Discover Epiry, a hidden gem in Bourgogne

Created over twenty years ago for mountain bike enthusiasts, the Grande Traversée du Massif Central à VTT is a mythical route, a collector's item like few others in France. Today, the GTMC-VTT is back in the spotlight, bigger, more accessible, more modern. It's now a complete crossing of the Massif Central, from the great Morvan lakes in Burgundy to the Mediterranean. 1360 km to cover three regions, ten départements, four regional nature parks and one national park, and discover the exceptional succession of the Massif's great landscapes, as well as the people and heritage of these highlands. The GTMC is also becoming more welcoming. Whether it's your first experience of mountain bike touring over a few days or a long-distance raid, the GTMC now lends itself to a wide range of activities and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from the gentlest to the most committed. From the wooded curves of the north to the slopes of the Auvergne volcanoes, from the sharp relief of the Grands Causses and Cévennes to the descent through the garrigue to the sea, there's a GTMC for everyone! Especially since the new GTMC has been designed for electrically-assisted mountain biking, the new bike that brings mountain biking and roaming within everyone's reach. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll be able to share the adventure of mountain biking together.

Located in Gannay-sur-Loire, also called ""near the water"", during this ride you cross the Loire canal and reach ""Port des Vanneaux"". At this stop you have the chance to admire its pleasure boats. This 5,81km long loop takes both the little ones and the big ones along the water. Ride at your own pace on small tracks to reach a pretty bridge made of stone and steal that offers you a nice view on the Loire's lateral canal. Take some time to fully enjoy this landscape. Then join Gannay-sur-Loire, whose history is closely linked to the river and its canal. Today, Gannay-sur-Loire has a 3,5 meters high lock which is the eleventh of the thirty seven floodgate of this 200km long canal. The town also has its own port, ""Port des Vanneaux"", where the sailors old houseboats are now replaced by nice pleasure boats that you can admire by taking a seat on one of the many picnic tables near the port.

Located on the border of the Allier, this loop leads you along the little roads of the Nivernais area to discover the beautiful Montempuy chapel. This 8,3km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Saint-Parize-en-Viry, take the pretty little roads that cross the Nivernais countryside. Enjoy this green setting made of meadows doted with pounds in which graze the whites cows of the Bourbonnais. Continue your way to Dornes. Cross the village, a seigneury that appeared in the 13th century, for a few kilometers then return to Saint-Parize-en-Viry. Take the path that leads you to the beautiful Montempuy chapel. Founded in the 11th century by the Cluniac monks of Souvigny, this chapel, whose traces date back to Charlemagne, was next to a priory that burned during the Hundred Years' War. Take a few moments to admire this building, now listed as a Historical Monument.

Located on the border of the Allier, in the department of Nièvre, during this loop you will discover the beautiful Nivernais countryside and the lovely Montempuy chapel. This 19,3km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Dornes, take the little roads and ride along the castle ""Château de Dornes"". Beautiful building of the 14th century, it has a beautiful Italian facade. Enjoy this green setting made of meadows doted with pounds in which graze the whites cows of the bourbonnais. Take the path that leads you to the beautiful Montempuy chapel. Founded in the 11th century by the Cluniac monks of Souvigny, this chapel, whose traces date back to Charlemagne, was next to a priory that was burned during the Hundred Years' War. Return to the village of Dornes and enjoy a moment of relaxation on the beautiful central square shaded by lime trees.

Follow this ride to visit four villages along the Loire canal. During this loop you cross the canal and join the Val de Loire Natural Area and then ""Port des Vanneaux"". This 32,2km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Saint-Martin-des-Lais, follow the route to the ""Ecluse des Gailloux"" and continue your way to the stone and steel bridge that offers a superb view on the canal. Join Gannay-sur-Loire and the ""port des Vanneaux"" where the sailors old houseboats are now replaced by nice pleasure boats that you can admire by taking a seat on one of the many picnic tables near the port. Continue to Paray-le-Frésil. Follow the shaded roads and take the small bridge that crosses the Canal to reach Garnat-sur-Engièvre and the Val de Loire Natural Area. Take the wooded roads that follow the course of the river and shelter a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river by foot.

