The 14 things to do in the Allier

The Allier is full of activities! So let’s go to this French department to discover the 14 essential things to do in the Allier.

L’Allier is located in the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and is the city of Moulins. The department corresponds to the Duchy of Bourbon, the former province of the kingdom of France. There, the Bourbon House gives its letters of nobility to this place, which will become the Allier after the Revolution. No more history classes, and let’s go to the Allier’s visit!

Already, thanks to its diverse geography, the Allier is an ideal place for hiking or outdoor sports. Also, thanks to its two rivers (Allier and Sioule), swimming and nautical activities are added to the list.

Finally, the Allier has charming towns and beautiful villages that are sometimes classified, which testify to a rich historical and cultural heritage. So, seduced? We detail this in our guide to all the must-have to do in the Allier!

1. The Pal

This zoological park, also become amusement park, is a must-see step in the Allier. Located in the commune of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbe, Le Pal has more than thirty attractions, including four Russian mountains, and six water rides. For the greatest pleasure of the 640 000 visitors per year! In addition to strong sensations, you can approach animals from the zoo.

Indeed, Le Pal has many species, sometimes rare or threatened. Thus, you can greet the elephants of Asia, the roux pandas, but also the giraffes, crocodiles and some tigers, to mention only them... Don’t forget to attend shows, and to feed animals!

2. Tronçais Forest

This forest is one of the most beautiful in Europe! Indeed, the Tronçais is renowned for its futaie of great ancient oaks, also known as “futaie Colbert” with reference to the former minister of Louis XIV . For the anecdote, the latter was at the origin of its development in 1670.

Then sock your sneakers, and it’s gone to discover the incredible fauna and flora of the area. There, during your hike, you may have the chance to discover sources (the “fonts”), and some ponds. Or even forest art, with sculptures of oak trunks. And if you're even more fortunate.ses, you can even see beautiful deer!

3. Moulins

Go to the side of Moulins, splendid capital of the Dukes of Bourbon, and visit its little corners! This city to visit in the Allier is full of cultural, artistic and architectural riches. First, visit its famous National Centre of the Scene Costume, the first institution dedicated to theatrical material heritage. There you can admire more than 10,000 scene costumes and other treasures.

You can also discover an exhibition in progress in a space of 1,500 square meters. After your escape to the CNCS, walk in Moulins and lose yourself in the middle of the old houses. Take a look at the chapel of the Visitation, or at the Mantin House.

4. The Guards Lodge

If you run out of trouble and enjoy various outdoor activities, then head to the Guards Lodge. This leisure park is a must-see in the Allier! Indeed, thanks to its mountain bikes, quads, rollers, but also its zip lines, and its summer sledging descents, the sensations are at the rendezvous.

In addition, if you spend time around the corner, don’t hesitate to test the Mountainboard, a surf on the ground, and the bob-tubby, a buoy that will make you devalue the grass slopes. Also, the Lodge des Gardes is a ski resort in winter, especially for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

5. Paleopolis

Paleontology enthusiasts will be served! Go to this park that will allow you to be incollable on the dinosaurs and other missing giants. Beyond that, Paleopolis gathers exhibitions, fun workshops, films and several media to facilitate the transmission of this scientific culture.

This park to be discovered in the Allier will necessarily appeal to children, not forgetting adults! Because few are the ones and those who didn't interest one day in this era... So, ready for a trip in time?

6. MuPop

Do you know the Museum of Popular Music? Well, this is the opportunity to discover it! This property is located in former Montluçon hotels, and is a work by architect Philippe Tixier. Nothing but her beautiful exterior is worth a look!

When you enter the MuPop, prepare to discover a parallel universe. Indeed, you will be immersed in the history of popular music through an effective alliance between traditional and interactive paths.

7. Vichy

“Reine des villes d’eaux”, Vichy, it’s THE city to visit in the Allier. All the pleasures of life are gathered in a single city. Indeed, in Vichy, you can admire an important historical heritage, enjoy the thermal baths, stroll through the many green spaces and taste quality dishes.

In addition, Vichy even received some compliments from Madame de Sévigné, before becoming the city of curists par excellence. So if “well-being” is your motto for your next holiday in Allier, Vichy will therefore be the mandatory step. Do you like to taste the specialties of a city? Then there are a few: the carrots, the vichyss soup with Vichy water, and the famous pellets.

8. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting in rivers

Go to the heart of the Sioule Gorges. The latter extend from Ébreuil to Queuille, in the neighbouring department of Puy de Dôme. First, choose your boat. Then paddle alone, in duo, or in a group to discover this classified site, ideal for descents.

You can taste the meanders and other rapids, while having a breathtaking view of the place. Test the Allier too! There are several routes and bases on this river for all levels, and all types of boats. And what better than discovering the natural riches of a department by navigating on its waters?

