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 Art
and poetry. -
Close to Vichy and to the Livradois-Forez Park, one of the largest Regional Natural Parks in France, the Bourbonnais mountains are a mysterious and wild land, covered with summits, deep pine forests and crossed in its centre by the valley of the Besbre. A real natural reserve and permanent discovery region, the Bourbonnais mountains are also a welcoming land of traditions, which are carefully kept up in the numerous workshops of the territory. Glass blowers, harness makers or doll restorers invite you to discover all their techniques in the heart of the Village of artists and craftsmen of Châtel-Montagne.
In the heart of a land of legends - Living recollection of the presence of the order of Cluny
in the Bourbonnais, the church of Notre-Dame, in Châtel-Montagne, is one of the most interesting patrimonial sites of the Allier and a must to appreciate the Romanesque art of Auvergne. Nearby, in Ferrières-sur-Sichon, the medieval fortress of M ontgilbert displays its imposing ruins in the middle of a wild site, formerly a strategic key point between Auvergne, Forez and Bourbonnais. But here, the biggest mystery is the Glozel and its enigmatic handwritten tablets, discovered in 1924 during an archaeological excavation. Even if the museum has no explanation to give,  the exhibition of more than 3000 items discovered on the site is nevertheless worth a visit.
During summertime -
The uneven levels are surprising and the remarkable viewpoints on the vast bronze moors are astonishing. Seldom visited , the bourbonnaise Mountain, crossed from north to south by the GR3 circuit, with its network of 250 mile (400km) of signposted footpaths, is a real pleasure for hikers. From the waterfall of La Pisserote, close to Arfeuilles, to the Puy de Montoncel, the "roof of Allier", 4290 ft (1300m) at its highest point on the Massif of the Bois-Noirs, interested hikers will have the possibility to discover numerous riches. 
During wintertime - In Allier, the "Montagne bourbonnaise" is the ideal tourist destination to appreciate the joys of sliding sport with or without snow. Located at a height of 3630 ft (1100m), in the heart of the forest belonging to the domain of L'Assise, the familial ski resort of La Loge des Gardes is probably the best equipped thanks to its 4 downhill ski slopes. Its 22.5 miles (36km) of cross-country ski slopes, its 4 ski lifts which work winter as well as summer and its Mountain board Park, the first one in France, guarantees all year pleasure for extreme sensation lovers as well as for quieter people.
 Live and eat well - "Montagnardes" cold meat, marmalade, honey, goat's cheese, bread baked in a wood fire oven, conserved duck and foie gras (goose liver pâté) from the duck breeders of the Bertheliers in Bert, all specialities, are available for tasting directly from producers or at the Bourbonnaise Mountain country inns. These are the simple and convivial food that everybody likes to find in the countryside, concerning more gourmand people, they will be able to carry out their wishes by having a bite of a crispy candy stuffed with caramel, called "Vérité de Lapalisse", which was inspired by the famous lord of La Palice.
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