Discover Busset, Allier, Auvergne: Activities and Sights

This relatively long hike takes you up the slopes formed by the Allier and Sichon valleys. From rolling landscapes to forest crossings, this route invites you to connect with nature. Numerous viewpoints on the eastern and western slopes of the plateau punctuate this several-hour outing.

The impressive Château de Busset, which for centuries belonged to the Bourbon family, can be seen for miles around. This pleasant route, undulating over the foothills of the Montagne Bourbonnaise, joins the Sichon valley, then climbs back up, alternating between refreshing undergrowth and meadows. It's a great way to discover the Montagne Bourbonnaise and the Val d'Allier.

Trail no. 29 (Uni'Vert Trail label from the Fédération Française d'Athlétisme), 28.62 km from Busset. Starting in Busset, this route takes you through part of the Sichon valley and then up into the foothills of the Montagne Bourbonnaise to the pretty village of Mariol.

Leaving from the villages of Aronnes, Ferrières-sur-Sichon or La Chapelle, this loop takes you through fields and forests and plunges you into the meandering Sichon river. Don't forget to stop off at the pretty village of Aronnes and its Cluniac church.

Arronnes, a village that hosts the bread festival every July 14, boasts beautiful landscapes along the banks of the Sichon. With its shady undergrowth paths and views over the Allier valley and the Bois Noirs, this trail guides you in the footsteps of former bagpipers, the last of whom died in 1920.

Varied, undulating route: extensive views from the crests, villages with many flowers, ponds, Sichon valley. The Doyat mill bears witness to the former presence of the Doyat family. Son of Hugues, Jean de Doyat was the family's most famous child, serving as minister to the king of the time, Louis XI.

The Via Allier, a cycle route linking the Bec d'Allier to the Mediterranean coast, runs for 27km along the river between Billy and Saint-Yorre, mixing nature and urban areas. Three local loops have been laid out around this greenway, allowing you to enjoy the lush green surroundings of the river banks and discover the cultural and environmental treasures of the town centers. The comfortable, safe paths, 3 meters wide, are accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Pedaling along the water's edge, discovering nature in a mosaic of landscapes, heritage and tourist attractions... this is the promise of the Via Allier, which will renew the natural link woven by the river and its inhabitants. This "via" is a tremendous promise, linking the Loire to the Mediterranean coast, with a cycle link from Nevers to Palavas-les-Flots. Most of the route takes in the Allier valley, passing through Moulins and the vineyards of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule. Around Vichy, 27 kilometers of trails, from Billy to Saint-Yorre, reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, are open to locals and tourists alike. The route will soon continue in the Puy-de-Dôme department, covering more than 110 km of marked trails. The unique and omnipresent star of this tour, the Allier River, is revealed in all its forms... Following it from the fortified town of Billy, via Saint-Germain-des-Fossés and its leisure park, you arrive in Vichy from the north, crossing the future Ailes eco-neighborhood before taking the promenade along the banks of Lac d'Allier. Here, the river, wild, natural and sometimes tortured, is regulated by the dam-bridge and forms a vast 100-hectare expanse of water bordering the parks and heart of the Queen of the Water Cities. The rest of the journey between nature and urban areas takes you to Saint-Yorre, on the border of the Puy-de-Dôme département. The water flows from south to north, and the paths along the river invite you to discover the riches of the towns along its banks, opening the doors to their heritage, shops, guinguettes and many activities. On your own, in a group or with the family, on foot or by bike, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Allier, France's last wild river, thanks to the three discovery loops that complete this green walk.

