The Allier River

The Allier is one of the defining features of the area and is just minutes from Champ Chevaux.

The river is considered one of the last great wild rivers of Western Europe. Its changing course has created islands, sandbanks, wetlands, wooded riverbanks and a remarkable variety of habitats.

Distance: Local village

Le Veurdre is a small, traditional Bourbonnais village on the banks of the Allier.

It's a great place to take a stroll, pick up essentials and experience a little of everyday rural French life.

The village has around 500 inhabitants and has retained a strong connection with the river and the countryside surrounding it. The local commune describes Le Veurdre as being around 30 km from Moulins and at the intersection of the historic Bourbonnais, Burgundy and Centre regions.

⛵ Maison de la Batellerie

Distance: Le Veurdre

One of the most interesting little museums in the area is the Maison de la Batellerie, dedicated to the history of navigation on the Allier.

The museum is run by the association La Chavannée and contains three exhibition rooms filled with photographs, models, objects and memorabilia connected with the river's mariners.

One of the highlights is a 10-metre traditional toue, one of the last boats built at Le Veurdre, dating from 1935.

A great rainy-day option for guests who want to discover some local history.

🚲 Cycling & the Via Allier

The area around Champ Chevaux is excellent for exploring by bicycle.

The Via Allier is a long-distance cycle route following the Allier valley, eventually covering more than 450 km.

Le Veurdre forms part of the route.

The official Sancoins–Le Veurdre stage is approximately 17 km, passing through the traditional bocage countryside of the Bourbonnais, with its green fields, hedgerows and quiet roads.

The next stage from Le Veurdre towards Moulins is approximately 37 km.

For experienced cyclists, this provides the opportunity for a fantastic full-day ride through the Allier valley.

🌸 Apremont-sur-Allier

Approximately 20 km / 15–25 minutes by car

If you only have time for one sightseeing trip during your stay, we'd highly recommend Apremont-sur-Allier.

This beautiful medieval village sits beside the Allier and is officially recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.

Its carefully maintained stone cottages, flower-filled streets, medieval architecture and riverside setting make it one of the prettiest villages in the region.

🌺 Parc Floral d'Apremont

The village's spectacular floral park is a particular highlight.

The gardens have been awarded the French Jardin Remarquable designation and combine landscaped gardens, water features, trees, flowers and beautiful views.

It's an ideal day out for families and particularly good for partners or non-fishing guests looking for something peaceful to do while you're spending time on the lake.

The Château

The château itself isn't open for normal public visits, but visitors can walk up towards its impressive towers and enjoy the viewpoint known as the Terrasse des Canons.

From here there are wonderful views across the medieval village, the Allier and the château's historic buildings.

🌊 The Bec d'Allier

Approximately 30–40 minutes by car

One of the area's most spectacular natural sights is the Bec d'Allier, where the Allier meets the Loire.

This is a wonderful place to appreciate the scale and character of these two great rivers.

The surrounding landscape is important for wildlife and is particularly attractive to anyone interested in birds, nature and photography.

It's also incorporated into the Via Allier cycling route.

🌉 Pont-canal du Guétin

Approximately 30–40 minutes by car

For something completely different, visit the remarkable Pont-canal du Guétin.

This impressive piece of 19th-century engineering carries the Canal latéral à la Loire over the River Allier.

It is a wonderful place for photographs and for watching boats navigate the canal and locks.

Combine it with a visit to Apremont-sur-Allier and the Bec d'Allier for an excellent full-day excursion.

🛶 Explore the Allier by canoe

For guests who want to experience the river rather than simply look at it, canoeing is a fantastic option.

Local canoe operators offer trips along the Allier, including routes through some remarkably wild sections of the river.

One of the local routes between Le Veurdre and Apremont-sur-Allier covers approximately 20 km and takes around four hours, depending on conditions.

Along the route you'll encounter islands, sandbanks and river wildlife.

The area is particularly famous for its birdlife, and local canoe information highlights numerous stork nests along the river.

🏰 Château de Saint-Augustin

Near Château-sur-Allier

Another interesting local stop is Château de Saint-Augustin, near Château-sur-Allier.

The château was built between the 15th and 18th centuries and is notable for its distinctive multi-coloured brickwork.

It's featured as one of the points of interest along the Via Allier route between Sancoins and Le Veurdre.

🏛️ Moulins

Approximately 30–35 km / around 30 minutes by car

For a larger day out, head south to Moulins, the historic capital of the Bourbonnais.

Moulins was closely associated with the Dukes of Bourbon and has a fascinating historic centre containing several centuries of architecture.

Visitors can explore the old town, churches, museums, cafés and shops.

One of the city's most unusual attractions is the Centre National du Costume de Scène, a national museum dedicated to theatrical costumes and stage design.

The Via Allier route from Le Veurdre to Moulins follows the Allier for approximately 37 km, making it an excellent cycling excursion for experienced riders.

👑 Bourbon-l'Archambault

Approximately 25–30 minutes by car

History lovers should make time for Bourbon-l'Archambault.

The town is closely connected with the historic House of Bourbon, the dynasty that gave its name to the Bourbonnais region and later became one of Europe's most famous royal dynasties.

The imposing medieval château is the centrepiece of the town and provides a fascinating insight into the area's medieval history.

🌳 Arboretum de Balaine

Approximately 30–40 minutes by car

For garden lovers, Arboretum de Balaine is another excellent choice.

Located near Villeneuve-sur-Allier, this historic botanical garden combines mature trees, unusual plants and landscaped gardens.

It is a particularly peaceful place to spend a few hours and makes an excellent alternative to the more formal gardens of Apremont.

🏎️ Magny-Cours

Approximately 45–60 minutes by car

Fancy something a little less traditional?

Motorsport fans can head towards the famous Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours.

The circuit has hosted major international motorsport and is particularly associated with Formula 1, having hosted the French Grand Prix for many years.

🦁 Le PAL

Approximately 55 minutes by car

For families with children, Le PAL is one of the region's biggest attractions.

Part zoo, part amusement park, it combines animals with rides and family attractions.

It's an excellent choice for a full day out and provides a particularly good option if you're travelling with children who need a break from fishing!