Désertines walks

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.

Access to the Sentier des Maîtres Sonneurs from Montluçon SNCF train station: this walking route connects Montluçon train station to Huriel via an additional stage to reach the Sentier des Maîtres Sonneurs. This route corresponds to thefirst stage of the GR®100, which connects Montluçon to Poitiers.

Near Montluçon, this hike will allow you to discover one of the heritage sites of Lavault-Sainte-Anne, with an old hospital (La Charité) near the route, which was bequeathed to the commune by Viscount Pailloux at the beginning of the 20th century (for more information, see the town hall's website). This hike is easy to do as there is very little elevation gain, and can be enjoyed in any season.

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.

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.

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.

A lovely little hike with beautiful views of the Cher, starting from Saint-Genest south of Montluçon.

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.

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.

In the footsteps of the Master Bell Ringers, stage7.

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.

Second stage of the GRAVEL or mountain bike route based on the walking trail “In the Land of George Sand: In the Footsteps of the Master Bell Ringers between Berry and Bourbonnais”.

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.

A walk to discover the Cher and La Tarde rivers. Suitable for families on foot or by mountain bike, and some points can even be reached directly by car.

A short route starting in the pretty village of Hérisson at the foot of its castle ruins.

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.

Along a narrow goat track lined with boxwood forest, this circuit takes you through a wild landscape of gorges, where memories of a pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary remain on the banks of the Chat-Cros.

This short hike also gives you the opportunity to discover the charming village of Chambon-sur-Voueize. The walk can be done as a circular route, but only the first half runs along the Voueize gorges. For once, I vote for a return trip to enjoy the scenery along the banks twice.

A short walk to discover the site of Vieux Bourg, a pleasant hamlet on the lake shore, with a beautiful old church decorated with numerous Byzantine-inspired frescoes.