Montlucon

Visit Montlucon, Auvergne

Montlucon is a sizable town situated to the west of the Allier department, in the Auvergne region of south-central France.

Within the centre of town of Montlucon you can see many buildings and monuments dating from its periods of prosperity in both the medieval era and the 19th century, and the town is classified as a French 'town of art and history'.

Exploring Montlucon

A visit to Montlucon will focus in the streets of the historical centre around the Chateau of the Dukes of Bourbon.

The Chateau of the Dukes of Bourbon dates from the 15th century, and although quite modest in size it dominates the town centre giving views across much of the surrounding region. The castle has a gallery and clocktower to one side and a square tower and more conventional appearance on the other side, overlooking the gardens. It is now also home to the Museum of Popular Music.

The region known as Saint-Pierre just below the castle contains the medieval streets with numerous half-timbered buildings and also a 12th century roman style church. There is a great deal to enjoy as you stroll around this historic centre, among which the highlight is perhaps the House of the 12 Apostles (maison des douze apotres).

There are also several churches of interest to explore in Montlucon town centre - the 12th century Church of Saint-Pierre and the 15th century Church of Notre-Dame are the most important. Others include the 19th century Church of Saint Paul, unusual in being built around an iron structure, and the Chapel of Croix Verte - unremarkable on the outside but step inside to see the decoratively painted interior.

As well as its important medieval centre there are also several buildings of interest in Montlucon dating from the 19th century, including some grand townhouses.

The town also has a good selection of parks and public gardens to stroll through, such as the well-maintained Jardin Wilson and the extensive English style gardens of Jardin Breda, while the castle and park of Saint-Jean are another popular place to take an afternoon promenade through the gardens.

You can discover most of the important sites in Montlucon simply by wandering around, or go into the Montlucon Tourist Information office for a useful leaflet with a suggested route to follow.

See Auvergne and Allier (the region and department for Montlucon) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Montlucon: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Montlucon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

Montlucon tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Neris-les-Bains - recommended detour (7km) : Jardins du château d'Ainay-le-Vieil - remarkable garden (22km) : Pierres Jaumetres - site of natural beauty (30km) : Foret de Troncais - site of natural beauty (35km) : Les jardins artistiques de Drulon - remarkable garden (39km) : Eglise de Saint-Georges (Saint-Jeanvrin) - religious monument (40km) : Eglise de Saint Georges (Bourbon-l'Archambault) - religious monument (44km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Ygrande) - religious monument (44km) :

See more places and a map at places near Montlucon