Unveil Saint-sylvestre-pragoulin, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne

It's a pleasant family walk on a hilly meadow on the edge of the Randan woods and close to the Château de Maulmont.

Between the Boucharde and Montpensier forests, this pleasant hike takes you to various hamlets in Brugheas. The tour takes you through cultivated valleys, past streams and rivers, to discover the local vernacular heritage. Pigeon lofts, wells, crosses, old buildings and beautiful homes are just a few of the highlights of this few-hour stroll.

Departure from the church. In Randan, park in the parking lot near the church. Yellow markings. Tours adapted by Accesens : Visually impaired: Drawing books in relief and contrasting colors available at the town hall, Domaine Royal de Randan, Maison Nord Limagne (14 km) and Terra Volcana tourist office in Riom (26 km). QR code on each tour point. Audiodescription and maps on HandiVisites. Hearing impaired: Sign language video and tour text available on HandiVisites. Yellow signposting

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 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.

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.

The Montpensier forest has been occupied since prehistoric times, as evidenced by hunter-gatherer artefacts dating back 50,000 years. This long hike takes you mainly through the forest. Along the way, you may be lucky enough to spot a deer or hear the drumming of a woodpecker.

This itinerary takes you to the springs of the Dôme and Lys rivers. This easy trail takes you along pleasant paths to discover the characteristic landscapes of this part of the Val d'Allier. Riverbanks, meanders, gravel pits, pools and hot, steaming, bubbling springs can all be discovered along the way.

Portion of the Via Sancti Martini itinerary between Abrest and Cognat Lyonne This stretch between Abrest and Cognat Lyonne takes you along the banks of the Allier, then on the outskirts of Vichy you come across the beautiful Serbannes forest.

Along the Allier, you'll discover the wealth of built heritage along the banks of the river, as well as wilder areas. The Allier is considered one of Europe's last wild rivers. Let yourself be surprised by the wealth of flora and fauna along this long hike.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

A walk with family or friends on a formerly forbidden area: an old railroad track! 3 circuits from 10 to 26 km for 1h15 to 3h15. The velorails are electrically assisted. A ride with family or friends on a previously forbidden space ... an old railway ! 3 tours are proposed from 10 to 26km for 1:15 to 3:15 ride. Booking is recommanded.

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.

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...

Tasting area, retail and wholsale of a large range of grain coffees, teas, infusions. Delicatessen (local products, artisanal specialties…). In the shop, on the shady terrace: enjoy this moment. At 39, Grande Rue, at the entrance of Charroux, registered medieval village of the Allier department. We welcome you in a serene, warm and friendly place. This tasting space allows you to appreciate different coffees, teas, infusions, from allover the world: Central Asia, India, Peru, Ethiopia, Central America... To do so, a menu is available to discover the different products on sale on site. Conversations and pieces of advice are always welcome to satisfy your desires, curiosity and well-being. Retail and wholsale area of a large range of grain coffees, teas, infusions. Grain coffee can be ground upon request, according to your coffee machine. (Possibility to order non-available on site or rare products). In the shop, on the shady terrace, enjoy a sweet moment with your friends or family. (Possibility to get a small snack on site for young children).

Located between Clermont-Ferrand and Vichy, the Domaine Royal de Randan was created in 1821 by Louis-Philippe d'Orléans, future King of France, and his sister Adélaïde. A mecca for 19th-century Romanticism and modernity. In 1821, Louis-Philippe d'Orléans and his sister Adélaïde acquired the former duchy of Randan and set about restoring it as a holiday resort. From then on, the estate's destiny was linked to that of the French royal family. From 1822 to 1847, architect Pierre François Léonard Fontaine oversaw the development of the estate, enlarging the château, building outbuildings and creating a vast landscaped park. The work carried out reflects the innovations of the first half of the 19th century. After the fall of the July monarchy (1848) and the exile of the d'Orléans family, the Domaine de Randan fell into a deep slumber. It was brought back to life by Isabelle d'Orléans, Countess of Paris (1848-1919). Fascinated by "her beloved Randan", she renovated it and all the comforts of the Belle Époque. On her death, her son Ferdinand d'Orléans made it his principal residence. In the château, he created a hunting museum featuring 450 animals hunted on his travels around the world and naturalized by the greatest taxidermist of his time, Rowland Ward. In 1925, a fire at the château marked the decline of the estate, which closed its gates and fell into oblivion. In 1999, the site was saved from dismantling thanks to the mobilization of local authorities and the French State, which acquired the estate and its collections. In 2003, the Regional Council became the sole owner of the site, opening it to the public and continuing the restoration of this important heritage site, listed as a Historic Monument and awarded the "Remarkable Garden" label. VISITS Two guided tours included with admission: Discovery of the estate: history, remains of the château, orangery, greenhouses, chapel, kitchens. Duration: 1 hr. Discovery of the "Ferdinand's Animals" exhibition: Exceptional collection of naturalized animals, unique in Europe, presented in dioramas. Duration: 45 minutes. Self-guided tour: Enjoy the park for a stroll. Picnics possible during opening hours. Dogs on leash permitted, outdoors only.