9. Welcome to the farm

The title of this initiative is particularly explicit! Several educational farms open to visitors to the Allier to make known the terroir and local products. So spend time in one of the farms participating in the project, and discover how the owners take care of their animals and prepare the products.

At the Farjaud Farm, for example, you can enjoy a farm burger (“the fermidable”). As for the Old Logis, you will discover the manufacture of pasta, tarrine and cheese. Finally, the Welcome to the Farm initiative focuses on raising awareness of local consumption while offering a fun discovery of agriculture. Who knows, maybe you'll leave with some family and secret recipes...

10. Charoux

If you visit the Allier, go to the discovery of this fortified village. Located 30 kilometers from Vichy, it is in the heart of Bourbonnais. It is also part of the most beautiful villages in the Hexagon! First of all, you will be able to observe its pretty houses with doves, as well as a beautiful church of the 12th century.

But your unmistakable meeting point in this city to be made in the Allier is his Bastion of Bourbonnais! On this small square you will see the belfry (also named the Porte de l’Horloge). For more information, spend an hour in the city museum...

Finally, after the historic stage, you can enjoy the famous Charroux Mustard! A must-see in the Allier.

11. Equi’Sioule

Thanks to its diversified but accessible terrain, Equestrian walks are a must-see in the Allier. There are several riding centers throughout the department. However, we recommend that you test the walk in the Sioule Valley. There, with your guide, you can take a famous equestrian route of 240 kilometers, named “Equi’Sioule”.

The latter crosses the different landscapes characteristic of the Allier: rivers, forests, vineyards... You'll take a full view of it! Also, you can stop and restore yourself in one of the relays on your journey. Whether you're a beginner or a confirmed ride, this walk will necessarily rim with discovery and pleasure.

12. Street Art City

Do you like street art? In the Allier, they even made an entire city! Then direction Lurcy-Lévis to discover Street Art City. This third-place gathers gigantic murals, but also engaged works, micro-galerie and temporary exhibitions.

Also, Street Art City invites street artists from all backgrounds in residence so that they and them experience their art in this area. The flagship work? Hotel 128! “A hotel where you don’t sleep” we are told, but a building where you experience street art in what it has more essential.

No doubt here, street art lovers, creatives and curious people will be filled with this incredible experience in the Allier.

13. The castles

With its history, the castles are of course a must to visit in the Allier. So you will have the embarrassment of choice! Indeed, wherever you are in the department, there is always a medieval castle or building nearby.

But among the most emblematic, you can visit the Tour Qui Qu en Grogne at Bourbon-l’Archambault, whose name should already appeal to your curiosity. If you're on Meillard's side, take a look at the Aix Castle. This building with classic and Gothic style crossed the times with more or less ease. Finally, the Château d’Avrilly, located in Trevol, is also worth a look. There, don’t hesitate to explore its vast domain!

14. Bourbon l’Archambault

Another village to visit in the Allier! The little more Bourbon l’Archambault? His incredible thermal baths, renowned since the Roman era. Thus, you can stroll around this traditional and bucolic village in the well-established royal history.

And after the effort, comfort in one of the spa resorts, all renowned for their architecture. Once relaxed, you can go to your activities: enjoy local Bourbon products, visit the village castle, discover the Augustin Bernard Museum, or go play the casino.

How to get to the Allier?

By car

Several solutions exist if you go to the Allier. From Paris , you can borrow the A71 (precede of the A10 ), l A77 or the A6 . The journey will last about 4 hours. From Lyon , we must borrow the A89 then National 7, for about 2 hours. Finally, starting from Marseille , A7 will take you to the Allier for about 5 hours.

By train

Vichy Station is the Allier Main Station. From Paris, just jump into an Intercity for about 3 hours. Also, to reach Moulins from the capital, you must count 2h25 with a direct train from Bercy. Finally, Montluçon has a station served by several regional trains.

By plane

There are only aerodromes in the Allier. However, you can land from your departure destination to the airport of Lyon or Clermont-Ferrand. These are the cities with a nearest airport. Then take a train, or rent a car to reach the Allier.

In order to find the best offer, we recommend using a flight comparison as Skyscanner .

Where to stay in the Allier?

As far as your cozy bed is concerned, you will have the choice between several options to accommodate you if you go to the Allier. The department is not particularly extensive, which will facilitate your research.

If you prefer to stay close to the cities, in order to find all the amenities, then we recommend you look at the side of Vichy or Montluçon. Over there, you can find a charming Airbnb , a lodging or a hotel. Also, if you prefer a unique experience in a traditional setting, we advise you to stay on the side of Moulins, the capital of Allier.

Finally, you can also find lodgings, and other types of accommodation in the countryside, next to the rivers of Allier and Sioule: Châtel-de-Neuvre, Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule... To name only them! And if you want to play originality, you can also find accommodation in the very heart of one of the Allier vineyards.

Use of a hotel comparison is strongly advised to find the solution that best suits you.

Above all to discover this charming department of our beautiful country!