Discover Commentry, Allier, Auvergne's hidden gems

This tour takes you through the Balaty national forest.

This route, starting from the village of La Crouzille, will take you through the Combraille bourbonnaise, the Bouron valley and its many crosses.

From Montaigut, a village dating back to the Middle Ages (church, tower, apothecary's house, etc.), you reach the ruins of a castle from which you can enjoy a panoramic view. The walk continues through the hedged farmland around the Montmazot pond.

Discover the three private châteaux of Bizeneuille: Mauvaisnière, Grandchamp and Bagnard. As you walk along, you will come across these 3 witnesses to the past. Mauvaisnière, a gentleman's residence with lands crossed by a stream of the same name; Grandchamp, a castle on a fortified medieval site with a moat; and Bagnard, a castle surrounded by a moat and built on a motte. These three châteaux are not open to visitors.

A walk around the La Loge lake at Lapeyrouse, with its pleasant picnic areas, landscaped playgrounds and fishing spots.

A route on the borders of the Puy-de-Dôme and the Allier, through the rolling hedged farmland typical of the Combrailles region. The 12-hectare La Loge lake at Lapeyrouse offers pleasant picnic areas, landscaped playgrounds and fishing.

Departing from Virlet, this walk will take you to Perdechat castle, Gelines lake and Bellaigues abbey.

Set in a wooded landscape of hills topped by hamlets and valleys on either side of the Bouble (the ‘petite’ and the ‘grande’), this route follows a series of gentle ascents and descents, with the Colettes forest dominating the eastern horizon.

A walk around the Saint-Eloy lake to discover the flora and fauna, the beach and a children's play area.

You walk alongside a lake to reach the village of Youx, from where you can overlook the Bouble valley and Saint-Éloy-les-Mines. The trail then passes by old mining towns where coal and lead were mined.

A small cottage in a rustic setting, a renovated barn. South facing terrace with a fantastic view. Lovely lounge with kitchen and wood burner. Spacious bathroom with toilet. The 2-person gite is located on the south side, with its covered terrace and its garden furniture. For this cottage, we have transformed the old barn. The cottage has a pleasant living room with kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven, a 4-burner gas hob, a kettle, a coffee machine, a toaster, various kitchen utensils. The living room/kitchen is in the stable part, the bedroom in the barn, accessible by a small staircase. The bedroom has 2 single beds which can be pushed together or separated according to your wishes. In addition, we have a child's bed with sheets and blankets, as well as a chair. There is a large bathroom. For a cooler period, firewood is available.

La Cadanise, charming luxury suites, terraces with views, spa in summer, free wifi, private parking and garage. Independent, quiet, discreet entrances. Walking distance to town center. Continental breakfast, dinner by prior arrangement. Ideal for business travelers - tourists, events, couples with babies.

Get off the beaten track. Enjoy a day of sport and fun in the heart of the forest. The park offers 8 courses, thrilling zip lines, including a 200m-long one, and a jump into the void at the end of the black course for the most experienced. Leave the marked paths! Based in Echasssières between the cities of Clermont Ferrand, Vichy, Moulins and Montluçon in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region, the treetop adventure park offers to families a natural and outstanding setting with a beautiful cottage for reception and restoration. Picnicking is allowed in the park. Thanks to Accro’Sioule, you will be sure to have a good day of sport and leisure in the trees. Adventure paths for every level. Affordable prices and ensured change of scenery. One of the most beautiful treetop adventure parks in Auvergne. 7 paths, ziplines and a leap in the air at the end of the black path for the most disciplined ones. A third path for young children from 3 and a half years old come to enrich our offer. And for those who are accompanying, you will enjoy yourselves during a treasure hunt and an orienteering with 18 markers around the lake. The treasure hunt for younger children will allow them to seek animals during 1 hour. A surprise is waiting for the little seekers.

La Barouche is a detached house on 2 levels. Ground floor: large 23m² living room opening onto a magnificent 21m² wooden terrace (outdoor lighting). Comfortable lounge, TV and dining area. 13m² kitchen, equipped with fridge and freezer, 3 hotplates with oven, dishwasher and microwave. Bathroom with large 1.10*1.75 shower, 1 vanity unit and washing machine. Separate WC, accessible from the shower room. A semi-helical staircase leads from the living room to the first floor. Upstairs: Bedroom 1 with 1 x 140*190 bed. Velux window and blind. Bedroom 2 with 2 beds 90*200. Velux windows and blinds, glass door leading to outside staircase. Private parking. Unenclosed grounds of 400m². Small lake of approx. 500m² available. Cot and high chair available on request. Housekeeping package available. Sheets and towels for hire.