Located on the east part of the bourbonnais area, ride this loop and discover the longest river of France, the Loire, and its protected area, the Val de Loire. This 8,61km long loop is recommended for both the little ones and the big ones. Starting from Saint-Martin-des-Lais - which takes its name from the branches abandoned by the Loire in flood when it withdraws - travel at your own pace on small roads surrounded by fields where the cows of the bourbonnais gaze quietly. Cross the town of Garnat-sur-Engièvre and join the Val de Loire Natural Area.. Take the wooded paths that follow the course of the river and support a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river on foot by a small path. You may see a beaver or a frog!

A ride to be immersed in the Sologne bourbonnaise area. Discover its beautiful and typical half-timbered houses, and its landscapes full of forest, meadows and ponds. This 24,7km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from La-Chapelle-Aux-Chasses, take the small roads to the residence of Ferrières, beautiful half-timbered house of the sixteenth century. Continue your way to the village of Chevagnes. The village preserves several remarkable examples of half-timbered houses and polychrome bricks typical of the area. Take a moment to admire them. Then follow the roads along the many woods of ""Sologne bourbonnaise"" and reach the village of Paray-le-Frésil, also known as ""Saint-Fiacre"" thanks to the writer Georges Simenon who tells there the adventures of his hero ""Commissaire Maigret"". Then come back at you own pace to La-Chapelle-Aux-Chasses.

Three villages made this loop which drives you cross the Loire Canal to join the Loire river and its protected area, the Val de Loire Natural Area. This 16km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Paray-le-Frésil - also known under the name ""Saint-Fiacre"" thanks to the writer Georges Simenon who tells there the adventures of his hero, ""Commissaire Maigret"" - ride on small roads until the Seguins bridge overlooking the canal. Take some time to admire the place. Then cross Garnat-sur-Engièvre to reach the Val de Loire Natural Area. Take the wooded roads along the river where you discover a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river on foot by a small path. You may see a beaver or a frog! Then join Saint-Martin-des-Lais and cross the canal again to reach Paray-le-Frésil.

Located in the east of bourbonnais, this loop invits you to discover every castle in the Val de Loire Bourbonnais natural area. This 14,3km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Garnat-sur-Engièvre, cross the village, cross the village to admire the majestic of bricks pavilions which announce the entrance of Château de Torcy in which King Louis VII would have received Pope Alexandre III travelling to Souvigny in 1160. Take the direction of Saint-Martin-des-Lais the neighbouring village by crossing the wooding roads along the river and enter the Val de Loire Bourbonnais natural area , which shelters a unique fauna and flora . Ride at your own pace along the beautiful castle "" Château of Saint-Martin"" which owns the particularity to be in U form, and take the road to the village with its beautiful houses. Then, return to Garnat-sur-Engièvre.

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.

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.

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.

In the heart of Bourbonnais in the town of Meillard the Domain of Bellevue shelter its 22 hectare vineyard Traditional and family know-how wine with a range of wines and special vintages, white, red, rosé, sparkling wines

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.

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.

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

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…

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.

Home with an enjoyable enclosed garden with view on rolling countryside. Welcoming horseriders possible.

Pedal-boat hire for a ride on the lake at the Natural Wake Park leisure center. Other water activities, restaurants 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!

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.

Free admission to the park of the 12th, 15th and 16th-century château from April to October. Set in woods and lawns, the château is an irregular pentagon flanked by five towers of varying angles. The enclosures and walkways are intact. ISMH.

Free visit of the exterior on the path along the moat and the park. Guided tour of the interiors on prior request from 7 people. Sitting at the entrance to the village coming from Diou, the Château de Saligny (ISMH) welcomes you. Once you have crossed the bridge which spans the moat, which is still in water, your gaze is on the oldest part, the Lourdins tower dominating the castle which dates from the 14th, 17th, 17th and 19th centuries. Renaissance pink sandstone dormers adorn the facade overlooking the moat. Beautiful outbuildings.

