This medieval town in central France has a 12th-century castle overlooking the Cher River. Its old quarter contains half-timbered houses and Gothic churches.
Montluçon follows the Cher River through France's Auvergne region, with steep lanes leading up to the Château des Ducs de Bourbon. Explore 15th-century timber-framed buildings in the old town, try interactive exhibits at the MuPop music museum inside the castle, and see stone carvings at Notre-Dame Church. Its central location in France's Auvergne region allows easy access to oak woodlands like Forêt de Tronçais and volcanic areas to the south.
Walk Through the Medieval Old Town
Begin in Montluçon’s upper town where cobblestone lanes curve around the castle hill. Examine carved wooden beams on houses along Rue de la Fontaine, some dating to the 1400s. Sections of the original defensive walls remain visible, including parts of the 40 towers that once guarded the town. At Saint-Pierre Church, find the 12th-century rounded apse and a stone statue of Sainte-Madeleine recognized for its historical significance. The weekly market near Place Piquand sells regional products like Fourme d’Ambert cheese every Wednesday and Saturday. Wilson Garden, planted where castle moats once stood, has shaded walking routes with clear views of the fortress towers.
Château des Ducs de Bourbon and MuPop Museum
Thick limestone walls from the 15th-century reconstruction by Louis II of Bourbon encircle the castle. Walk up to the open terrace named after Louis II for wide perspectives over the Cher River and surrounding hills. Inside the fortress, the MuPop museum arranges musical instruments chronologically—medieval lutes sit near synthesizers and electric guitars. Press buttons at listening stations to hear how a 19th-century accordion or 1960s rock amplifier sounds. Guides share stories about how the castle monitored medieval trade between northern and southern France. Temporary exhibits might highlight African drumming traditions or French folk music—check the museum’s calendar.
Churches of Notre-Dame and Saint-Pierre
Notre-Dame Church has Gothic vaulted ceilings and a Romanesque bell tower added during 14th-century renovations. Study the stained-glass windows illustrating Old Testament stories and finely cut stone figures around the entrance. A short walk downhill leads to Saint-Pierre Church, where the 1500s Sainte-Madeleine statue draws attention for its flowing robe and emotional facial expression. Both churches hold organ recitals several times a year, taking advantage of their high ceilings for clear sound.
Parks and Natural Areas Near Town
Jardins de Bréda, created in the 1800s close to the town center, mixes rose gardens with open lawns and a children’s play area. Head 30 minutes by car to Forêt de Tronçais, known for centuries-old oak trees and clearly signed trails for walking or biking. Follow the Cher River’s paved walkways in Montluçon’s lower town, which link to the GR 41 long-distance hiking path. From June to August, rent canoes near the town’s southern edge to paddle downstream through mild currents.
Food Markets and Regional Dishes
At Montluçon’s Wednesday and Saturday markets, vendors slice cured Auvergne ham and sell pounti—a baked dish mixing pork, chard, and dried plums. Local restaurants serve truffade auvergnate, a potato-and-cheese bake made with Cantal cheese. Try Saint-Pourçain wines from vineyards less than an hour’s drive southwest of town. On Fridays, the Athanor cultural center hosts farmers selling organic produce like goat cheese and seasonal vegetables.
Getting Around and Nearby Destinations
Trains from Montluçon reach Paris in three hours with a change in Bourges, or Clermont-Ferrand in 90 minutes. Rent a car to explore the Lemptégy volcano site, where you can enter an old lava tube 90 minutes south. Cycle along the flat Canal de Berry path north of town, passing fields and small villages over 30 kilometers. For international connections, fly from Limoges Airport (one hour west) to London or Clermont-Ferrand Airport (90 minutes south) to Amsterdam and Paris.