We welcome you and wish you a pleasant stay in our small chalet for 2 people, located on an enclosed and private site. You will find everything you need to spend 1 night or more in our beautiful region. The chalet is equipped with a functional kitchen (electric stove with ceramic hob, oven, fridge with freezer compartment, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, electric coffee maker, Senséo coffee maker, toaster, kettle, etc.). .) The bedroom has a 140x190 bed, the bed will be made upon arrival. Chest of drawers, carrying with hangers and valet. A bathroom with a large shower, shower seat, hairdryer and towel dryer. The toilets are independent. Free WiFi, plancha, sunbathing, garden furniture and parasol ... On the outskirts of a small village with the necessary amenities ... bakery, grocery store, hairdresser, village inn and post office, we welcome you all year.

I propose you to stay in a pleasant apartment, on the first floor of a house. Ideally located in the heart of Evaux-les-Bains, the only spa town in the Limousin region. You'll find all the comforts you need, with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, living room and adjoining bedroom with bathroom and toilet. A washing machine is available (shared by the 2 apartments).

High-quality, fully-renovated apartment, ideal for spa guests, located close to the spa. Managed by Happy House concierge service.

In the heart of the Combrailles with uninterupted views and a large garden, this semi detached cottage (next to the owners) offers you a very comfortable stay. Fenced garden, 2 terraces, private parking, shops and services at Menat 7km and at Saint Gervais d'Auvergne 9km. On the ground floor: entrance, living room, kitchen area, laundry room, wc. On the 1st floor: TV lounge on the mezzanine, 1 bedr. (1 double bed 130, 1 single bed), 1 bedroom. (1 double bed), 1 bedr. (1 double bed 160), bathroom and toilet. Baby kit available. Electric heating according to consumption and wood stove.

Menat Abbey is one the the most famous in the Auvergne. Built in the 5th century it has been revamped thoughout the ages. The church contains beautiful carved capitals. A small detour through the cloisters allows you to appreciate the ancient living environment of the monks. The buildings bear the traces of different construction periods: Romanesque (lower parts of the church), 14th-15th centuries (upper parts and fortifications of the church, west gallery of the cloister and abbey castle). They were deeply reworked in the 19th century. The ground level of the old buildings is marked by paving stones. The church contains very beautiful sculpted capitals, including lions. A small detour through the cloister allows you to appreciate the monks' living environment. A heritage guide is available for €3 in our four tourist information offices: Saint-Gervais-d’Auvergne, Châteauneuf-les-Bains, Pontgibaud and Les Ancizes-Comps, as well as on our online shop. It accompanies the discovery of Saint-Ménélée Abbey and the Romanesque bridge, a medieval humpback bridge spanning the Sioule.

A pretty cottage typical Auvergne countryside for authentic family holidays and conducive to relaxation. It can accommodate a family of 3 and has a well thought out and efficient layout. Completely restored, our gîte in Auvergne consists of : First floor: - 1 living room with sofa bed for 2 people and flat-screen TV. - Kitchenette with ceramic hob, dishwasher, microwave, large oven... - Bathroom with walk-in shower. First floor: - Cosy sleeping area with 160cm bed (high-comfort mattress), 90cm bed, large storage space and desk area. - Beds made on arrival, sheets provided. The house has an enclosed courtyard and a south-facing terrace with garden furniture, Weber barbecue and parasol. A very natural area with many activities awaiting you: - Way-marked walks from the gite and in the surrounding area (hiking, mountain biking) - Swimming (Gour de Tazenat, Etang Philippe...) - Canoeing on the Sioule river. - Fly fishing or pond fishing 200 m from the gite... Nearby, discover the electric Vélorail, accrobranche, Via Ferrata or enjoy a moment of relaxation at the Spa des thermes de Châteauneuf-les-Bains. Take advantage of your stay to explore the Sioule gorges and their heritage, the Auvergne Volcanoes, and don't forget to see the famous Gouttières cats! Numerous small restaurants and local markets will delight your taste buds with fine Auvergne produce. This house is the ideal place to spend a family vacation and recharge your batteries.

The museum gathers Gallo-Roman vestiges found locally and invites to the discovery of the Gallo-Roman civilization. Collection of Gallo-Roman remains: ceramics, representations of divinities, columns, frescoes, everyday objects. Free visit only. Located near the Romanesque church and the Merovingian necropolis, this museum, housed in a noble 15th century building, completes the presentation of the city's cultural heritage. Most of the collections on display evoke the Gallo-Roman past through sculptures, inscriptions, pottery and funerary objects, which show the public and domestic life of the city's inhabitants in ancient times. Temporary exhibitions of paintings complement the permanent Gallo-Roman collections.

