Moulins (Allier) walks

A round trip on the Sentier aménagé des Castors (Beaver Trail) from Moulins, along the banks of the Allier.

On the agenda for a busy day: a visit to the unmissable National Centre for Stage Costumes, which alone is worth a detour to Moulins; you'll still have time to cross the Allier to stroll through the shopping streets and the historic district, perhaps visiting one or two other museums.The time indicated for this trip does not, of course, take into account visits to the various museums.

A circular route through the Souvigny countryside, with the first part passing through large cultivated fields and the second part through more rural and wooded areas. Beautiful opulent farms and manor houses line the route, not to mention, of course, the beautiful village of Souvigny.

Circular walks, in the shape of a figure of eight, along sunken paths, through pastures and hedgerows with lovely views of the countryside.

A walk through the bocage landscape of the Nivernais region. Here, the hedges that border the meadows have been preserved, giving the surrounding countryside a certain charm. Throughout this circular route, you may see horses, donkeys and cattle grazing, the latter mainly of the Charolais breed.

Hike starting from Jaligny secondary school, mostly on farm tracks and paths with around 35% tarmac, passing through the village of Chatelperron where you can see the fortified castle, listed as a Historic Monument: private property, not open to visitors. Beautiful scenery in good weather on the Colombier ridge. Beautiful view of the castle on its rocky outcrop on the descent from La Roche. A small museum of local prehistory and a restaurant are located on the route at Chatelperron station. The return journey is partly along the "Chemin du Tacot", an old railway line.

A family hike that passes through the vineyards of Saint-Pourçain.

Route along the Loire, via Île de Caqueret and the old town.

An easy hike in the hills overlooking Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule, west of the Allier valley, partly following the GR®300 trail with a few short stretches on minor roads. Easy, well-marked and signposted paths. Beautiful views of Saint Pourçain-sur-Sioule. Unshaded route, best avoided during heatwaves.

Set amidst heritage and greenery, from the start of the lakeside route, you’ll enjoy views of the spa district before recharging your batteries in the Forest of Germigny. You’ll then enjoy superb views of the Loire Valley and a panorama of Bourbon-Lancy and its medieval quarter.

Le Puy Saint-Ambroise overlooks the plateaus of the Sologne Bourbonnaise. At an average altitude of 436 metres, it offers a vast panorama, to the north over the Morvan, to the south-east over the Monts du Lyonnais, and to the south-west over the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.

Long tour of the village of Saint-Léon, ending at the summit of Puy Saint-Ambroise.

A circular route in the commune of Montaigu-le-Blin, voted the most beautiful village in the Allier in 2012. This route allows you to take a leisurely afternoon stroll to discover some of Montaigu’s heritage, including the large wash house, the fortified castle, Presles Castle, the Roman road, the Celtic cross and St Anne’s Church. It has been created by combining several ‘heritage routes’ offered by this small village, where time seems to stand still out of season. On this easy-to-moderate route, which takes just under 3 hours, the effort is sustained and mostly on tarmac, but the breaks to admire the local heritage treasures and the panoramic views allow you to recover. Only the grassy slope between the wash house and the fortified castle is more demanding, but it can be bypassed by climbing up to the fortified castle from the village centre rather than directly from the wash house.

Starting from Puy Saint-Ambroise, you will see two castles on this 15 km route.

Walk around Fleuriel. A bit of tarmac but on a quiet road, a bit of woodland, a bit of meadow. A varied landscape for a walk during which you can bring a picnic.

A short 8-shaped walk at the foot of Saint-Vincent de Chantelle Abbey.

Join Zébulle the dragonfly to explore the ponds of Zébulleparc and enjoy a 100% natural setting! Inspired by the theme of insects, the site offers everything you need for a lovely day out with family or friends: two ponds, games for all ages, fishing, team sports, food and drink, picnic areas, and more. Zébulleparc welcomes you all year round!

A very pleasant hike through countryside and forest between Charroux and the banks of the Sioule, with superb views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Bourbonnais mountains on a clear day.

A short, easy loop to discover the Guétin Canal Bridge over the Allier and the Bec d'Allier (confluence of the Loire and Allier rivers), starting from the village of Gimouille.

A hike that combines part of the circular Boucle des Mariniers and the Sentier du Bec d'Allier in the Cher with the Sentier du Passeur in the Nièvre. Information panels and bird observatories. View of the Bec d'Allier from the left bank, then from the right bank of the Allier with the double crossing of the Guétin canal bridge.

Known locally as the Grande Boucle du Passeur, this circular walk is actually quite short and easy. It takes you along the Guétin Canal Bridge (the Canal Latéral à la Loire over the Allier) before reaching the Bec d’Allier (where the Allier meets the Loire) via the river’s right bank, on a path dotted with information boards and a few footbridges and viewing points. The return journey takes you through the woodland and then across fields, passing through the village of Gimouille on the canal.