Réserve naturelle du Val d'Allier
Philippe BUSSER-CDT Allier

Réserve naturelle nationale du val d'Allier

Beside one of Western Europe’s last-remaining wild rivers

The Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Val d’Allier stretches beside a portion of what is considered one of Western Europe’s last-remaining wild rivers. The Allier River has created a mosaic of different environments along its meanders around these parts and has largely kept its free, ever-shifting character, especially south of Moulins. It’s here that the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Val d’Allier has been created, to protect 1,450 hectares along some 20km of the river. The Reserve enables you to immerse yourself in an unspoilt ecosystem, a veritable paradise for birds. Over 260 species have been observed here, among them 100 nesting birds, including stone curlews, terns, white storks and black kites… In addition, 45 species of mammals live here, notably those iconic water creatures, beavers and otters.

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Map of the route

Map of the route

Moulins / Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule

4 Moulins / Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule

44 km
2 h 56 min
I cycle often
After enjoying a last look at Moulins with its bell-towers rising above the river, get back in the saddle to carry on along the Via Allier. The cycle route allows you to get up close to the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Val d’Allier, protecting a little Eden of 1,450 hectares of truly unspoilt lands. After a small climb shaded by the oaks of Moladier Forest, you ride through further typical bocage bourbonnais. Then the first vines of the Saint-Pourçain wine-making area appear, giving a new aspect to your cycling trip. The winemakers of Saint-Pourçain will be delighted to offer you tastings of wines once served to French kings.