule valley, canoe kayak and vélorail nearby. Panoramic train from Puy de Dôme and Vulcania, both one hour away.

Located in the heart of the Gorges de la Sioule, the Tarteaux site offers 14 cottages for rental. Nearby, the Guinguette du pont de Menat welcomes you with music and good humor. The 14 cottages on the Tarteaux site are equipped accommodation (crockery, household appliances, TV), 13 of which are designed for 4 people, and 1 gîte for 2 people. They have 2 bedrooms with pillows and duvets (1 bedroom with 1 double bed/ 1 bedroom with 2 single beds), a living room, a kitchen area, a shower room and separate WC, as well as a terrace. Sheets not provided, rental possible at an additional cost. Access to barbecues.

The Tarteaux campsite offers a calm and privileged setting on the banks of the Sioule, the perfect place for nature lovers. Nearby, the Guinguette du pont de Menat welcomes you with music and good humor. Our shaded, flat campsite in the heart of the Sioule Gorges offers 80 pitches. Electric hookups are available on all pitches. A wide range of activities are available on site or nearby: category 1 river fishing, hiking, via ferrata, mountain biking, canoe rentals, treetop adventures, visits to a Cluniac site, and paleontology exploration.

Pleasant riverside location, close to all amenities. Heated swimming pool. Restaurant La Guinguette open to all: Theme meals Concerts / Snack bar. Numerous activities on site for everyone's enjoyment = Canoeing right at the campsite! Riverside campsite,close to all amenities.Swimming not monitored.The 8th day spent at the campsite is free. Facilities adapted to people with reduced mobility. Tourist tax.

Campsite accepts camper vans. Campsite that accepts motorhomes, Disabled access,.50 pitches