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Allier walks
The Pisserote Waterfall
This hike will allow you to discover the Cascade de la Pisserote waterfall on the Barbenan.
Bouble Gorges in Chantelle
A short 8-shaped walk at the foot of Saint-Vincent de Chantelle Abbey.
Pierre Châtel - Allée des Sorcières
This short hike takes you past two remarkable sites: the Pierre Châtel with a beautiful view from its summit and the mysterious "Allée des Sorcières" (Witches' Alley) with its twisted beech trees.
The Queen of the Waters
I suggest a short urban hike to discover Vichy, nicknamed "the Queen of Waters". This circuit takes you through the emblematic streets of Napoleon III's beloved city, lined with beautiful houses of eclectic architecture, as well as the shopping streets of the modern city and the parks along the Allier River. You can quench your thirst at the famous Source des Célestins.
Peat bog on the Verrerie plateau
This walk takes us through woods to the Verrerie plateau and its peat bog.
The wind turbines around Saint-Nicolas-des-leat
This hike takes us on a journey between modernity (the wind turbines) and the past (the old glassmakers' village, the Château des Hormières) and offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
The Saint-Vincent Rock
Winding its way between forests and pastures, this walk leads to the foot of Rocher Saint-Vincent, the protective power of Lavoine and the Sichon valley.
Le Puy Saint-Ambroise
Le Puy Saint-Ambroise overlooks the plateaus of the Sologne Bourbonnaise. At an average altitude of 436 metres, it offers a vast panorama, to the north over the Morvan, to the south-east over the Monts du Lyonnais, and to the south-west over the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.
Tour of the Saint-Bonnet and Morat ponds
In the heart of the Tronçais Forest, a family walk along the ponds, navigating among the oak trees of the Colbert reserve.
Around Molles
Hike route starting from Molles, a village at the foot of the Bourbonnais mountains, 17km east of Vichy.
The Jolan route
This hike starts in Nizerolles, a small village at the foot of the Monts de la Madeleine. It takes you across the River Jolan three times and partly follows the Tacot de la Montagne Bourbonnaise platform, the former departmental railway line that linked Vichy and Laprugne until 1949.
Les Chataîgniers
A lovely little hike with beautiful views of the Cher, starting from Saint-Genest south of Montluçon.
From Pierre Châtel to the Druidic Stone
This hike takes us through the woods of Pierre Châtel (Saint-Nicolas-des-leat) to the Druidic Stone (Loge des Gardes). The return journey takes us through isolated hamlets and farms.
Along the Bartillatte
This is a lovely, short and easy walk that will delight all lovers of unspoilt landscapes. In the heart of the Bourbonnais countryside, you will enjoy the small shaded paths winding along the streams.
The Gourcet and Sichon valleys
Hike not far from Vichy in the rolling countryside bordering the Sichon Valley, in the foothills of the Livradois-Forez Massif.
Tour of the Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais pond in the heart of the Tronçais Forest
A short family walk around the Étang de Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais pond in the heart of France's most beautiful oak forest, renowned among other things for its oak wood, which is highly sought after for the manufacture of barrels for the great vineyards. You will discover magnificent oak trees with perfectly straight trunks.
From Bois de la Brosse to Bois de Languistre
Near Montluçon, this walk will allow you to discover one of the heritage sites of Lavault-Sainte-Anne: close to the route lies a former hospital (La Charité), which was bequeathed by Viscount Pailloux to the town at the start of the 20th century (for further information, see the town hall’s website).This walk is easy to follow as there is very little elevation gain, and it can be enjoyed in any season.
The Allier between Saint-Yorre and Abrest
A lovely walk in any season in fine weather, whether on your own or with the family. You can explore the banks of the River Allier and its magnificent waterholes. The route is largely shaded during the summer months. You can also listen to the song of a wide variety of birds.
This route is similar to the “Circular Source Trail” listed by Vichy Community: a fully developed route with rest and picnic areas.
