Uncover the delights of Bessay-sur-allier, Allier, Auvergne

Ride your bike along the roads of Sologne Bourbonnaise area and discover the ""château de Chaugy"", a must-seeing architectural piece of the region with its wood panels and black and red bricks. This 6,15km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Bessay-sur-Allier, take the small road that takes you away from the village and leads you to the lands of the Sologne Bourbonnaise. Continue your way until you reach the beautiful ""Château de Chaugy"". Take a moment to admire this beautiful Louis XIII period house, nestled in its green setting. Its main building, its period doorway and its impressive dovecote in polychrome bricks and wood panels are remarkable examples of the architecture of the region, where a Polish prince even settled in the 19th century. At last, head to the church of Bessay-sur-Allier. Take the time to contemplate this imposing 11th century building before returning to your starting point.

This loop leads you along the small roads of the Sologne bourbonnaise area to discover castles and typical houses in the middle of the woods. This 21,8km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Neuilly-le-Réal, take the small street that lead you to the forest ""Bois de Bord"". Cross it to join Bessay-sur-Allier. Drive along the roads of the Sologne bourbonnaise and along the ponds and pretty half-timbered houses. Ride by the beautiful castle ""Château de Chaugy"". Take a moment to admire this 17th century building. Its main edifice, its magnificent doorway and its dovecote in bricks and wood panels are remarkable examples of the architecture of the region. Then cross along the forest ""Bois de Goutte"" to Gouise. Enjoy an exceptional green setting by crossing several kilometers the majestic ""Bois de Gouise et bois de Feuillasse"" to reach the village of Neuilly-le-Réal. Take the time to contemplate the Henri IV house, very famous place in the village.

Discover the beautiful woods of the Sologne bourbonnaise area thanks to this bucolic ride in a natural preserved area. This 11km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from the village of Gouise, whose particularity is that it has no church, take the pretty little roads that cross the lands of Sologne Bourbonnaise dotted with ponds that you see on both sides along your route. Then join the neighbouring village of Neuilly-le-Réal by entering the pretty wood ""Bois de la Motte"". Enjoy an exceptional green setting to return to Gouise by crossing for several kilometers the large and majestic woods ""Bois de la Feuillasse"" et ""Bois de Gouise"".

This loop invites younger and older ones to discover the beautiful woods of the Sologne bourbonnaise area. Enjoy a bucolic stroll in a natural preserved area. This 10,7km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Gouise, particular for not having a church, take the pretty littles shaded roads that cross the land of the Sologne bourbonnaise and join by riding at your own pace, the neighbouring town of Neuilly-le-Réal. Then take a moment to enjoy the beautiful green landscape and return to Gouise by crossing for several kilometers the large and majestic forests Bois de la Feuillasse and Bois de Gouise.

Located in the vineyards of Saint-Pourçain and the Bocage bourbonnais, this loop leads you to discover the beautiful architectural heritage of the region, nestled in its green setting. This 20,4km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Chemilly, take the little road that cross the vineyards of St-Pourçain, AOC wine formerly served at the table of the kings of France and at the court of the Popes. Ride at your own pace to the neighbouring town of Besson by passing by the house of the master of Pressoir Ban. Continue in the direction of Bresnay by following pretty little shaded roads that cross the landscape of the Bocage bourbonnais and its vast pastures otted with ponds separated by hedges typical of the region. Join the superb castle ""Château de Soupaize"", former seat of an important seigneury. Take the time to observe the place before returning to Chemilly.

Travel the territory of the Saint-Pourçain vineyard and discover its beautiful castles. This 24,9km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Besson, take the road along the pretty stone castle ""Château du Ristz"" then the mansion of Pressoir Ban. Continue on your way to Chemilly by following the plantations of the vineyard of St-Pourçain, AOC wine formerly served at the table of the kings of France and at the court of the Popes. Follow the road along the fields, woods and vineyards and join the superb castle "" Château de Soupaize"", the former seat of an important seigneury. Travel to the commune of Bresnay to enjoy the bucolic setting offered by the Bourbonnais bocage with beautiful hedges and small ponds. Cross the village and reach the beautiful 15th century stone castle of the Scots . On the way back, admire the superb castle ""Château de Fourchaud"" which belongs to the Bourbon-Parme family.

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.

This ride leads you to the discovery of the natural patrimony of the region, on the little roads along the large forest and vineyards. This 15,2km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Bressolles, cross the village by taking the time to admire the majestic church, then take the pretty little shaded roads to the neighbouring town of Besson which is part of the wine AOC land of Saint-Pourçaint. Then cross the impressive forest of Moladier. Former property of the Duke of Bourbon, this majestic oak grove is now crossed by a path to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. Continue at your own pace by riding along the stone castle of Ristz from the 15th century and reach the village of Besson.

