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Charroux, the medieval village less than an hour from Clermont-Ferrand

Published 4 June 2021

Charroux is a former fortified town in the Allier, some fifty kilometres north of Clermont-Ferrand, about three quarters of an hour by car. It is the only village in the département with the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France) label, and it can be explored on foot in two to three hours, museum included.

Getting there from Clermont

From Clermont, follow the A71 towards Paris as far as the Gannat exit, then take the country roads west. The last stretch climbs up the hill on which the village stands. Park in the car parks at the entrance: the centre is made up of narrow streets, more pleasant on foot.

A fun detail if you are staying in Clermont: from the viewpoint outside the old ramparts, you can look across the Limagne plain to the Chaîne des Puys. On a clear day you can make out the volcanoes you usually see from the other side, from the city. Our article on the Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne fault explains this landscape.

What to see

• The fortified gates, including the Porte d'Orient, and the remains of the town walls.
• The Cour des Dames, a circular grassy courtyard at the heart of the village.
• The church's truncated bell tower and the belfry, as well as the half-timbered houses that recall Charroux's merchant past.
• The Musée de Charroux et de son canton, housed in two buildings of the fortifications. Its fourteen rooms trace local history from Gallo-Roman times to the 20th century. In 2026, adult admission is €5 (€3 concessions). From 1 September to 15 December 2026, it is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2.30 pm to 6 pm; the 2027 opening hours have not yet been published.

The village's workshops and products

Around twenty craftspeople work in Charroux. Mustard is the best-known speciality, but you will also find saffron, soaps, pottery and candles. The shops are mainly open in fine weather and at weekends; on weekdays out of season, expect some of them to be closed.

A few events punctuate the year:

• The Fête de la Soupe (soup festival), on the first Saturday in November, with some fifty homemade soups. Booking is requested.
• The artists' meetings in August.
• A Christmas market in December.

Details and dates for each edition are announced by the Plus Beaux Villages de France network and by the Val de Sioule tourist office.

Combining Charroux with other visits

Charroux lends itself well to a round trip from Clermont:

• the Benedictine abbey of Chantelle, about ten kilometres away;
• the Vélorail de la Sioule, at Le Mayet-d'École near Gannat, in season;
• the waymarked cycle routes starting from the village, 30 and 66 km long, for experienced cyclists.

A realistic pace: leave Clermont in the late morning, lunch in Charroux, visit the village and the museum, then Chantelle before the abbey closes, and back for dinner.

Where to stay to explore the area

Charroux, Chantelle and the Sioule valley follow on easily from Clermont-Ferrand, returning there in the evening. For a group or a family, our holiday houses around Clermont offer space and easy parking; the accommodation map shows those on the north side, closer to the motorway. All can be booked from one night, cleaning and linen included.