Explore Villeneuve-sur-allier and its surroundings

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 7,29km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Bagneux, cross the village and admire its nice roman church and ride at your own pace to the majestic forest of Bagnolet. Composed mainly of oak and beech, the fauna and flora are unic in this 1900 hectare forest. 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.

Follow this loop to ride along the roads of the Sologne bourbonnaise area and discover the Arboretum of Balaine, the oldest private botanical and floral park in France. The site is home to a must-see castle. This 10,7km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Aurouër, cross the village and take the time to observe the small church of the village and the superb 18 th century half-timbered house, one of the last vestiges of the rural habitat of yesterdays Sologne bourbonnaise. Then ride towards Villeneuve on the small road that leads you through woods and fields to the Arboretum of Balaine. Created in 1804, it is the oldest private botanical and floral park in France, classified Remarkable Garden, which also houses a very pretty typically bourbonnais castle. A true garden of the world, its 20ha in the heart of the Allier region are home to more than 3,500 plants from all continents. After your visit, return to Aurouër at your own pace.

Located on two departments and two regions, during this ride you will discover the beautiful Bailly's pond, a nice place to enjoy spending time with your family. This 10,8km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting Aurouër, cross the village and take the time to observe the small church of the village and the superb 18 th century half-timbered house , one of the last vestiges of the rural habitat of the Sologne Bourbonnaise of the past. Then travel in the direction of Dornes by taking the small road along the Dornette's pond and join the beautiful Bailly 's pond. Take the time to enjoy the well-maintained, well-equipped places to spend some quality time with your family: stroll around the lake along the shaded banks, discover the pleasures of fishing or sit at one of the picnic tables for lunch while enjoying the beauty of this bucolic setting.

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.

While following this loop you will discover typical castles and houses located in the greenery Sologne bourbonnaise. This 25,5km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Trévol, take the road that leads you to the castle Château des Bédaures. Then enter the majestic Munet Forest. You can see the beautiful Breuil rectangular house in Gennetines. Enjoy for a few more km this exceptional green setting until you reach St-Ennemond. Then take the direction of Aurouer and cross the large forests ""Bois des Vaucoulmin et d' Argnaux"". Ride along the pretty castle ""Château de la Motte Ponay"", cross the village and head towards Trévol along the Damariats manor house, then the beautiful wood-panelled barn of the Sanciaux. Before returning to the village, if you wish, take the small road that leads you to the magnificent castle ""Château d'Avrilly""surrounded by an impressive 100ha park with moat, pond, wood, etc.

By crossing three villages, this loop invits you to walk along the Allier River and ponds to the discovery of beautiful castles. This 30,3km long ride is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Aubigny, cross the village and take the time to admire the beautiful Aubigny brick castle and ride along the nice houses to Saint-Leopardin-d'Augy. Ride at your own pace to the big Plessis stone castle. Keep riding the roads with nice ponds along and you will arrive to the nice castle ""Château de La Charnée"" in Le Veurdre. Cross the wood ""Bois de Montrifauds"" to Saint-Léopardin-d'Augy then to Aubigny. There, take the time and admire the landscaped lake : walks, fishing or little breaks in this beautiful bucolic setting.

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.

Thanks to the bike ride lanes, you will ride through the city to admire the Allier river, one of the last great wild river of Europe. This 4,67km long loop that alternates bike paths and shared paths is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Avermes, cross the village by taking your time to admire the majestic neo-Gothic church. Listed as a Historical Monument, it proudly overlooks the Allier River and has on this side a large 55-step stone staircase that accentuates its size. Continue your way by taking the pretty little pavilions streets of the city join the road to Chavennes. It is through this place that once passed the royal road. A stop is necessary to reach on foot the Allier thanks to a small trail, it is the last great wild river of Europe. Take a moment to enjoy this bucolic setting before returning to Avermes.

On the small roads and paths, ride safely along one of the last great wild river of Europe, called the « Allier ». This walk that takes a bike path and small roads and paths is recommended for little ones, children over ten years old, occasional riders and cycling enthusiasts. From Avermes, take the path along the racecourse and the banks of the Allier. Continue on your way to the promenade overlooking the river. Once in Moulins, take the tree-lined bike path and cycle at your own pace along the last great wild river in Europe. Pass under the majestic iron bridge, one of the first metal bridges in France. Continue your way to the play area of the Champins which borders the river and take the time to enjoy the place, arranged and maintained to make you spend good moments with your 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.

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.

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.

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.

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

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.

In the heart of the rolling countryside of the Allier, right in the centre of France, La Vigne et le Chardon is the perfect place to stop off. Come and take a break to relax, enjoy a meal and soak up the sun.

Nearby town centre and activities. Perfect for a couple.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

In a very pleasant setting on the edge of a stretch of water, this quiet and partially shaded campsite offers 20 flat and spacious pitches (100m²) delimited by hedges and lawns. Ideal for family vacations with the proximity of the lake, games for children, bowling alley, and fishing all year round. Walks on the greenway, on the towpath of the lateral canal to the Loire at 300 m, grocery stores at 500 m and the amusement and animal park Le PAL at 15 km.

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

Large character house situated in the centre of 40 wild ha, close to its owners's farm. Perfect to practise outside activities and share friendly family moments.

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.

Night parking possible. Sewage draining.

Free machine for draining and water.

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.