This loop is made to explore the woods of the Sologne bourbonnaise area. You will also discover the pond of Chapeau, furnished to spend good time with your family. This 6,4km loop is recommended for both the little ones and the big ones. Starting from Chapeau, take the small wooded roads that go along the castle de la ""Cour en Chapeau"" whose alternation of black and red bricks is characteristic of Bourbon architecture. Continue and cross along the nice trees in ""Bois des Genévriers"". Then come back to Chapeau and its six hectare lake. Take a moment to enjoy the place, arranged and maintained in order to make you spend good moments with your familly : take a walk around the pond, discover the pleasure of fishing or take a sit on one of the picnic tables to eat while enjoying the rural setting.

This loop goes accross the roads and path of the Sologne bourbonnaise area and leads to the Hippogriffe Animal Park. At the end of the ride, you will have the chance to enjoy relaxing near the pond of Chapeau. This 19,3km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Departing from Chapeau, take the road that crosses the land of the Sologne bourbonnaise dotted with ponds and enter the pretty wood of Chapeau. Follow the path to the wood ""Bois de Chamardon"" to the Hippogriffe Wildlife Park. Nestled in its lush greenery, this park offers visitors the chance to discover more than 70 species of raptors and 15 horse breeds. Continue on your way to Thiel-sur-Acolin by taking beautiful little roads and paths. Then come back to Chapeau and its water body. Take the time to enjoy the place: stroll around the lake, discover the pleasures of fishing or sit at one of the picnic tables for lunch or taste while enjoying the beauty of this bucolic setting.

The hotel Le Relais de la Route Bleu, at the edge of the RN7 offers a menu with the terroir products Comfortable and quiet hotel between Moulins and Vichy, bordering the RN7, five minutes from Varennes-sur-Allier. the Relais de la Route Bleue offers a menu with local products. Large private parking. Wifi

The National Center of Stage Costume is the first preservation structure, in France and abroad, to be entirely dedicated to the material heritage of theaters. Twice a year, exhibitions enhance this heritage collection of 10,000 theater, opera and ballet costumes. With a collection of 10,000 opera, theatre and ballet costumes, The National Center of Stage Costume (CNCS) is a shrine to costume making know-how and the creation of theatrical settings. There is a permanent exhibition about Rudolf Nureyef and temporary exhibitions, which are housed in the former cavalry barracks (18th century) in the Villars district, which is classified as a historical monument.

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.

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

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.

With its yard in front of the house, this charming small house is situated nearby the town center.

Nearby town centre and activities. Perfect for a couple.

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.

If you want to try out a fun, easy-to-access sport, go for it!

Romanesque church ISMH part of the Road of painted churches of Bourbonnais Free visit with document. The bedside, two bays and transept of this Romanesque church are from the 11th century. ISMH. A 15th century stone statue of Saint Catherine bearing a flowered crown is preserved inside as well as several remarkable paintings from the 15th and 17th centuries. Church part of the Road of painted churches of Bourbonnais.

Water-skiing at the Natural Wake Park: introduction to cable-drawn water-skiing, with a range of equipment (kneeboard, ski, wakeboard, bi-poulies) for all levels. Other water activities, catering and camping on site. The Natural Wake Park is a friendly place to go water-skiing and have fun with friends, eat or have a drink under the beach hut or simply enjoy the spectacle during a walk on the Allier riversides. The activities are available for everyone (on condition that you know swimming and you feel good in water) and are accommodated to your expectations and your levels from first time, initiation for very small children in "knee-board" (very stable board for knees), to the skiing and wakeboard improvement. Possibility of free practice and to rent equipment. A qualified and experienced team teaches you the pleasure of the board sports towed by a ski tow. Pleasures and sensation are guaranteed!

Free visit with document and information panel. The Church Notre-Dame sur L'Eau, ISMH, built in the 10th and 11th centuries, is remarkable for the purity of its romanesque architecture. From the Revolution onwards, it served as a barn until 1962. Belonging to the association Les Amis du Vieux Verneuil, it is being restored. To be noted, the apse and the 15th century murals -the consecration cross of the church- and the stained-glass windows created in 1969 and 1999 by Bernard Guth, master glassmaker from the Strasbourg school. During the summer, the association hosts art exhibitions (painting, sculpture, pottery...). Church belonging to the Bourbonnais Route of the Painted Churches.

Free admission. Every summer, the people of Verneuillois, the communes of the Communauté de Commune and associations from outside the village create scarecrows which are displayed in the medieval town and hamlets of the commune. In search of these strange characters, visitors discover the village, one of the oldest cities of the Bourbonnais, and its heritage (ruins of the castle, gateway to the enclosed town, 12th century St-Pierre church, 10th century Notre Dame sur l'Eau, 15th century half-timbered house, old pigeon house of the Pré Féraud ...), its curiosities (sculpture of the "Sleeping Giant" place de La Motte Coquet, Gnomon or sundial, place of the church) as well as the rich collection of the museum of washing and ironing.