Important: Since 1 June 2026, (6) the footbridge running alongside the tracks on the railway bridge at Abrest has been closed to all traffic. This closure is for an indefinite period.
Coupe-Gorge and Fonds de Fer route
A lovely walk for those who enjoy combining walking with nature observation. Starting from Saint-Yorre, walk through the pleasant undergrowth following the course of the Andraux stream, then around the Coupe-Gorge and Fonts de Fer stream basins. Open views over the Monts Dômes, the Vichy plain and the Vernet hill.
The tour of Lake Saint-Clément
Since spring 2021, a path has been created around this artificial lake in the Bourbonnais mountains. This is a short, easy route on a very well-maintained path.
Around Hérisson via the church of Chateloy
A short route starting in the pretty village of Hérisson at the foot of its castle ruins.
Le Gourcet stream route
A very pleasant route in all seasons. You will walk through wooded areas at the bottom of the valley, accompanied by the sound of the babbling brook, but also through open areas offering views of the Monts Dômes to the west and the Montagne Bourbonnaise to the east.
The passages near the monument to the 11 Martyrs of Goutte Grandval and the Château de Busset give this route a historical appeal.
The Briailles Hill
A family hike that passes through the vineyards of Saint-Pourçain.
Puy du Roc route
Route from Puy du Roc starting from Chatel-Montagne in the Bourbonnais mountains.
Ponds and cauldrons in Saint-Genest
This hike has few tarmac roads and takes you through the bocage landscape of the Combraille Bourbonnaise, dotted with ponds and passing close to old charcoal kilns, the only remains of a camp for Spanish refugees arrested during the Second World War.
Route from Châteauroux to Isserpent
Route starting from Isserpent, a small village at the foot of the Bourbonnais mountains, 15 km east of Vichy.
An easy hike through the Bourbonnais countryside.
Moulin Parraut
A very pleasant hike through countryside and forest between Charroux and the banks of the Sioule, with superb views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Bourbonnais mountains on a clear day.
Circular Hérisson via La Maugarnie
This route will take you from the heights of the Croix de l'Ours to the Soulongis National Forest. Views overlooking the medieval village of Hérisson and numerous heritage sites punctuate this route.
Passing by Paulo's
This short hike will take you from the Quinssaines plateau to the village of Font Claude. Magnificent views of the towns of Montluçon, Huriel and Domérat. On the way back to the starting point, you will pass one of the last working vineyards in the region at Peuroir.
Le Bois Coutayon
The walk takes you to Bois Coutayon on the border between the municipalities of Vendat and Saint-Pont. In the wild boar park, with a little luck and patience, you may spot wild boars and piglets or deer and fawns!
The Ricros tour
This route is particularly well suited to Nordic walking. The asphalt sections are kept to a minimum and the quality of the surface on the tracks allows for movements that make the exercise very interesting. In addition, this hike is suitable in all seasons. The route is of course also suitable for classic hiking.
Left bank of the Allier in the Saint-Priest-Bramefant plain
A very pleasant walk to do alone or with the family. If you enjoy observing nature and listening to its calm, you will be in your element. You will walk at varying distances from the course of the River Allier and its former meander, skirting a magnificent stretch of water with a variety of flora and fauna. Part of the route runs through cultivated land. There is no tarmac except for a few metres at the finish.
From the Roman bridge at Courtioux to the wind turbines at Savernat
A hike along the paths, but also through the history of human achievements. From the Roman bridge at Courtioux to the wind turbines at Savernat, you will travel through nine centuries. You can also admire two sunken lanes characteristic of the Bourbonnais bocage. If you are observant, you will see the tracks of our ancestors' iron-wheeled carts and wagons engraved in the granite of the lane leading down from La Chaux. Another return to our heritage.
La Verrerie-Le plateau
A short route for a first taste of the Verrerie plateau on snowshoes.
