Races in the Allier

Mandatory stop for holidaymakers heading south, the Nationale 7, the famous “holiday route” contributed to the fame of Allier. A free zone between the North and the South, with a mild and humid climate swept by westerly winds, the department offers perfect landscapes for your trail outings with the Tronçais forest and its 11,000 hectares labeled “forest of exception”, the Combrailles and its rolling low mountain trails, not to mention the Sioule valley and its gorges, both architectural and gastronomic heritage.

The Bourbonnais is a small paradise for castle enthusiasts, notably that of the Dukes of Bourbon, nicknamed “the disheveled”, which overlooks Montluçon. The castle of Verneuil-en-Bourbonnais is also worth a visit, partially destroyed by the troops of Louis XI, not to mention the wall of 22 towers of the fortress city of Hérisson and the battlement of Billy (nothing to do with the IKEA furniture) which offers a fabulous panoramic view. If you’re more into “urban running”, Montluçon is a magnificent ground with its fifteen listed or registered historical monuments, enough to make a nice little cultural tour! As for the race calendar in the Allier, the Dix des Ducs de Bourbon, the Foulées Vichyssoises and the Pal Run of Dompierre-sur-Besbre are the season markers.

Don’t forget to hydrate and enjoy your stop in the Allier by making a halt at Vichy, the “Queen of waters” (with its thermal district)! Vichy water and Saint-Yorre are very refreshing💧. For wine lovers 🍷, a glass of Saint-Pourçain might be appropriate! We see you coming... you're wondering how to accompany it? Potato pie is the great local specialty and if the Charroux mustard makes you tear up, this most beautiful village in France will help you digest with a Vichy pastille while enjoying a remarkable panorama that offers a view on the mountains of Auvergne.

No doubt, you’re going to go crazy for Allier! 🤪