Bourges
Bourges, the capital of the department of Cher, has an impressive cathedral, with unique stained glass windows which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the spring and summer two great events in the heart of Bourges are held, “Printemps de Bourges” and the illuminated nights called “Nuits Lumière”. A fantastic annual event with many variety shows, theater, music and dance. The old half-timbered houses show a sample box mastery of a bygone age. A visit to the gardens and the palace of Jacques Coeur are also associated with a day of Bourges, a day is too short to visit this diverse city.
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Clermont Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is the capital of the Auvergne region. At the entrance of Clermont Ferrand the black basilica draws immediate attention. A cultural city with a historic core, surrounded by the volcanic area. The Puy de Dôme and Mont Dore, small ski areas are also lovely in the summer for hiking or cycling.
Montluçon
Montluçon is situated not far from Bonneblond, about 20 minutes, you will find many shops, supermarkets, restaurants. The picturesque old town has small medieval alleys with half-timbered houses. The Dukes of Bourbon castle with the adjacent watch tower and a fortress tower where the museum for folk music is located, is definitely worth a visit. Every two years there is a medieval festival in the old town, old times at this colorful event. On Saturday morning there is a market and there are plenty of available local products. Click here for more information
Cities of Art
Not only the the countryside of the Auvergne will take your breath away, the villages are showing you the ‘joie de vivre’ of the French culture and the rich enherintage of history and architecture. The monumentale villages appearing in the beautiful landscape invite you for a nice day in town. Five villages in the Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, Montluçon, Moulins, Le Puy-en-Velay and Riom, have the qualitylabel “Villes d’Art et d’Histoire” for their history, arts and culture.
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Vichy & Moulins
Vichy is best known for its spas fed by the hot springs. Already in the first century there are proves that this city has its origin in a shallow part of the river Allier. The city is one of the most famous resorts in France. The buildings of Vichy will not disappoint architecture enthusiasts. Vichy a quiet town, with a special history during World War II. Click here for more information.
Moulins is the capital of the department of Allier, where the river flows past the city’s outskirts. Moulins Cathedral is located in the old town of Moulins. The city owes its name to the many water and windmills that have been here since the past. There is still a romantic anecdote about the origin of Moulins. A nobleman was forced in former times, by nightfall, to stay in a mill near Moulins. He fell in love with the miller’s daughter, married her and settled near the mill and built a castle. Around it formed a village and the town of Moulins was born. The gravel banks of the river Allier invite you to swim, picnic, fish. Click here for more information
La Châtre and surroundings
This lovely little town 30 minutes from Bonn Blonde in departent Indre has a nice walk through tiny streets and vistas to the river Indre. Click here for more information. Click here for more information.
The French writer George Sand, lived not far from La Chatre, in the north direction in the tiny village of Nohant. It is possible to visit the house and gardens where the writer used to live. Click here for more information.
Tuesday mornings there is a market in the city of Saint-Août northeast of La Chatre. Imagine yourself 50 years back in time, it is the largest regional market with local produce, plants, shoes, clothes dated music blares through the speakers and a market area with small cattle. The French people meet and that is clear to see, with nice weather, it is very busy, but cozy! Do not forget to visit one of the most photographed castles in France. The Château de Sarzay, facing the castle is a lovely restaurant where you can eat at lunch for a small fee. Click here for more information.
