ABOVE: © Rémy LACROIX / CDT Allier

L’Allier in Auvergne, my own Dolce Vita !

Lying in the heart of France suits the Allier so well, providing balance and harmony where the North meets the South. Only 2hr 30mins from Paris, the beauty of Allier rightly deserves its given nickname, “Auvergne’s dolce vita land”. Preserved landscapes like the famous “bocage Bourbonnais”, the Sioule’s gorges, amazing Tronçais’ forest, Bourbon Mountain country and the wild beauty of the Allier Valley have enough resources to satisfy the appetites of ecotourists.

History lovers will can follow the Bourbons’ footsteps and explore the bulk of their landmarks: more than 500 castles, many churches and fortified towns like Bourbon-l'Archambault, Herisson or Billy. Montluçon has been luckier with a ducal castle perched over the rich medieval core. In Moulins, the Jacquemart Belfry, the Renaissance Pavilion and the Mal-Coiffée Keep, are remarkable survivors of a glorious lineage. The tomb of the dukes, lying under the vaults of Souvigny's priory church, describe better than words the craving for eternity of a dynasty, who left to French history those such as Anne de Beaujeu and Charles III - the Constable of France and Duke of Bourbon.

The international reputation of Vichy has thrown the spotlight on the profusion of spas in the Bourbon region. Long before opening its spa doors to kings, emperors and nabobs, the Romans came to Néris-les-bains or Bourbon-l'Archambault to use the waters. These three spa towns successfully developed adopting to the new trends of vitality, relaxation and body image chic.

Visitors will appreciate numerous activities, including cycling, highlighted tourist sites like the PAL (zoo and attraction park), and the National Scene Costume Center of Moulins. Numerous festivals, quality French gastronomy from traditional inns and astonishing wines of Saint-Pourçain will leave you with a memorable visit in Allier.

www.auvergne-tourisme.info