Route Ramille in Arfeuilles
A pleasant walk starting from Arfeuilles, with plenty of woodland, crossing the Barbenan, and lovely views of the surrounding area.
Sainte-Foy, Saint-Michel Chapel in Ébreuil
This short walk starting from Ébreuil offers panoramic views of the Sioule valley.
At the (2), the narrow path leading up to Sainte-Foy is not regularly maintained. The grass may be a little overgrown.
In memory of Nicolas Rambourg
This beautiful walk will take you back to the rich industrial past of the Tronçais Forest. You will visit the forges at Morat and Tronçais, built by the Lorraine industrialist Nicolas Rambourg, and the four ponds (Saint-Bonnet, Morat, Tronçais, Saloup) that he created to power them. An industrial nod in the heart of France’s most beautiful oak forest.
On the heights of Désertines
A walk through the hills above the Montluçon basin to admire the view. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Biache district and see the oldest houses in the village.
The sheep of Bramefaim
A walk perfectly suited to Nordic walking, along the beautiful paths of the Coursages communal lands. Certain landscapes—vast pastures bordered by fir trees, a shepherd, his sheep and his dogs (yes, really)—inevitably bring to mind a painting from the Barbizon School.
The Wall Trail
A pleasant, challenging walk offering panoramic views of the Sioule Gorges.
Yellow markings.
GPS recommended. Not recommended for families with young children (see practical information).
Bizin Wood
A pleasant little walk through meadows and woods with, on a clear day, a view of the volcanic range.
The Saint-Martinien region
A bucolic walk: little streams, sunken paths, meadows and copses, typical of the Bourbonnais countryside
This route is suitable for mountain biking, but features a very technical descent from the (11).
Paths and trails in the Tronçais Forest at Meaulne-Vitray
This walk in the Tronçais Forest alternates between wide forest tracks and slightly grassy but well-cleared paths. You will pass the Begault logging site and observe the various stages of forestry operations.
From La Bartillatte to the church at Quinsaines
A hike over hill and dale that takes you from the Bartillatte valley and its famous Roman bridge to the distinctive church of Quinssaines, perched on its rock.
This route is suitable for mountain bikes.
It can easily be shortened (see map and practical information).
The wine-growing villages of the Huriel region
A nostalgic walk: you’ll explore a whole chapter of local history, with old vineyards and wine-growing villages dotted along the route.
Suitable for mountain biking, with a very technical section between (2) and (3).
De croix en châteaux, sur les pas des Templiers
En partant de l'église templière de Lamaids, vous randonnerez entre Combraille bourbonnaise et Combraille creusoise. Le circuit est jalonné de châteaux, (le Fressineau, Bellefaye), de croix, de chapelles et d'églises , rappelant l'emprise des moines soldats, dans le pays.
Les Pics in the commune of Urçay
This walk offers panoramic views of the Cher Valley and the partially filled-in Berry Canal. Start from the car park at Urçay church.The route is partially marked with yellow lines.
The two forests of Fleuriel
Walk around Fleuriel. A bit of tarmac but on a quiet road, a bit of woodland, a bit of meadow. A varied landscape for a walk during which you can bring a picnic.
Strolling and museums in Moulins
On the agenda for a busy day: a visit to the unmissable National Centre for Stage Costumes, which alone is worth a detour to Moulins; you'll still have time to cross the Allier to stroll through the shopping streets and the historic district, perhaps visiting one or two other museums.The time indicated for this trip does not, of course, take into account visits to the various museums.
André Monnot Trail and Vichy parks
A hike dedicated to water. Flowing water, Ruisseau des Andraux, Allier. Water to drink, Saint-Yorre bottling plant, Source des Célestins. Water with healing properties, Hall des Sources and Grand Établissement Thermal de Vichy. And, depending on the weather, perhaps water falling from the sky?This hike can also be done as a round trip, difficulty: difficult (24 km).
More walks in Allier
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