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An amusement park in the heart in the Bourbonnais -
In the eastern part of the Bourbonnais, between the Loire and Allier rivers, stretches the Sologne bourbonnaise, a land of low plateaux, green and quiet. It is in the heart of this lovely land, close to Dompierre-sur-Besbre, where "the PAL" is located, one of the most frequented amusement and animal parks in France. Open from April to October, this 62.5 acres (25 ha) park offers many spectacular attractions and at the same time, a large natural area, where nearly 500 animals live in a state of partial freedom. Thrill and change of scene !
The valley of the castles - With more than 20 manors throughout the region, this valley of "La Besbre" deserves its nickname of "valley of the castles". Close to the PAL, the medieval fortress of Thoury,  which majestically exhibits its two main buildings and invites you to discover its ingenious defensive system, in front of which many brutish soldiers of the Hundred Year War were compelled to withdraw. A few kilometres further, the old stones of the Roman church will tell another story. The story of the "caquetoire" (the prattle place), a wooden porch of the 18th century, tells that the women of the town met in front of it after the office's mess and is certainly one of the most evocative.
Walking through an arboretum
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Along the signposted footpaths of the Sologne bourbonnaise,
the interested walker will discover a rich and diversified
vegetation, full of rushes and wet soils, heathers, bushes,
oaks and aspens of the high plateaux. But in the underwoods
of the arboretum of Balaine, close to Villeneuve-sur-Allier,
the walk is even more surprising when, on the way to the
underwoods, you will discover the beds of rhododendrons,
cornel trees, or magnificent magnolia trees and really huge
sequoias. A wonderful little trip through the plant world
in the heart of one of the best French tree and shrub collections
of the temperate countries.
Following La Besbre - There is no doubt that the tributary of the Loire river called La Besbre gives life and charm to the Sologne bourbonnaise, non-polluted, full of fish and listed in the first and second fishing categories on both sides of Lapalisse, it is a guarantee for fishermen to find various species all year round.  When you follow the road up to Varennes-sur-Allier, surroundings change and here mechanical sport lovers hold a place of honour, with one of the largest go-carting tracks in Europe. A splendid circuit unanimously appreciated by drivers.
 Turkeys and cabbages in Jaligny - In Jaligny-sur-Besbre, turkey is queen. Every year, decorated with ribbons and foulards, the winged creatures invade the town during the internationally renowned turkey's fair, which takes place every second Wednesday of December. An unmissable gathering for every chef or ordinary person that want to taste the flavour of a truffle stuffed turkey or a fricassee of turkey with spinach.
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