Although the original plans for the Parc des Bourins, developed between 1905 and 1910, included a bandstand, it was not until 1928 that the Compagnie Fermière had the old Kiosque de la Restauration bandstand moved there from the Parc des Sources, where it had mostly hosted children's dances. A replica of the bandstand at the Source de l'Hôpital, it was designed in 1910 by the Compagnie Fermière architect, Gustave Simon. Maintaining the octagonal plan, it has only one entrance; instead of musical scores, the railings here are decorated with geometric motifs inset with shells spouting water. In 1986, this bandstand narrowly escaped demolition and was listed in the Supplementary Inventory of French Historic Monuments. Between 2004 and 2011, it was restored as part of an educational project involving several hundred apprentices, students and teachers from technological and vocational training establishments run by Clermont-Ferrand Educational Authorities.

In 1864, based on the designs by engineer Jean-François Radoult de La Fosse, two identical chalets were built on either side of the bridge in the style of the fabriques (small, fanciful structures) found in Paris parks of the same era. Parisian contractors Waaser and Madin, wood carving specialists, were commissioned to build them. One chalet was reserved for the park ranger's quarters, the other for the administration. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as the "chalet des suppliques", the surviving pavilion never actually handled the supplications addressed to the Emperor during his spa treatments in Vichy; a special mailbox was installed for this purpose, first at the Hôtel des Thermes (neighbouring the Villa Strauss where Napoleon III stayed), and then at the Town Hall. From 1885 to 1932 it housed Vichy's Octroi Tax Office (which collected taxes on goods entering the city, excluding basic necessities). The second chalet was destroyed during the widening of the bridge in 1935.

This natural spring takes its name from the Celestine monastery that stood on the upper part of the rock. The Célestins spring is the most famous of Vichy's springs, and the only one that can be drunk by all, with no need for a doctor's prescription. Forty million bottles of Célestins spring water are sold each year worldwide, making this a globally exported brand. The water's temperature, between 20 and 22°C, ranks it among the coldest of the Vichy springs. Although no medical prescription is required for its consumption, it is still a spring water, naturally sparkling and rich in minerals, promoting hydration, digestion, and a radiant complexion. The park, which occupies part of the monastery's former enclosure, is laid out in the style of the Second Empire, with its steep paths. Originally, the Allier River reached the foot of the rock; over time, however, the build-up of alluvium deposits and the construction of the dam eventually enabled development of the land around the spring. The park's current appearance dates back to 1908, with the construction of a new drinking gallery, that gathers all the tapping points for springs drilled between 1857 and 1905. The architect Lucien Woog designed a vast hall with an elliptical ground plan in the 18th century French style. The arrangement of the spring itself, beneath its crystal and copper bell surrounded by pink marble, is the last remaining evidence of the Hall of Spring's original interior appearance in 1903.

The Lardy spring, drilled in 1844, bears the name of one of its two discoverers, Henri Lardy, in partnership with his brother-in-law Pierre Ménot Saint-Ange; the water was also nicknamed "Vichy tea" due to its reputation for being easily digestible. The 1848 griffin sculpture was placed in a circular basin made of Volvic lavastone, topped with a glass bell jar, and soon covered with a kiosk. Another thatched-roof kiosk sheltered drinkers, while a third covered the bottling operations. These pavilions were removed in 1902, when the current gallery was built by Antoine Percilly. The drinking gallery was redesigned in the fashionable Art Deco style in 1925, when the Généreuse spring started to be piped in. In the late 19th century, various buildings were converted, both for the production of salts and lozenges and to provide entertainment for visitors (bandstand, Ludo game, billiards, restaurant, etc.). In 1864, Madame Lardy had a small spa establishment housing some thirty or so cubicles built just below the spring. Purchased later by the Compagnie Fermière, together with the spring and its grounds, this was replaced by the third-class thermal baths, built by Charles Letrosne in 1937. After its closure in 1965, this building was converted into a university centre in 2000.

