Summary of Best Things to Do in Montluçon
The Auvergne region’s second largest town is an enchanting medieval settlement along the banks of the Cher River. Overlooking Montluçon from a hilltop, the majestic Château des Ducs de Bourbon has served as the residence for the Dukes of Bourbon for centuries. This historical context creates an evocative backdrop for a center rich with timber-framed houses, Romanesque churches, and vaulted passageways.
The prime attraction in Montluçon is undoubtedly MuPop, a museum dedicated to the history of popular music, featuring the largest collection of musical instruments in France. For excursions, the vicinity offers a vast oak forest, medieval castles, and quaint villages all within close proximity.
Let us examine the top attractions in Montluçon:
1. Château des Ducs de Bourbon
Positioned atop a terrace at the pinnacle of Montluçon, the Château des Ducs de Bourbon is a venerable 15th-century fortress-mansion.
The panoramic views from the esplanade are remarkable, extending over the Cher Valley and encompassing the Massif Central to the south.
The construction of the castle commenced in the 1400s under Louis II de Bourbon amid the Hundred Years’ War. In subsequent years of tranquility, further decorative elements were added, including an impressive timbered gallery, an elegant turret, and gothic dormer windows.
Currently, the interior houses the archives for the MuPop museum, and visitors are welcome to explore the premises.
2. MuPop
This remarkable pop music museum was formerly located at the Château des Ducs de Bourbon but relocated to an impressive new venue in 2013. The new location incorporates two historic mansions in the old town: one retains its historic character while the other features a modern design.
Of particular note is the diverse collection of over 3,500 musical instruments, with the oldest dating back to the mid-18th century.
This collection is the most extensive in France, featuring everything from hurdy-gurdies to electric guitars.
Visitors can observe the craftsmanship of traditional folk instruments at the workshop and reminisce at the extensive display of record covers.
3. Église Saint-Pierre
The modest façade of this church, constructed in the 1700s, does not hint at the rich history found within.
The interior, showcasing Romanesque architecture from the 1100s, features unique elements such as passageways connecting the nave with each adjacent transept.
Additionally, the church is adorned with works of art spanning centuries.
Do not miss the stone pietà (Mary cradling a deceased Jesus), carved in the 1400s, recognized as an official French historic monument.
Other notable features include an octagonal baptistery from the 1400s and an older stone cross behind the altar dating back to the 1300s.
4. Old Montluçon
Old Montluçon is a town best explored on foot, as every turn reveals historic buildings and charming streets.
The main street, Grand Rue, winds beneath the castle and boasts timber-framed houses from the 1400s and 1500s.
Occasionally, sweeping vistas reveal the Château des Ducs de Bourbon above the ramparts.
A particularly picturesque spot is the Passage du Doyenné, characterized by 13th-century cross-ribbed vaults sheltering a small flower market each Saturday.
5. Jardin du President Wilson
Located in the heart of the town, this delightful park offers a peaceful retreat for visitors.
The upper terrace features a French formal garden complete with square-shaped flower beds and lawns bordered by low boxwood hedges.
Additionally, yew topiaries sculpted into tall cones and cylinders are present, accompanied by a statue honoring composer André Messager, a native of Montluçon.
As you stroll through, you will encounter remnants of the original outer walls of the Château des Ducs de Bourbon.
The lower terrace features a large circular fountain surrounded by pollarded plane trees.
6. Parc du Château de la Louvière
Perched on a hillside to the east of the town, this elegant château appears much older than it is.
The Château de la Louvière was constructed in the first half of the 20th century by industrialist François-Joseph Troubat.
It was inspired by Louis XV’s Petit Trianon at Versailles and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that elegantly adapt to the sloped terrain.
The building is open during the summer months, while the gardens are accessible year-round, offering visitors splendid views, sculptures, and landscaping.
7. Église Notre-Dame
This church is yet another historic monument in Montluçon, exemplifying a blend of 15th-century Gothic and 12th-century Romanesque architecture.
The redesign was commissioned by Louis II de Bourbon, who also expanded the castle at the hilltop; however, funding shortages prevented the church’s completion, resulting in an irregular layout featuring two parallel naves.
This unique design adds to its charm, complemented by a wealth of decorative elements visible inside.
Highlights include Renaissance stained glass windows from the 1500s, another impressive pietà sculpture, and a stone depiction of Christ dating back to the 1400s.
8. Musée Canal de Berry
From 1840 to 1955, the Canal de Berry served as more than 260 kilometers of waterways and locks, linking the Loire to the Cher and featuring a branch for Montluçon.