On your own, in a group or with the family, on foot or by bike, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Allier, France's last wild river, on the three discovery trails around the voie verte. Three loops have been laid out around the greenway, allowing visitors to enjoy the lush green surroundings of the river banks and discover the cultural and environmental treasures on offer. The comfortable, 3-meter-wide paths are safe and accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. The Boucle des Sources is a 12km nature trail through lush green surroundings, with the sound of croaking birds and the natural freshness of the Allier riverbanks. The route takes you through the town of Abrest and the magnificent Parc Larbaud in Saint-Yorre, returning via the charming village of Hauterive. The railway bridge, a link between the two banks of the Abrest commune, offers a breathtaking view of the riverbed and marks a signal: that of nature and the river banks rediscovered. The descent to the south offers landscapes and atmospheres whose variety and richness are equalled only by their authenticity... The identity of the area is soon apparent. The water and springs of Saint-Yorre sparkle and welcome the walker with an unparalleled view of the Vichy Saint-Yorre water bottling plant. The Loop des Sources is the assurance of an itinerary designed and adapted for everyone, in a wooded environment where families and more experienced sportsmen and women will take pleasure in crossing an ever-changing countryside. Numerous picnic areas and information points allow you to enjoy these spots along the way. It's also an opportunity to follow a section of the Via Allier alongside the river, or to continue your tour of the town by joining the Boucle des Iles to the north, which also spans the Allier and continues on to the Boucle du Lac.

The sparkling water that gushes out of Saint-Yorre, discovered in 1850, has a worldwide reputation. This route takes you on a tour of the town's surroundings, through forests and meadows, to the gradually emerging foothills of the Montagne Bourbonnaise.

Nestling at the foot of the mountains, Mariol is crossed by the Darot, a stream that flows from the heights to the east. Progress through the forest is pleasant, although sometimes steep. The more open spaces offer lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Crosses, wells and ovens can be seen along the way before descending from the plateau to Mariol, following the Darot.

Today, the complex offers 14 clay courts, 4 of which are covered, in a privileged setting close to Vichy town center, near the golf course and along the redeveloped banks of the lake.

Do you like to travel through time and history? Discover Vichy at the pace of Françoise's prestige car. You'll be delighted by the different options and themes on offer. Do you like to travel through time and history? Discover Vichy to the rhythm of the "Rive d'Allier" horse-drawn carriages, on a refined and elegant tour guided by Françoise, a professional coachman and former student of the Ecole du Louvre in Paris. The 8-seater prestige carriage - which can be privatized - will offer you comfort and an intimate atmosphere. The tours on offer will enable you to discover the Queen of the Spa Towns in a personalized way, with the option of exploring in greater depth the themes of Vichy's spa industry, the Second Empire or the 1940/1944 period. Tours can last 35 minutes or one hour. Commentaries are available in French, English and, by prior arrangement, Spanish or German. Les Calèches "Rive d'Allier" also makes its other carriages available for groups (by reservation), weddings, or any other event (village festivals, Christmas markets, company or family celebrations...). Les Calèches "Rive d'Allier" has been awarded the "Qualité France Energie Animale" label for its horse-drawn services (respect for regulations and animal welfare). Depending on climatic conditions (heatwaves, etc.), services may be subject to modifications, in order to respect animal welfare.

15th-century renovated barn, authentic, which combines modern and old properties. It is surrounded by a flowered garden, with a viexwon the rolling countryside and a lake for fishing. Housed in an old barn of the 15th century, near the castle of Verseilles, this fully renovated cottage has retained its authenticity by combining the modern and the ancient, it is surrounded by a natural, and flowery garden pleasant with views over the rolling countryside, a pond for fishing... DRC: Kitchen, dining area, living room, 1 bedroom (2 twin beds 80 x 200), 1 bedroom (1 bed 160 x 200 cm), shower room, wc. Ideally located 30 km from the Gorges of Sioule, the Montagne Bourbonnaise, dela Valley its castles and the Besbre. Pool owners to provision according to timetables. Close to Vichy for all sports and leisure (12 km).

