Le Brethon walks

The route runs entirely through the Tronçais State Forest across relatively rugged terrain. It offers the chance to discover all stages of forestry operations.

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.

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

The route runs almost exclusively through forest. Here you can see the different stages of forestry development.

In the heart of the Tronçais Forest, a family walk along the ponds, navigating among the oak trees of the Colbert reserve.

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.

Passing through the Colbert reserve, the route offers views of seven of the forty or so listed oak trees in Tronçais. You can see naturally shaped oaks, boundary trees such as the Saint-Louis and the Sentinelle, and forest trees with long, straight trunks, of which the Stebbing is an example.

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.

Construction of the Canal de Berry began around 1808 on the initiative of Napoleon I and was completed in 1841. It took its current name, "Canal de Berry", in 1830. Its creation required, among other things, the installation of 115 locks, one every three kilometres. It consists of three branches that meet at Fontblisse, which is point 0. Many barges used to travel along it, transporting grain, wood and iron ore. The canal was decommissioned in 1955.

The Tronçais national forest is famous for the quality of its oak trees. It produces wood that is particularly prized for making barrels in which the finest French wines are aged. Its age and history make Tronçais the emblem of France's great national forests.

The commune of Coust is located south of the Cher, on the border between Berry and Bourbonnais in the Chignon valley. In the past, the stream fed a large pond between Pied de Coust and the church. It turned the wheels of the mills at Touzelles and Petit Paris before reaching the Rouchat mill. In the past, this stream was essential for Saint-Amand as it fed the moats of Montrond Castle and then those of the Saint-Amand-sous-Montrond enclosure.

Climb up to the Grand Tertre, the last foothills of the Massif Central, which offers exceptional views of the Auvergne mountains on a clear day. Descend and follow the Canal de Berry before returning to the Petite Cité de Caractère of Drevant.

In Saint-Amand-Montrond, Lake Virlay is a popular spot for walkers and sailing enthusiasts. The streets of Saint-Amand are perfect for a leisurely stroll and lead you to the Chemin de ronde de la Forteresse de Montrond. Follow the Canal de Berry and discover the Gallo-Roman theatre in Drevant and the Pont Canal de la Tranchasse.

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.

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.

On the banks of the Cher, Noirlac Abbey watches over its wooded countryside, which has been cultivated by Cistercian monks since the12th century.Still used for livestock farming, this area has retained its original landscape with its meadows surrounded by hedges. The hundred-year-old oak trees, wet meadows and ponds create a rare bocage landscape and protect 427 species. Founded in 1150, Noirlac Abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian sites in Europe.Today, it is a cultural centre and meeting place.

In the footsteps of the Master Bell Ringers, stage7.

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”.

First stage of the hike from Meillant to the Tronçais Forest.

Leaving Meillant, you will pass through La Celle, Bruère, Saint-Amand-Montrond, Drevant, Colombiers, Coust and Charenton-du-Cher before finally reaching the Saint-Bonnet pond in the Tronçais forest (Allier). Discover the heart of France and its landscapes, as well as Meillant Castle, Noirlac Abbey, Virlay Lake, the Berry Canal and the Marmande Valley.

In Bruère-Allichamps, a stone topped with the French flag marks the geographical centre of France.Until the4th century, this stone showed Roman legions the right direction and bears the following inscription:Happy Augustus, Tribune for thethird time, Father of the Fatherland - Proconsul. Leagues: 14 from Bourges (Avaricum) 12 from Châteaumeillant (Mediolanum) 25 from Neris

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.

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.

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.