Free visit. The village developed around a priory of Cluniac foundation which disappeared in the 15th century. The neo-Romanesque church was built at the end of the 19th century (1876-1878) and replaces a Romanesque church demolished in 1862. It is dedicated to Saint Martin in memory of the former priory which depended since 1268 on the Saint Martin de Nevers abbey.

Free visit of the exteriors. Beauvoir is discovered at the bend of a path. A beautiful French garden (ISMH) is the setting for this 14th century castle (ISMH), built in the 15th century. It was occupied by the English truck during the Hundred Years War, then taken over by Louis II of Bourbon. The 18th century orangery and the pavilion have been restored into reception rooms which can respectively accommodate up to 300 and 90 seated guests as well as 450 people under the cocktail awning (access to the garden is closed during receptions).

Guided tour (except on Sundays) and by reservation only. Romanesque building with a large nave ending in the east with a projecting transept on which opens a semi-circular apse lit by three windows framed by columns. The triangular tympanum, in the form of a frame, presents the Paschal Lamb surrounded by plant motifs, notably foliage. The whole is surmounted by a cross. It may be an emblem of the Templars. The porch has been classified as MH since 1933.

Self-guided tour with document. Guided tour on request. This 11th century church is composed of a nave of three bays with side aisles and a choir partly from the 11th century on which opens a large apse redone in the 18th century. The bell tower was rebuilt in the 19th century. Inside: a stone statue from the end of the 15th century representing Saint Barbara draped in a large cloak; the Good Shepherd, a stone statue; Saint John the Baptist in stone from the 15th century; a Virgin of Pity from the 15th century and a Virgin and Child from the 16th century; a copper crucifix, with enamel, mounted on a foot from the 17th century and adorned with a statuette of the Virgin in silver-plated copper (listed as MH).

Free visit with document. The parish, which was part of the old diocese of Clermont, was, under the Ancien Régime, under the control of the abbot of Mozat. This building of Romanesque period was very reworked over the centuries. It has a nave of three bays covered by a roof structure that ends in the east with a semi-circular apse with a barrel vault. The triumphal arch, supported by pilasters, is topped by a small window. A wall-belfry with four bays rises in front of the apse. The facade, modern, is designed in Romanesque style. To see inside: a procession cross in silvered copper from the end of the 15th century; a stained glass window dedicated to Joan of Arc illuminates the building; a Virgin of Pity from the 15th century and a Virgin and Child from the 16th century.

Isolated little chapel from the 20th century.

Free visit with a leaflet and information board. Romanesque church from the 11th century. To see : square tower (ancient keep), nave and 4 capitals.

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…

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.

Traditional and gourmet cuisine. Terrace next to the river, with landscape park. Specialties: frying, grenouilles and Charolais meat. Traditional and gourmet cuisine. Terrace next to the river, with landscape park. Specialties: frying, grenouilles and Charolais meat.

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.

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

Elegant building of the 19th century near the castle. Local cuisine.

Situated near the acstle, this bar restaurant snack proposes takeaway salads, hamburgers, platefuls, pizzas, meat, local products.

Traditional cooking with local products.

Pizzeria situated in town centre

Opening 03/04/2020 > 18/10/2020 Treat yourself to a break in the countryside between Morvan forest and the most beautiful vineyards in Burgundy at the fully-renovated Huttopia Etang de Fouché campsite! Open-air sports, gastronomy, activities throughout the summer, or relaxing by the pool… take your pick!

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.

Opening 03/04/2020 > 01/11/2020 NEW! Camp in the midst of the Burgundy vineyards at Huttopia Meursault Campsite. A beautiful 5ha woodland site, offering a relaxing holiday escape. The ideal destination to discover everything the region has to offer… Completely renovated, the living areas and new accommodation overlooking the vineyards will seduce you in any season.

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

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.

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.

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.

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