The Club Nautique de Vichy is an association under the French law of 1901, and comprises three sections: Sailing, Water Skiing and Wakeboarding and Stand Up Paddle. Three sections: - Introductory and advanced sailing from age 4, as well as free practice (rental). - Water skiing and classic wakeboarding, slalom and baby skiing from age 4, - Stand-up paddle, for free practice, supervised practice or as a walk from age 11. Situated on a 100-hectare lake in the heart of the town, the water sports center also offers towed buoys. All activities are supervised by qualified, registered staff. Approved by the French Ministry of Education and the Allier Departmental Directorate for Social Cohesion and Population Protection.

The team at the lake offers water sports activities. Stand-up paddle (we do not give lessons). We provide all equipment and safety instructions.

Close to Vichy, this 18-hole, PAR 72 (5,893 m) course lies in the heart of a forest of hundred-year-old oaks, and has a teaching structure suitable for all. Slightly undulating, enhanced by water features, the course will appeal to the most demanding golfers. Club House (bar; 7/7 lunchtime restaurant).

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

Discovery with a federal activity leader (equipment included)

Museum of toys from the 50s and 60s. As you stroll through the museum, you'll come across toys you once had, and others you wish you'd had. Come and immerse yourself in your childhood memories.

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

The Boulodrome Roger-Dromard has 8 long sets.

15th century castle, visible from outside.

Set in over 120 hectares of wooded parkland on the shores of Lac d'Allier, this complex boasts high-performance facilities for a wide range of sports in a unique setting.

The indoor boulodrome (120 games) and outdoor courts (32 games) are ideal for pétanque and boule lyonnaise all year round.

Mound built in honour of the soldiers of the Estern army, after the fall of Fort Malakoff and the taking of Sabestopol during the Crimean War.

The tower of this romanesque church is circular on a square plan. The choir and its capitals are romanesque.

This is a well covered with a roof from the 17th century. The site was named after the passage of the famous thief Louis Mandrin on December 22nd 1754 through Le Breuil hostel. He attacked policemen but succeded to flee.

Bar-restaurant offering workers' menus. General food, FDJ and themed evenings at weekends. Wednesday: frogs' legs; Thursday: calf's head; Friday: chips and prawns flambéed in whisky.

A cosy bar-restaurant where homemade food is king, right down to the charcuterie. Chef Benoît trained as a pork butcher and caterer.

Cuisine from near and far. Customised meals available on request. Grocery shop.

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

Situated near Lapalisse town center, on the Road N7. Frindeliness and love of good food garanteed ! Tarditional and refined cooking in a vintage atmosphere.

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

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

Bar-restaurant with a warm, friendly atmosphere, with a terrace at the front and one at the back, where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Suggestion: beef rib (meat from France, home-made chips cooked in beef fat...).

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

15th-century renovated barn, authentic, which combines modern and old properties. It is surrounded by a flowered garden, with a viexwon the rolling countryside and a lake for fishing. Housed in an old barn of the 15th century, near the castle of Verseilles, this fully renovated cottage has retained its authenticity by combining the modern and the ancient, it is surrounded by a natural, and flowery garden pleasant with views over the rolling countryside, a pond for fishing... DRC: Kitchen, dining area, living room, 1 bedroom (2 twin beds 80 x 200), 1 bedroom (1 bed 160 x 200 cm), shower room, wc. Ideally located 30 km from the Gorges of Sioule, the Montagne Bourbonnaise, dela Valley its castles and the Besbre. Pool owners to provision according to timetables. Close to Vichy for all sports and leisure (12 km).

Large holiday house (130m²) in the bourbonnaise countryside, situated near a farm, near a large pond which offers the possibility of fishing, and near hiking pathes, le Pal and historic sites

Great and quiet holiday house with a pleasant view.

18th-century arge house with its centenarian trees park. Sunbathing, nap in the shade of a horse chestnut, soothed by song of the birds... Relaxation and serenity garanteed.

Settled in a centenarian trees park of a 18th-century large house. Sunbathing, nap in the shade of a horse chestnut, soothed by song of the birds... Relaxation and serenity garanteed.

Quiet and shady meadow, nearby the animals. Guided visit and alone, farm shop.

Night parking possible. Sewage draining.

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

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

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