"For spa-goers, tourists, locals and anyone else who wants to look after their well-being, for those who need peace and quiet, comfort and reassurance and a diverse range of tourist attractions, this small area, full of little treasures, is a tourist destination in its own right!
The pretty town of Néris-les-Bains, Commentry, Montmarault and Cosne-d'Allier offer a full range of tourist facilities, including thermal baths, spas, hotels, campsites, restaurants and a casino, as well as top-quality cultural and events venues including the André Messager Theatre and the Agora.
In the green countryside of the Bourbonnais, a land of history and castles, there are plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling."
Néris-les-Bains one of the most beautiful detours in France
Située dans le département de l’Allier, à 5km de Montluçon, la ville de Néris-les-Bains dispose d’un riche patrimoine historique et architectural niché dans un écrin de verdure relaxant. Le charme et la douceur de vivre sont de mise dans cette ville qui conjugue tourisme, détente, divertissement, nature et culture.
Montmarault, Village Étape
Construite sur un plateau, Montmarault était déjà un lieu de passage à l'époque romaine.
Au carrefour des autoroutes A71 et A79, Montmarault labellisée " Village Étape " est une véritable halte qui propose à ses visiteurs de nombreux commerces et services à deux pas des grands axes : pour une pause conviviale et un accueil chaleureux !
1, 2, 3 ideas!
# 1
The twisted bell tower
Saint-Bonnet-de-Four
If you've got a good eye, you'll spot this particular feature from quite a long way off on the road that leads to the village of St-Bonnet-de-Four, whatever that road may be!
The only twisted bell tower in the Bourbonnais region, and even in Auvergne, the church has been particularly twisted since the end of the 19th century: in fact, the bell tower was burnt down by lightning in 1894 and rebuilt with wood that was too green and twisted. In 1978, when the town council decided to repair the roof, the Bâtiments de France insisted that it be restored to its original state: the spire has retained its twist of one eighth of a turn from left to right, accompanied by a significant overhang. The current roof is made of chestnut shingles.
The church dedicated to Saint-Bonnet has been listed as a historic monument since 26 November 1968.
# 2
Le Pavillon du Lac
Néris-les-Bains
This particularly attractive building is the former Néris-les-Bains station, built between 1929 and 1931 to plans by architect Louis Brachet. An architectural masterpiece based on the principle of "Art Deco Regionalism", its pink and yellow sandstone and colourful glazed tiles are remarkable. Located on the Montluçon-Gouttières (Puy-de-Dôme) line, Néris-les-Bains station had a short life: eight years after the line officially opened (15 May 1931), traffic was suspended due to the Second World War. After a feverish resumption, passenger trains stopped running in 1957 and freight trains in 1969. It finally closed on 14 January 1972.
In 1975, the station was listed as a Historic Monument. Owned by the local council, it was renamed the Pavillon du Lac and used as a village hall. Following major renovation work, the new complex dedicated to weddings, receptions and exhibitions was inaugurated in 2010.
# 3
La Maison Couleur de Temps
Venas
Chop, painter or poet? Definitely both!
You only have to approach his house to be transported into a colourful, dreamlike, fabulous, symbolic world... The frescoes that cover both the interior and exterior evoke the seasons that pass and are continually renewed, like nature and life.
Chop has lived in this quiet corner of the Bourbonnais region for almost 50 years, painting and repainting his house to bring out the colours of his works and to make them change with the seasons.
On certain days, you might even come across him dressed in a costume from another era during a visit.
For information on visiting days, contact the Tourist Office.