Unearth the hidden gems of Meillers, Allier, Auvergne

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.

This ride leads you on pretty little roads of the countryside to the discovery of lovely villages of the Bourbonnais. This 5,85km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Marigny, cross the pretty village while taking the time to observe its beautiful romanesque church surrounded by lime trees. Ride at your own pace along the pretty little roads in the heart of the bourbonnais to join the neighbouring town of Souvigny. Take the pretty lovely cobblestone street ""rue de la Cure"" which leads you directly to the beautiful medieval town center and to the exceptional priory site, composed of the Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul church and some priory gardens. Take a moment to admire the place.

This loop leads you to the discovery of the pretty village of Coulandon, famous for its pottery activity and its sandstone quarries that helped building the cathedral and the bridge of Moulins. This 12,3km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Sarting from Coulandon, cross the village by taking the time to admire the romanesque church and its porch that allowed the faithful to chat while being protected, calles ""caquetouère"" in bourbonnais language. The church owns one of the most beautiful old stained glass of the Bourbonnais, dated from the 13th century. Then take the little roads that cross the meadows doted hedges. Cross tiny Poterie place, witness of the important artisan activity of potters in the village in the 19th century. The town had also many sandstone quarries that helped building the Régemortes bridge and the collegiate church of Moulins. Continue by taking the pretty little roads of the boage bourbonnais, cross the Queune river and ride along the beautiful stone castle ""Château de Certilly"".

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 loop leads you along the pretty little roads of the bocage bourbonnais to discover two of its beautiful castles. This 7,52km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Neuvy, take the pretty little shaded roads of the Bocage bourbonnais and ride at your own pace along the many pounds and meadows in which graze the whites cows of the bourbonais. Head toward the beautiful ""Château de Toury"", considered as one of the biggest castle of the 13th century. Take a moment to enjoy this beautiful building that was owned by Anne de Beaujeu. Then head to the beautiful castle ""Château des Vieux Melays"", considered as the type of rich Bourbon gentlemen who have kept their former splendor.

Located on two communes, this ride leads you along pretty little shady roads to the discovery of the pretty Ray stud farm nestled in the greenery countryside. This 8,5km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Montilly, cross the village while taking the time to admire the beautiful Saint-Pierre church which contains one of the oldest altars of Bourbonnais. Ride at your own pace along the beautiful little shady roads that pass along the meadows and cross several small rivers. Join the neighbouring village of Bagneux via the pretty Ray stud farm, installed several centuries ago by the Viscount of Harcourt before being converted into an equestrian center. Continue in the direction of the village center and reach the church, which has imposing baptismal font since until the 5th century, only adults were baptized by total immersion.

This loop invits you to discover the majestic forest of Bagnolet to enjoy the bucolic setting in a natural preserved setting and to join to Aubigny the nice landscaped lake. This 7,21km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Couzon, cross the village and take time to look at the majestic stone church. Then join the great forest of Bagnolet. Composed with oaks and beechs, this 1900 hectare forest massif is unic with its fauna and flora. Cross for several kilometers this exceptional green setting. Cross for several kilometers this exceptional green setting where you will find the legendary hermit's grave. Once the ermit lived in the forest. Ride to the neighbouring village of Aubigny and join its nice landscaped lake. There, take the time and admire the place : walks, fishing or little breaks in this beautiful bucolic setting.

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.

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 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.

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.

Craft brewery offering a dozen different organic and local beers. The store is open late afternoon on weekdays. Full tours and tastings by appointment. our beer: organic, craft, natural beer, no additives, no technological aids.The Brewery is located in the ancient commons of the Château de L'Anglard, a 15th century building that features a medieval painted chapel representing the Last Judgment and which gave its name to the brewery.

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 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.

A theme park dedicated to paleontology, Paléopolis, the dinosaur hill in Gannat (03), tells the most fascinating story of all: the evolution of life. In 2025, the park will present 5 new large animated sculptures of prehistoric animals! Located in a preserved natural environment, Paléopolis is a theme park dedicated to palaeontology. A trip of 4 billion years is waiting for you with exhibitions, workshops, animations… Through exhibitions, you will discover the whole evolution of life with more than 300 fossils of species which inhabited the Earth with the famous T-Rex as a star. Varied workshops are offered to children to wear the shoes of a palaeontologist. Exhibitions with an important scientific content, a cinema, life-size dinosaurs, virtual reality and an optical theatre will provide you a unique experience. Novelties: the movie "Le monde perdu de la Limagne" offers a trip 23 million years ago, when the Limagne was a tropical land, and "Retour vers le passé", a 3D movie offering you a trip between past and present, sea and land, T-rex and Mosasaurus...

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.

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…).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Self-guided tour of the exterior with information panel. Saint-Georges church, a 12th-century building, has an octagonal bell tower with a square base and a spire dating from 1950. Guided tour of the interiors (by appointment). Free tour of the exteriors with information panel. The church of Saint-Georges, building of the twelfth century, has a nave of two bays covered in full-arched barrel on double arches. The crosses are arched in a transverse broken cradle. A dome on horns surmounts the frame. It falls on capitals with rinceaux, griffons or angels musicians. An octagon bell tower on a square base, finished by an arrow dating from 1950, surmounts the frame. An apse flanked by two apses completes the building to the east.

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

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…

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.

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

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".

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Night parking possible. Sewage draining.

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.