Despite the creation of a committee and the launch of a fundraising campaign immediately following the end of the First World War, the people of Vichy had to wait until 1935 to be able to honour their fallen brethren. A first competition opened in 1922 was won by sculptor Paul Roussel, winner of the First Grand Prix de Rome, who had already sculpted the mermaids, seahorses and water lily leaves that adorn the facades of Vichy's Grand Thermal Baths. However, having missed the deadlines, it was ultimately Charles Plas, winner of a second competition, who delivered the monument, also with considerable delay. The monument is built around a central bas-relief: a winged Victory, clearly modelled on the figure that dominates François Rude's Departure of the Volunteers on the Arc-de-Triomphe, guides representatives of the various army corps: cavalryman, infantryman, artilleryman, mountain infantry, sailor, and even a chaplain stretcher-bearer. The scene's realism is emphasised by the depiction of a soldier's everyday objects (water bottle, satchel, gas mask, etc.). The monument is surmounted by a soldier who, dressed simply in an antique tunic, armed with a sword, and leaning on a shield bearing the city's coat of arms, has sparked heated debate among veterans.

The last of the grand palaces built in Vichy, the Ruhl Hotel was also the largest and most luxurious (boasting 350 rooms and 300 bathrooms). At the time, the site was occupied by the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). Gifted by Napoleon III in 1865, by the early 20th century the building was considered too small. Architect Antoine Chanet began construction of the hotel in 1910, but the project was halted a year later. Eventually, Henri Ruhl, a hotelier who already owned several palaces in Paris and various seaside resorts, decided to take on the project himself. Ideally located between the two parks, the building occupies a block bounded by streets: its monumental appearance is emphasised both by the absence of adjoining properties, and by its opulent sculpted decor. At its centre is a vast Louis XVI-style dining room with a magnificent glass roof. The Ruhl opened its doors in 1913 but, with the advent of World War I, was soon converted into a temporary military hospital. In 1922, it was purchased by Joseph Aletti, who renamed it hôtel Radio, thus allowing him to retain the "HR" monogram on the hotel's china and linens. Requisitioned in 1940, it was converted into a private residence after the Liberation.

Known since ancient times, the Hôpital Spring, first named the Gros Boulet and then the Rosalie Spring, takes its name from the 18th century civilian hospital that was built nearby. The current rotunda-shaped pavilion, based on a design by architect Louis Aublet, was built in 1946. During construction work, the spring's ancient Roman catchment was rediscovered, attesting to its use over a period of nearly two thousand years. Previously, the drinking gallery was housed in a bandstand designed in 1907 by the Compagnie Fermière architect, Gustave Simon, in the style of the promenade gallery and the bandstand in the centre of the Horseshoe shopping arcade. The water from this spring, rich in carbon dioxide, emerges at a temperature of 34°C. It is recommended for digestive, gastric, and intestinal disorders and to treat diseases of the liver, colon, and pancreas. Declared an object of public interest by imperial decree in January 1861, Hôpital spring water is used as an ingredient in Vichy cosmetic products.

Vichy's Petit Casino, built by architects Antoine Chanet and Jean Liogier in 1928 in the Art Deco style, combined a theatre, a gaming room, a letter-writing salon and a brasserie, providing the spa town with a lively and fashionable haunt. Originally, a large glass mosaic panel depicting a spring adorned the facade, itself crowned by a lantern, a sort of stylised fountain, and a bell tower that lit up the entire street. Inside, the grand central staircase, illuminated by three magnificent stained-glass windows by master glass maker Francis Chigot, depicting comedy, music, and tragedy, led up to the 650-seat theatre, which hosted a light entertainment programme. In 1936, the establishment closed its doors, reopening just four years later to the darkest episode in its history: after briefly housing the French National Assembly, it was requisitioned by the French Milice, who instigated a reign of terror, including the commonplace use of torture in what came to be known by Vichy residents as the "the Villa of Torments". Following the Liberation, the badly damaged building was purchased by the City, which converted it into a cultural centre (inaugurated in 1961), housing a library, exhibition spaces, and conference rooms. The damaged Art Deco facade was removed and replaced with a simpler, more restrained design, the only decoration being nine bas-reliefs depicting the arts by the Cusset sculptor Robert Mermet.

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

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

Bar-restaurant

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

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".

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Veronique and Christophe welcome you in their Bed&Breakfast "Maison of Prince de Condé " dated from XIII and XVIII centuries. situated in Charroux one of the most beautiful villages in France. 5 bedrooms all confort Veronique and Christophe welcome you in their Bed&Breakfast "Maison of Prince de Condé " dated from XIII and XVIII centuries. situated in Charroux one of the most beautiful villages in France. 5 bedrooms all confort

In this charming Charroux house, 4 large bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms await you. One intimate bedroom is under the roof of a dovecote, the other 3 are on the 1st floor of the main house.

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.

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

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.

Night parking possible. Sewage draining.