📍 France

ALLIER: THERMAL SPRINGS AND BOURBONNAIS BOCAGE VILLAGES

Thermal waters steam soothing, medieval villages glow golden stone, hedgerows shelter the land. Allier is spa country.

≈ 10
Days
251
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Take the waters at Vichy, visit medieval Charroux village, Moulins cathedral, Souvigny priory and Bourbon-l'Archambault castle ruins. Taste Saint-Pourçain wines. Allier, between spas and Bourbon bocage.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Vichy

spa capital thermal water

Vichy - Photo 1Vichy - Photo 2Vichy - Photo 3Vichy - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Thermal springs.
2
Springs Hall.
3
Opera.
4
Sources Park.
🎯

Activities

→
Casino.
→
Shopping in the thermal district.
→
Discovery of craftspeople.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 28.1 km
Travel time: 56min
2
Day

Charroux

medieval hilltop crown stone

Charroux - Photo 1Charroux - Photo 2Charroux - Photo 3Charroux - Photo 4Charroux - Photo 5Charroux - Photo 6Charroux - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Abbey church.
2
Anne-de-Beaujeu Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Local mustard tasting.
→
Gardens.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 57.4 km
Travel time: 57min
3
Day

Moulins

cathedral heritage tower town

Moulins - Photo 1Moulins - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
National costume center.
2
Priory.
3
Château des Bourbons.
🎯

Activities

→
Banks of Allier.
→
Walk in the bocage.
→
Tronçais Forest nearby.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 14.9 km
Travel time: 30min
4
Day

Souvigny

church tradition monastery stone

Souvigny - Photo 1Souvigny - Photo 2Souvigny - Photo 3Souvigny - Photo 4Souvigny - Photo 5Souvigny - Photo 6Souvigny - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Hérisson Waterfalls.
2
Picturesque village.
3
Castle of the Dukes of Bourbon.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike along the waterfalls.
→
Berry Canal.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15.9 km
Travel time: 32min
5
Day

Bourbon L Archambault

castle town glowing heritage

Bourbon L Archambault - Photo 1Bourbon L Archambault - Photo 2Bourbon L Archambault - Photo 3Bourbon L Archambault - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
MuPop (museum of popular music).
2
Ancient thermal baths.
3
Thermal park.
🎯

Activities

→
Concerts and cultural events.
→
AOC wine tasting.
→
Tronçais Forest nearby.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 36.8 km
Travel time: 1h14
6
Day

Herisson

river valley crown high

Herisson - Photo 1Herisson - Photo 2Herisson - Photo 3Herisson - Photo 4Herisson - Photo 5Herisson - Photo 6Herisson - Photo 7Herisson - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Vineyards.
2
Museum of Vine and Wine.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike along the waterfalls.
→
Fishing.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 50min
7
Day

Montlucon

industrial charm riverside town

Montlucon - Photo 1Montlucon - Photo 2Montlucon - Photo 3Montlucon - Photo 4Montlucon - Photo 5Montlucon - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Castle of the Dukes of Bourbon.
2
MuPop (museum of popular music).
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Berry Canal.
→
Concerts and cultural events.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 9.3 km
Travel time: 19min
8
Day

Neris Les Bains

thermal heritage spa culture

Neris Les Bains - Photo 1Neris Les Bains - Photo 2Neris Les Bains - Photo 3Neris Les Bains - Photo 4Neris Les Bains - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Ancient thermal baths.
2
Thermal park.
🎯

Activities

→
Thermal cure.
→
Casino.
→
Golf.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 63.5 km
Travel time: 1h04
9
Day

Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule

wine tradition vineyard glow

Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule - Photo 1Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule - Photo 2Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule - Photo 3Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule - Photo 4Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule - Photo 5Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule - Photo 6Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Vineyards.
2
Museum of Vine and Wine.
3
Church.
🎯

Activities

→
AOC wine tasting.
→
Wine route.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.