The Saint-Joseph de l'Espérance et du Bon Secours chapel stands on a hill on the outskirts of the spa town of Néris. Built in 1874, it has long been a place of pilgrimage. Abandoned until 2003, the municipality of Néris decided to refurbish the bell tower and the imposing 2.40 m, 1.4 ton cast-iron statue above it. With everything still to be done inside the building, an association was set up to carry out the work, look after the chapel and open it to the public. Mass is said every March 19, St. Joseph's Day, and the procession has been re-established for May 1. Thursday to Sunday, 3 pm to 6 pm, with information leaflet and board, or guided tour by prior arrangement.

This church dates from the 18th century. It has a remarkable imposing western facade, flanked with solid butresses and a bell tower with double bells. The interior boasts modern frescoes by Louis Dussour.

This church dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, a period of transition between romanesque and gothic art. It was originally part of the castle compond which was destroyed by Louis 13th in the 17th century. It contains an interesting historiated pillar from the former Capuchin cemetery, as well as a 16th century gilded wooden Virgin, saved from the flames by a parishioner during the Revolution. The church was classified as a historical monument in 1926. Heritage sheet, Collection Trésors des Combrailles, on sale in the Tourist Offices of Combrailles.

Charming lake for swimming, alone, with friends or family. A range of activities to help you relax. Pedal-boat hire on site. Swimming and water sports are prohibited due to cyanobacteria You can view a map of all bathing water quality sites at baignades.sante.gouv.fr/baignades/homemap.do#a.

Self-guided tour with information panel. The commune boasts the only listed "clocher tors" (twisted bell tower) in the entire Auvergne region. The original church (ISMH) was built at the end of the 12th century in the Romanesque style. The interior boasts fine capitals and a granite basin used as a holy-water font, set on 4 Romanesque capitals. MH. A Gothic-style chapel was added in the 16th century. The spire of the bell tower was struck by lightning in 1894, completely burning down and damaging the top of the tower. The tower was rebuilt in 1897 using timber that was too green and weak in cross-section. The type of framing used, combined with the weakness of the timbers, was certainly the main cause of the spire's rapid twisting.

Take advantage of this pleasant site to relax. On site, swimming and fishing authorized as well as nautical activities.

This 12th-century abbey houses several buildings, restored in the 18th century following a fire. It has a Cistercian Romanesque style. The building is characterized by its 14th century porter: there are very few in France. The abbey house is distributed on two levels, the ground floor where we can distinguish the refectory and the boiler room and the first floor where the prior room and cells are located. This abbey has been listed as a historic monument since 1922. Benedictine monks have settled there since 2000. The abbey, which houses the tombs of Archambault VIII and his wife Beatrix de Montluçon, can be visited (proper dress required). Only the church can be visited for free. A small shop offers bee products from the monastery. It is possible to stay in the monastery as part of a retreat. All contact is by phone or mail.

The body of water has a beach of fine sand, grassy stretches and games for children. You can view the bathing water quality map on the webbaignades.sante.gouv.fr/baignades/homemap.do#a Other activities on site: picnic area, fishing, fitness trail, walks. Electric bikes and pedalos are available for hire.

Picnic area at the edge of the lake of Saint-Eloy-les-Mines, place suitable for swimming (unsupervised beach), for walking. Other activities on site: children's playground, fishing, fitness trail...

Cosy, traditional family restaurant. Generous, gourmet local cuisine. Homemade cuisine. The Auberge des Colettes is located in Coutansouze, a small village on the edge of the magnificent Colettes forest. Here you'll find a restaurant serving traditional cuisine prepared with fresh local produce.

Theme restaurant, traditional cuisine and snacks open all year. Reservation required for meals on plate, on tray or take away. Service at all hours. From September to June, the restaurant is open every day for lunch, with a workers' menu and a buffet on Sunday evenings! In July and August, the restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner. The menu includes burgers, fish, meat, snacks and vegetarian dishes.

Grand Hotel Restaurant has a stylish Belle Epoque atmosphere. Our tasty seasonal cuisine is made with local ingredients. Try our saffron specialties.

Large selection of teas, chocolates and gift ideas.

Michel and Laurence welcome you in a warm mountain decor for you to discover a wide selection of crepes , pancakes and many mountain specialties.

An unusual casino at the crossroads of the Auvergne, Centre and Limousin regions, located in the spa town of Evaux-les-Bains, appreciated for its bucolic surroundings conducive to relaxation, leisure and dreams. 53 slot machines (13 vintage machines, 38 modern machines, 2 poker machines), which operate with tickets and player cards plus There are also 8 electronic roulette and blackjack stations, and traditional games: 1 English roulette table and 1 blackjack table. Our establishment also organizes concerts and theme evenings, and major sporting events are broadcast on our 4 giant screens. If you'd like a drink with friends or a bite to eat, we welcome you to our lounge and restaurant "l'Essentiel".

Two rooms, two atmospheres: modern and warm, for a peaceful lunch in our dining room or in total immersion, in the heart of the slot machines, on the mezzanine. We offer traditional, modernized and elegant cuisine, with our three formulas and our essentials, there is something for everyone!

