Our take
The fortified village you pass through wondering why it isn't better known. Spectacular ruins, intact medieval layout, hardly anyone around.
Ruins of a 12th-century castle sitting on a rocky spur above the Aumance, and a medieval village below. Free access, allow 1 hour to 1 hour 30.
Medieval town of the Bourbonnais at 250 m altitude, dominated by the imposing ruins of its castle (12th to 16th centuries) on a rocky spur above the Aumance valley. The village has kept its medieval layout: clock tower, former belfry, half-timbered houses, remains of ramparts. View from the castle over the river and the bocage. Open site, ruins freely accessible, allow 1 hour to 1 hour 30 for the stroll. 20 minutes from the Tronçais forest, about thirty minutes from Montluçon.
Why we love it
- The castle ruins on their spur above the Aumance
- The clock tower and the half-timbered houses
- The view over the river and the bocage from the castle
Top tip
Climb to the ruins by the waymarked path from the village (15 min). Combine with the Tronçais forest, 20 minutes away. Café and restaurant in the village for a break. Panoramic view of the valley at sunset.
Before you go
- Climb to the ruins by the waymarked path from the village, allow 15 minutes
- Free access, no opening times or ticket: allow 1 hour to 1 hour 30 for the stroll
- Combine with the Tronçais forest, 20 minutes away
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
16°/7°
3 mm · 32 km/h
Tomorrow
17°/5°
dry · 9 km/h
Tue 27
21°/7°
0 mm · 18 km/h
Source: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). General lowland forecasts, to be cross-checked with specialist mountain forecasts at altitude.
Practical info
- Address
- 03190 Hérisson, France
03190 Hérisson
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