This enlightening museum, located in former lime kilns a few kilometers north of the town, reopens a forgotten chapter of the region’s history.
Within its walls, visitors will find antique tools, models, paintings, and documents, alongside old lock gates provided with explanations of their functionality.
Additionally, two authentic barges, preserved from the scrap yard when the museum opened in the 1970s, can be found moored in front.
9. Néris-les-Bains
Just a few minutes from Montluçon, Néris-les-Bains is a historic spa town positioned in the foothills of the Massif Central.
The thermal springs were initially discovered during the Gallic period and were later developed by the Romans, who constructed two opulent bath complexes in the area.
Following centuries of neglect, the town regained popularity in the 1800s with the establishment of a spa, casino, and theater, attracting distinguished visitors such as Chateaubriand and Empress Eugénie.
This lavish heritage is still evident today, allowing Néris-les-Bains to retain its aristocratic charm.
Visitors can admire the palatial architecture and perhaps indulge in a soothing massage or soak in the warm spring water at Spa Les Nériades.
10. Vallon-en-Sully
The picturesque village of Vallon-en-Sully is an ideal location for those wishing to experience the Canal du Berry firsthand.
In this area, a segment of the canal has been made navigable again.
During July and August, visitors can rent pedal boats or motorized vessels accommodating four to eight passengers for a leisurely trip through the scenic Allier countryside.
These boats are easy to navigate, and no license is required.
For those preferring to explore on foot, a specially designed interpretive trail along the towpath offers insight into the historical transport that once traversed this waterway.
11. Forêt de Tronçais
For those seeking to enjoy nature on foot, the Forêt de Tronçais, a mature forest spanning 10,600 hectares just a short drive north of Montluçon, is a wonderful destination.
This forest features mainly sessile oaks, descendent from trees planted by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who served as the Minister of Finance under Louis XIV. His initiative aimed to create a significant stock of hardwood for the navy, designating numerous forests for that purpose.
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and wild boar, along with 130 hectares of ponds within the woodland.
Nature enthusiasts should also visit the Viljot spring, notably among the 40 natural sources in the forest.
12. Hérisson
The medieval village of Hérisson, located on a loop in the Aumanche River, is characterized by its picturesque landscape dominated by an ancient castle and fortified walls.
The streets feature houses that date back to the 1400s, and remnants of old fortified entrances, such as the Porte de Varenne, can still be seen.
The ideal starting point for a tour is the bridge across the Aumanche, offering a breathtaking view of the village and the imposing towers of the castle rising behind it.
This distinguished structure, erected in the 1300s by the Dukes of Bourbon, has remained in ruins since the 17th century.
13. Château d’Ainay-le-Vieil
Situated on the western edge of the forest, the romantic 14th-century Château d’Ainay-le-Vieil offers a unique historical experience.
Transformed at the turn of the 16th century from a fortified structure into an opulent residence in the Louis XII style, it seamlessly blends medieval features such as crenellated walls, spiral staircases, and a drawbridge with elegant elements like intricate windows and flamboyant stone carvings. Due to its impressive fortifications, it has earned the nickname “Le Petit Carcassonne.” The castle has remained in the same family since 1467, with Jean-Baptiste Colbert among its notable descendants.
Take time to explore the extensive grounds, recognized as a “jardin remarquable,” featuring an exquisite collection of rare roses, a cloister, and a meticulously curated orchard.
14. Donjon de la Toque
This distinguished tower, located in the village of Huriel, represents the final remnant of a castle constructed in the 1100s.
The site has passed through the hands of a series of Lords and Barons of Huriel, with their legacy chronicled within the museum housed inside.
Visitors will learn about the enhancements made to the Romanesque tower during more peaceful periods, which included luxury additions such as enlarged fireplaces and mullioned windows.
The museum also showcases the once-thriving local wine industry, which has since dwindled due to blight, now covering only 10 hectares.
Make sure to ascend to the terrace for stunning views of the village framed by gently rolling hills.
15. Local Delicacies
In a rural area such as Montluçon, you will find a wealth of local producers and farms with shops available for visitors.
Located within the town is the Brasserie Blondel, established in 2011 and renowned for its selection of blonde, white, and amber beers.
Various apiaries, snail farms, and a multitude of dairy farms are also available for exploration.
The cuisine in Montluçon largely revolves around hearty, meaty dishes, with a traditional specialty being pâté aux pommes de terre, which translates to a pastry encasing a filling of crème fraîche and sliced potatoes.
Exemplary beef (Charolais), poultry, and lamb are readily available, as well as andouillettes—traditional coarse tripe sausages served with mustard and sautéed potatoes.
