Cradle of the Dukes of Bourbon, the Allier is THE perfect destination for those who love history, nature and culture. Between gastronomic interludes and hikes to discover small winding roads where old stones and abundant vegetation content the local history, the Allier is a real enchantment for stays that change. Let's go !
Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Allier corresponds to what was once the ancient province of Bourbonnais. Between the Auvergne volcanoes and the Loire Valley, the Allier is renowned for its exceptional historical heritage, as well as for the beauty and uniqueness of its beautifully preserved landscapes. Much appreciated by tourists in search of nature, but also of rest and cultural interludes, the Allier has three renowned spa towns: Bourbon-l'Archambault (elected "Petite Cité de Caractère"), Néris-les-Bains and Vichy, a spa town par excellence which welcomes throughout the year many people who come to enjoy the benefits of its waters and its treatments. Its parks, its Art Nouveau style casino theater, its banks of the Allier where it is good to walk and its many restaurants make it a must-see!
A destination of excellence for those who dream of family vacations, the Allier has a multitude of parks and leisure centers for young and old alike! The star of the department is undoubtedly Le PAL: in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre, Le PAL is a unique amusement park, combining thrilling activities and the discovery of more than 700 animals from all over the world. Paleopolis, the theme park dedicated to paleontology will be perfect for budding scientists, while the Natural Wake Park on the Villemouze lake will satisfy sports enthusiasts with a wide range of activities: knee-boarding, ski-lift, water-skiing, wakeboarding, seated wake... Enjoy also gourmet bike escapades in the heart of the Saint-Pourçain vineyard, outings on the Bourbonnais velorails, visits of classified towns like Charroux elected to the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", or cultural breaks on the side of the National Center of the Stage Costume of Moulins! Land of castles, the Allier is also studded with old keeps, gentleman's houses, medieval fortresses and splendid castles. On the list of must-see castles, the Château de la Palice, the Château des Ducs de Bourbon, the magnificent Fortress of Billy, the Château de Bourbon-l'Archambault, the Fortress of Hérisson and many others open their doors to offer you a plunge into History, with a capital H! Hiking through the Cher Valley and the Bourbonnaise Mountain, mountain biking in the Allier Gorges or in Montluçon, canoeing or kayaking down the Sioule, Cher and Allier rivers, tree climbing, fishing and other adrenaline activities will satisfy the whole family.
