Looking for a Walking around Montluçon? Here some ideas!
Noyant d’Allier
A 10km round trip in electrically-assisted velorails takes you through the calm of an imposing landscape as you pass the viaduct overlooking the Messarges pond. Along the way, you’ll discover nature, geology and the remains of the old railway line that was once used to transport people and coal from the famous local quarries.
Come and discover the Mine Museum and immerse yourself in the world of the miners with their tools and machines. The concrete headframe and mining buildings are a reminder of the existence of coal resources in Noyant-d’Allier. The Mine Museum retraces the history of coal mining.
La Pagode Noyant d’Allier
Since 1955, an Asian community has replaced the miners of Noyant and built a pagoda and statues (in 1983) to celebrate the cult of Buddha.
As you continue your stroll through the corons, you’ll discover the small miners’ houses with gardens that are characteristic of this area. The streets are now named after flowers, and lead you to the Pagoda, erected in 1983 by the Buddhist community for worship. A magnificent giant Buddha watches the sun set and welcomes visitors with a harmonious tinkle of bells.
Statues lead the way on either side of the garden paths. You can visit the interior of the richly decorated temple if you leave your shoes at the entrance: volunteers will accompany you as you explore the cult. Magnificent orchids adorn the grounds. You’ll hear the gong that punctuates the day as prayers are said.
Practical informations :
Vélorail : Rue de la Gare, 03210 NOYANT-D’ALLIER
https://www.ecoloisirs.fr/nos-sites/velorail-electrique-du-bourbonnais – 06 82 71 42 65
The gardens will be open every afternoon from 2pm to 6.55pm from 1 March to 31 October inclusive. However, they may be closed due to adverse weather conditions.
Please note that the interior of the Pagoda, the altar and the great hall, will only be open from 5 April to 24 September from 3pm to 6.50pm (Wednesdays to Sundays only – closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
https://www.pagodenoyantdallier.fr/ – 04 70 47 29 37
Mine Museum : Les Amis de la Mine – 31 rue de la Mine – 03210 NOYANT-D’ALLIER
http://www.mine-noyant.fr/ – 07 68 59 46 95
Walking in and around Montluçon
Pedestrian walkway Néris-Les-Bains
To continue walking around Montluçon, this greenway follows the old Montluçon – Néris-Les-Bains railway line and crosses three viaducts: the Sainte-Agathe viaduct, the Pérassier viaduct and the Néris viaduct. There are superb views from the top of these structures.
The stabilised sand surface is smooth enough for good cycling (VTC preferred). Be careful, though, as the route climbs gently and steadily in the direction from Montluçon to Néris.
Discover Néris-Les-Bains, with its thermal baths, Roman arena and casino. Built on the site of the ancient thermal baths, the current thermal baths date from the 19th century. They welcome spa visitors in a majestic building that was completely modernised in the early 2000s.
Canal du Berry
A pleasant 51 km linear route, between the towpaths of the Canal de Berry and charming Berrichon villages.
A natural destination to explore on foot or by bike, it’s the ideal place to recharge your batteries, observe the flora and fauna and visit the many engineering structures: locks, lock houses, the Chantemerle and Tranchasse canal bridges, the Davoue and Marigny drawbridges. You can also hire electric boats for a trip on the canal, or visit the museum dedicated to the history of the canal.
Practical informations:
Le Musée du Canal du Berry – Lieu-dit Magnette – 03190 AUDES
http://www.museecanaldeberry.fr/ – 04 70 06 63 72
Promenades fluviales sur le Canal du Berry – Allée des Soupirs – 03190 VALLON-EN-SULLY
06 45 55 64 26
Ainay Le Château et Hérisson
Villages de caractères du bocage bourbonnais, laissez-vous charmer par ces vestiges médiévaux qui trônent fièrement au milieu de la campagne.
Ainay Le Château
Although the castle has now disappeared, the towers still dominate the medieval village, which is surrounded by recently restored ramparts. The tour takes you through the old streets. Discover the old restored houses and the 12th-century clock gate.
Founded in the 5th century and made a castellany in the 12th, the town of Hérisson grew up at the foot of its fortress. Surrounded by a wall flanked by twenty-two towers, it nestles in a loop of the River Aumance. The bed of the river is said to have been diverted to form an additional natural obstacle to protect the town!
Informations pratiques :
03190 HÉRISSON
https://www.paysdetroncais.fr/les-cites-medievales/ – 04 70 06 82 23
The Tronçais forest: A forest of exception!
Recognised as a Forêt d’Exception® and a living witness to French forestry excellence, Tronçais is known worldwide for the quality of its wood, which is used to make the barrels that will sublimate the greatest wines and spirits. The label highlights the excellence of forest management. It also distinguishes the preserved environmental heritage, the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage, the reception of the public and the animation of this unique space.
With their unusual dimensions, singular history or strange shape, the remarkable oaks of Tronçais are venerable monuments of nature. Discover the Square Oak, the Stebbing, the Pillar, etc…
Colbert II forest
Located in Saint-Bonnet Tronçais, the Futaie Colbert II is home to two centuries old oaks, which are among the most beautiful in the Forêt de Tronçais.
It is in this exceptional setting that several fun and educational facilities await you. Starting from the Rond de Richebourg, a walk of about 1 hour (1 km) allows you to understand in turn the soil, the forestry, the quality of the Tronçais woods and the making of the barrels or how to create the exceptional alchemy between the Tronçais woods and the greatest spirits.
The bellowing of the stag
Mysterious and impressive, an enigmatic rattle resounds in the forest between September and October: the stag’s bellow. This is the mating season for this species, which is a must in the Tronçais forest. To witness this unusual scene in the best conditions, an observatory, accessible from the Rond de Vitray, is set up. This unique spectacle requires the utmost discretion, as the preservation of the species depends on it. It is therefore recommended to follow the instructions of the ONF with the utmost rigour.
Fountains and Legends
Where there is a forest, there is a legend! There are around forty fountains in the forest. Their mere presence or their strange names have always generated legends, beliefs or cults. They contribute to the mysterious atmosphere of Tronçais.
One cures leprosy and skin diseases, the other announces a fruitful agricultural year. The Font Brigadier makes people fall in love and the Font Viljot predicts marriages… Whatever their mysterious powers, they enhance many walks in the Forêt de Tronçais.
Practical information :
About 40 minutes from the hotel.
Find all the hikes on the Allier Auvergne Tourisme website.
A folder containing the 25 sheets in paper form is also available for 5€ (on sale directly at the Coeur de France Valley Tourist Office).
Étang des Landes
In the commune of Lussat (Creuse), the Etang des Landes Nature Reserve boasts 950 animal species and 480 plant species. The Maison de la Réserve, observatories and footpaths have been set up to help visitors get up close and personal. Ponds, an apiary and an educational orchard have also been created. So many opportunities to get closer to nature, while respecting the local environment.
Practical information
Étang des Landes Nature Reserve – 23170 LUSSAT
