Uncover Chemilly, Allier, Auvergne's hidden gems

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover one of the last great wild river of Europe, « Allier », as well as its protected area, the Val d'Allier Natural Area. This ride that alternates bike paths and shared paths is recommended for children over ten years old, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. From Moulins-sur-Allier, take the lovely tree-lined bike path and cycle at your own pace along the beautiful Allier River. Pass under the majestic iron bridge, one of the first metal bridges in France. Continue on your way to the Champins playground that borders the river. Take the time to enjoy the place, arranged to make you spend good moments with family. Continue towards Toulon-sur-Allier, which until the 19th century housed an exporting port of wood and coal. Pass by the 17th century half-timbered barn of La Motte, located in the middle of the corn fields, before taking the path that allows you to reach the Allier and its Nature Reserve.

Try this bike ride to ride along the last great wild river of Europe, called the « Allier », and to discover its protected area, the Val d'Allier Natural Area. This ride that alternates bike paths and shared paths is recommended for children over ten years old, occasional riders and cycling enthusiasts. From Moulins-sur-Allier, take the lovely tree-lined bike path and cycle at your own pace along the beautiful Allier River. Pass under the majestic iron bridge, one of the first metal bridges in France. Continue on your way to the Champins playground that borders the river. Take the time to enjoy the place, arranged to make you spend good moments with your family. Continue towards Toulon-sur-Allier, which until the 19th century housed an exporting port of wood and coal. Pass by the 17th century half-timbered barn of La Motte. Continue on the small roads that cross the corn fields to reach Bessay-sur-Allier and the Val d'Allier Natural Area.

Ride safely on a beautiful bike path which follows one of the last great wild rivers of Europe, called the « Allier ». This 2,73km long loop takes both the little ones and the big ones along the water. From Moulins-sur-Allier, take the pretty bike path lined with beautiful trees and shrubs and cycle at your own pace along the beautiful Allier River. Pass under the majestic iron bridge, one of the first metal bridges in France. Continue your way to the Champins play area which borders the river. Take the time to enjoy the place, arranged and maintained to make you spend good moments with family: walk around the water, pirate boat, swings and water games for children, picnic tables for lunch or taste while enjoying the beauty of this bucolic setting. To get back to your starting point, take the bike path in reverse.

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"".

Located in the heart of the Bourbonnais area, this loop follows the footsteps of the Bourbons and let you admire the majestic Moulins Cathedral and the superb priory site of Souvigny. This 31,7km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Moulins, take the little roads that leads you to Neuvy. Ride along the castle ""Château de Certilly"" to join Coulandon and its church that owns the oldest stained glass in the bourbonnais. The Moulins collegiate Church was built thanks to this towns sandstone quarries. Cross the Portery place, named after its past artisan activity, cross the Queune river and arrive in Souvigny. Take the little street ""rue de la Cure"" that leads you to the extraordinary priory site that includes the Saint-Pierre Saint Paul church and priory gardens. Take a moment to contemplate the place. To return to Moulins, cross the majestic forest of Moladier. As you arrive, enjoy the amazing view on the cathedral, the Allier river and the CNCS.

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.

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

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.

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.

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Bourbonnais Route of the Painted Churches. Free audioguide visit with a flash-code with a smartphone or with a paper document. Guided tour upon request. Bourbonnais Route of the Painted Churches. Free audioguide visit with a flash-code with a smartphone or with a paper document. Guided tour upon request. Romanesque church (MH) with a 3-span nave, a rectangular apse, flat bedsides and stone spike from the 14th century. Its wooden porch, the "caquetoire", is from the 15th century. The capitals of the Eastern span's columns are decorated with heads emerging from green leaves (12th century). Murals discovered in 1927 date back to the period between the 12th and the 15th centuries and cover a large part of the church. They represent, inter alia, the legend of the "de-hung hangman", the 3 dead and the 3 alive, a triumpahnt Virgin, the Annonciation, the nativity... Free visit with document.

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!

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.

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

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

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

Night parking possible. Sewage draining.

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.

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

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.

Free machine for draining and water.

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.

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.