Pizzas to take away or eat in, ice cream. From €6

Hostel located in a privileged setting in the heart of nature. Room rustic restaurant with exposed stone and beams . Terrace by the Tardes

A small cottage in a rustic setting, a renovated barn. South facing terrace with a fantastic view. Lovely lounge with kitchen and wood burner. Spacious bathroom with toilet. The 2-person gite is located on the south side, with its covered terrace and its garden furniture. For this cottage, we have transformed the old barn. The cottage has a pleasant living room with kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven, a 4-burner gas hob, a kettle, a coffee machine, a toaster, various kitchen utensils. The living room/kitchen is in the stable part, the bedroom in the barn, accessible by a small staircase. The bedroom has 2 single beds which can be pushed together or separated according to your wishes. In addition, we have a child's bed with sheets and blankets, as well as a chair. There is a large bathroom. For a cooler period, firewood is available.

La Cadanise, charming luxury suites, terraces with views, spa in summer, free wifi, private parking and garage. Independent, quiet, discreet entrances. Walking distance to town center. Continental breakfast, dinner by prior arrangement. Ideal for business travelers - tourists, events, couples with babies.

Two rooms in a renovated long house (dating back to the second half of the 19th century) renovated with modern comforts and private bathrooms. Situated in the the peaceful countryside with hiking close by. Close to Montmarault and Combronde tolls on the A71 motorway. Fishing and lake, Sioule valley, canoe kayak and vélorail nearby. Panoramic train from Puy de Dôme and Vulcania, both one hour away.

At the foot of Château du Ligondès, pretty outbuilding for 2 to 8 people. An ideal location for discovering green tourism, cycling and hiking.

La Barouche is a detached house on 2 levels. Ground floor: large 23m² living room opening onto a magnificent 21m² wooden terrace (outdoor lighting). Comfortable lounge, TV and dining area. 13m² kitchen, equipped with fridge and freezer, 3 hotplates with oven, dishwasher and microwave. Bathroom with large 1.10*1.75 shower, 1 vanity unit and washing machine. Separate WC, accessible from the shower room. A semi-helical staircase leads from the living room to the first floor. Upstairs: Bedroom 1 with 1 x 140*190 bed. Velux window and blind. Bedroom 2 with 2 beds 90*200. Velux windows and blinds, glass door leading to outside staircase. Private parking. Unenclosed grounds of 400m². Small lake of approx. 500m² available. Cot and high chair available on request. Housekeeping package available. Sheets and towels for hire.

T2 apartment (completely redone) located on the ground floor of a residential house with independent entrance in a very quiet village. The hamlet is approximately 10 minutes from Montluçon, Chambon sur Voueize and Evaux-les-Bains. Departure from several hiking trails nearby and access to very beautiful viewpoints.

A few steps from the village of Budelière, Valérie welcomes you to her comfortable, tastefully renovated house. This 3* gîte sleeps 5, and is accessed via a balcony on the 1st floor. You'll find a lovely living room with lounge and dining area, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen (washing machine - dishwasher - 4-burner gas stove - coffee maker - kettle - toaster - microwave) with plenty of natural light and access to the enclosed garden to the rear. The 2nd floor features 3 bedrooms: 2 with double beds (140cm) and 1 with a single bed (90cm), plus a shower room and WC. For family or friends, there's plenty to keep you entertained with a ping-pong table, board games, 4 bicycles and fishing rods. Central heating - Pets welcome Weekly rate: 280 euros As an option, we offer bed linen rental for

House in a quiet hamlet at 2 km of Evaux les Bains. Semi detached house on 2 storeys. ground floor : dining room with kitchen (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave), sitting room (TV), shower room and WC. 1st floor : 2 bedrooms (1 bed 55" and 1 bed 35"). Central heating. Non enclosed exterior area with garden furniture. Holiday renting suit to the children. Visit of the farm.

We welcome you and wish you a pleasant stay in our small chalet for 2 people, located on an enclosed and private site. You will find everything you need to spend 1 night or more in our beautiful region. The chalet is equipped with a functional kitchen (electric stove with ceramic hob, oven, fridge with freezer compartment, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, electric coffee maker, Senséo coffee maker, toaster, kettle, etc.). .) The bedroom has a 140x190 bed, the bed will be made upon arrival. Chest of drawers, carrying with hangers and valet. A bathroom with a large shower, shower seat, hairdryer and towel dryer. The toilets are independent. Free WiFi, plancha, sunbathing, garden furniture and parasol ... On the outskirts of a small village with the necessary amenities ... bakery, grocery store, hairdresser, village inn and post office, we welcome you all year.

*** Studio located 50m from the thermal center . accepted animals