Allier: what to see and do
22 sites listed in the département. In the heart of the Bourbonnais, the Allier combines Belle Époque spa towns such as Vichy with green bocage dotted with châteaux and characterful villages. Crossed by the river of the same name, this Auvergne département charms with its gentle way of life and eclectic architecture.
Le Pal
Over 23 shaded hectares, this park offers 25 thrilling attractions (from the Grand-Huit rollercoaster to the Canadian River via the Azteka mine train), a park of 500 animals from around the world in semi-freedom and 3 animal shows (parrots, sea lions, birds of prey).
Cascade de la Pisserotte
This circuit lets you discover the very pretty and picturesque Barbenan valley. Wide and imposing upstream of Arfeuilles, it is impetuous in the gorges below the Mas mill, where giant's kettles and waterfalls follow one after another.
La Chênaie Colbert
In the north-west of the Allier département, where the Berry meets the Bourbonnais, stretch the 11,000 hectares of the Tronçais forest, hailed as the most beautiful oak grove in Europe.
Vichy
Queen of spa towns, Vichy unfolds along the Allier an exceptional Belle Époque heritage — Parc des Sources, thermal baths and villas — which earned it UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2021.
Arboretum de Balaine
Centre national du costume de scène
Charroux
A bastion of the Bourbonnais, the town was once protected by a double rampart. The outer wall has disappeared; of the inner wall only the Porte de l'Horloge, the Porte d'Orient, two towers and sixty metres of wall remain.
Château d'Hérisson
Château de Billy
Château de Bourbon-l'Archambault
The medieval fortress represents one of the most imposing ruins of the feudal era.
Château de Busset
Château de La Palice
Château de Montgilbert
Château de Thoury
Château de Veauce
Château des ducs de Bourbon
Musée de l'Opéra de Vichy
Musée des Musiques Populaires
Paléopolis
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Moulins
Forêt de Tronçais
