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Saint-Pourçain and its AOC vineyards

Using a traditional grape variety unique to the Bourbonnais area

Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule, a charming winemakers’ village, is the starting point for a journey through these vineyards. Across the 650 hectares of vines classified as AOC, 19 independent winemakers, plus the Cave de l'Union des Vignerons (representing almost 60 vinegrowers) produce Saint-Pourçain wines using the traditional tressallier grape variety, unique to the Bourbonnais area. Don’t hesitate to knock at the doors to their wine cellars and to taste their wines. To further your knowledge, head to the Musée de la Vigne et du Terroir or to the Cave Coopérative, the latter with a viewing gallery overlooking the vats, and proposing a game based around scents. Plus, for one week in August, the whole area of Saint-Pourçain celebrates local wine and food with its Festival Viticole et Gourmand.

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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.
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule / Vichy

5 Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule / Vichy

34 km
2 h 16 min
I begin / Family
Enjoy the gentle atmosphere along this Via Allier stage, taking cyclists across flood plains and forests. The way leads to Billy, its impressive medieval fort rising above an historic village designated a Petite Cité de Caractère. A lovely greenway then guides you alongside the Allier River to Vichy. Listed as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to historic thermal spa resorts, Vichy and its springs, enjoyed by visitors for centuries, encourage cyclists to rest and to explore the place. In the heart of town, feast your eyes on Art Deco and extravagant façades, plus further buildings reflecting architectural styles from around the globe. A short relaxation session at one of the spas is a tempting option before getting back on your bike. The more sporty might make the most of the water sports available on Allier Lake here. Or simply enjoy a stroll around Vichy’s fine public gardens.