What if for your holidays, you opted for a historical stay? Discover the treasures of France's heritage, in the heart of a city renowned for its dynamism, the beauty of its buildings and its countryside? Head for Moulins, in the Allier department.
Prefecture of the Allier and capital of the Bourbonnais, the former duchy of the famous and powerful Bourbon family, Moulins is a thousand-year-old town steeped in history, which tells its legends through its old stones. In the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the city of Moulins seems to be frozen in time, so well preserved is the legacy of the Bourbons' glory. Lovers of culture and beautiful architectural heritage can enjoy quiet strolls in the city centre, discovering the buildings that have made the reputation of Moulins beyond the borders of its department. Moulins is situated on the Allier River, which flows through the town from north to south. It takes its name from the many mills that were once established along the river. Its city centre is dominated by the tall bell towers of the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation and the Sacré-Coeur: located on the Place de l'Allier, the Sacré-Coeur is the first church in France dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose construction was completed in 1870. Considered by some to be a masterpiece of neo-gothic art, this imposing building can be seen from all over the city thanks to its two high spires that reach 74 meters high. Located on the Place des Vosges, Moulins Cathedral is built in the flamboyant neo-Gothic style of the 15th century, in yellow-orange sandstone. Its black Volvic stones, its two high spires which line up with those of the Sacré-Coeur, but also its magnificent triptych make it one of the most visited monuments in Moulins. Classified as a Town of Art and History, the town of Moulins boasts an absolutely splendid heritage. Our advice? Take the time to lose yourself in the old streets, particularly in the rue de l'Ancien-Palais and the Place du Jacquemart. What to see? The clock tower known as "Jacquemart", known for the tinkling of its bells, but also the Mal-Coiffée Tower, a vestige of the former medieval castle of the Dukes of Bourbon, the Nomazy Castle, or the Place de l'Allier. Formerly a large market square, it is surrounded by many magnificent buildings, such as the Beaux-Arts style Nouvelles Galeries (recognizable by their sublime mosaics), the Baltard-style market, and the Grand Café, considered to be one of the most beautiful brasseries in the country, having welcomed Georges Simenon and Coco Chanel. The Place de Lattre-de-Tassigny and the Place de la Liberté are worth a visit, as are the Palais de Justice and its trompe-l'œil ceilings, the Porte de Paris, the 15th and 16th century half-timbered houses in the medieval quarter, and the Maison Mantin, the former Bernardines de Moulins convent, the Hôtel de Morel, the Montlaur and Rochefort hotels (Cours Jean-Jaurès and Cours Anatole-France), the Pont Régemortes and the Pont de Fer will complete the list of sites to visit in Moulins.
If Moulins is so appreciated, it is also for its dynamism. You will find several museums, but also a lot of marked trails for hikers and mountain bikers, and you can even embark on the Allier for a trip in a canoe, kayak or paddle on one of the last wild rivers of Europe. Swimming and spa sessions, horse racing at the racecourse and other gourmet interludes (tasting of pompe aux grattons, pompe à la tartouffe, Charolais beef, cheeses and regional wines) will complete this stay in Moulins!