Free visit all year with a tourist map or guided tour upon request. Your guide imagines… Verneuil at the Bourbons' time, who established in the village one of the 17 Bourbonnais castellanies. In Verneuil, time stops, patrimony welcomes you and whispers its history, pas and present, in your ear.

Free visit with document and information panel. Romanesque church from the 12th century, completed and embellished in the 14th and 15th centuries by the construction of the bell tower and a flamboyant style chapel. The church contains a mural from the 15th century, an octogonal stoup from the 15th century, carved in a pillar, and a Saint-Sebastien statue from the 18th century, represented with a billhook and a grape, recalling the vine region. MH. Church part of the Bourbonnais Route of the Painted Churches.

Original chronology of irons and washing devices from almost all countries and periods. Guided tour. This original chronology of irons, from almost all countries and periods, presents the methods used since 206 B.C. until our days to iron the laundry. From Chinese pot to 1882 electric prototype, the iron followed the energies' evolution: hot sand, gas, alcohol, oil, and the fashion evolution throughout the centuries.

The National Center of Stage Costume is the first preservation structure, in France and abroad, to be entirely dedicated to the material heritage of theaters. Twice a year, exhibitions enhance this heritage collection of 10,000 theater, opera and ballet costumes. With a collection of 10,000 opera, theatre and ballet costumes, The National Center of Stage Costume (CNCS) is a shrine to costume making know-how and the creation of theatrical settings. There is a permanent exhibition about Rudolf Nureyef and temporary exhibitions, which are housed in the former cavalry barracks (18th century) in the Villars district, which is classified as a historical monument.

Moulins, capital of the Duchy of Bourbonnais from the 14th to 16th centuries, was brought to its apogee by the Dukes of Bourbon, ancestors of the last crowned heads of the French kingdom! Welcome to their homeland! Originally a family settled in the present-day spa town of Bourbon-l'Archambault, 26 km west of Moulins, the Sires de Bourbon owed their patronymic to the Celtic god Borvo, revered in Gaul for the curative springs that gushed from the land. The earliest known occupation of these lands near Moulins dates back to the 10th century. However, it was in 1276 that the Bourbons entered the royal family through the marriage of their heiress Beatrix of Burgundy to Louis IX's sixth son, Robert de Clermont. Bourbonnais was elevated to a duchy in 1327, and it was the couple's first son who became Duke of Bourbon under the name of Louis I de Bourbon. Moulins was chosen as the capital of the duchy by Louis II de Bourbon, third Duke of Bourbon. On a promontory overlooking the Allier, he began construction of a new château, culminating in the Malcoiffée tower, which was first erected in 1374. Enlarged by his successors to become a true ducal palace in the early 16th century, the Château des Ducs de Bourbon symbolizes the flourishing era when the Bourbons had established a powerful and influential court in Moulins. Today, although partially destroyed, the Château des Ducs de Bourbon will be the starting point for your strolls through the historic heart of Moulins. Opposite the château, the majestic Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation cathedral rises gracefully and serenely into the Moulins sky. The collegiate church, whose construction was initiated by Duke Jean II de Bourbon in the second half of the 15th century, corresponds to the flamboyant Gothic chevet of today's cathedral. The building houses the famous triptych by the Master of Moulins, a true masterpiece of Flemish sacred art from the early 16th century.

For a moment of family relaxation, public garden with games for children including a mini BMX track. Fitness equipment for adults. Picnic tables. Pedestrian circuit. Plants with fruit trees.

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 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

The Auberge des Tureaux is both a bistro with 40 seats for the daily menu and a gourmet restaurant to take your time. Possibility of welcoming groups. Whether for the dish of the day or the seasonal menu, Didier Neboud is a fervent defender of local products and makes it a point of honor to serve only fresh products.

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.

By historical N7. On the premises and to take away.

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.

Situated on a rest area in the nice, warm and relaxing surroudings of a landscape garden and a pond.

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

The hotel Le Relais de la Route Bleu, at the edge of the RN7 offers a menu with the terroir products Comfortable and quiet hotel between Moulins and Vichy, bordering the RN7, five minutes from Varennes-sur-Allier. the Relais de la Route Bleue offers a menu with local products. Large private parking. Wifi

Night parking possible. Sewage draining.

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

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

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

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.

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.

Well-equipped studio close to all amenities.

Free machine for draining and water.

Quiet house with small garden and near shops, swimming-pool and sporting installations.