Montluçon

Weekdays 8.30 a.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Weekends/bank holidays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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Montluçon

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Bordering on the Allier area’s Combrailles region, the Auvergne's second largest town of Montluçon will give you an excellent view of this huge region, as you make your way up to the top of the castle once belonging to the Dukes of Bourbon around which the town originally developed. Admire its architectural heritage and its impressive flanks overlooking the river Cher. The vibrancy of its old town, which is brimming with ancient treasures and which was restored around 1900, offers a constant invitation to share in its joy and good humour during the carnivals and festivals.

Up at the top of the esplanade of the Dukes of Bourbon’s castle, you can begin by admiring the stunning view over the town. As you'll see, nestling at the mouth of the Cher, the old town is simply packed with ancient attractions to be discovered. Around this original site, a thriving modern town has since developed, largely thanks to the industrial revolution.

The Castle of the Dukes of Bourbon

The town of Montluçon, listed as a "Ville d’Art" (town of art), has preciously preserved the memories of the past while at the same time adapting to the changes imposed by our modern world. Discover the atmosphere of the medieval old town as you stroll around some 15 buildings listed or registered as historical monuments. The castle of the Dukes of Bourbon built in 1370 and overlooking the town is today home to the Museum of Popular Music. For their part, the churches reveal the remarkable extent of their patronage.

As an example, we should mention the district of Saint-Pierre whose church is home to one of the finest stone sculptures in France (the statue of St Madeleine by renowned sculptor Michel Colombe). The half-timbered houses or the remarkable "12 Apôtres" (12 apostles) building, will whisk you back in time several hundred years. When the 19th century came along, the industrial revolution transformed the town. Its population spiralled and the new "Ville-Gozet" grew quickly.

Don't forget to admire the Louvière Castle, built in the style of Versailles’s "Petit Trianon", which is used to house temporary exhibitions. Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Art Deco creations of the architect Pierre Diot and the modern art collection which includes works by some of the leading contemporary artists in one of the finest showrooms in the Auvergne.
And to round off your visit to the area, you can join in the fun as you sample the town's marvellously festive atmosphere. Among the many festivities to be enjoyed, two major events really exemplify Montluçon’s inimitable joie de vivre: the Bœuf-Villé carnival in the spring and the medieval festival held every other year.

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Montluçon