Discover the charm of Garnat-sur-engievre in Auvergne

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.

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!

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.

This loop drives you along the small roads of the Sologne bourbonnaise area to discover its many ponds and its beautiful castles and mansions. This 30km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. From Chevagnes, a village that preserves remarkable half-timbered and brick houses typical of the region, take the road that leads you to the nearby village of Thiel-sur-Acolin where you can admire the beautiful ""Château de la Fin"". This castle with two-tone bricks typical of Sologne bourbonnaise was the cradle of a chivalrous family until the 18th century. Then head to the village of Lusigny and follow the Château de Fougis and the Château d'Orvalet. Continue towards the village of Lusigny and the Farm pond. Take advantage of this bucolic setting to stroll around the pond, discover the pleasures of fishing or picnic. On the way back, take the time to admire the beautiful Mimorin house.

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.

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.

This circuit forms a loop of 67 kilometers allowing to discover in a peaceful and bucolic atmosphere a heritage built around 7 castles.

This loop drives you in the Sologne Bourbonnaise roads and reaches the village of Lusigny and its Farm pond, where you can spend good time with your family. This 6,96km long loop is recommanded for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Lusigny, follow the pretty little road that leads into Lusigny crountyside. Ride along the typical Sologne Bourbonnaise ponds and cross one of its rivers, under the tributary of the Loire, the Huzarde. Ride at your own pace to the Mimorin House, a beautiful half-timbered house and two-tone bricks that are characteristic of the region. Then rejoin the village of Lusigny and stop at the pond of the Farm. Take a moment to enjoy the place arranged and maintained in order to make you spend good moments with your familly : take a walk around the lake, discover the pleasure of fishing or take a sit on one of the picnic tables to eat while enjoying the rural 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.

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.

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

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.

Friendly place to go water-skiing. All levels. New in 2022 : aquapark with pedal boat rental and paddle 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!

Comfortable and spacious cottage settled in an old farm building, close to an old mill. Nearby : a pond (possibility of fishing), waterfall.

Comfortable and spacious cottage settled in an old farm building, close to an old mill. Nearby : a pond (possibility of fishing), waterfall.

Friendly place to go water-skiing. All levels. New in 2022 : aquapark with pedal boat rental and paddle 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!

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 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Isolated little chapel from the 20th century.

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.

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.

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

In a vintage room, enjoy this bar at the foot of the castle. It proposes snacking.

In front of the castle, have a snack break ou feast with our local products. Reservation advised. Theme evenings.

Homemade cakes. Pastry, bar and tea room. Leisure workshops each month on homemade and zero waste. Free knitting and tea meetings each Thursday afternoon.

Situated on a rest area in the nice, warm and relaxing surroudings of a landscape garden and a pond.

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.

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.

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.

Independant house situated in a quiet hamlet. View on Montagne Bourbonnaise. Rolling region perfect for hiking and cycling.

Town cottage at the first floor of the village hall.

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