CHARROUX – A FORTIFIED VILLAGE FACING THE AUVERGNE MOUNTAINS
Charroux, a fortified town and one of the Loveliest Villages in France®
Discover one of the Loveliest Villages in France which has kept its medieval authenticity ! This delightful fortified village, 413m above sea level, dominates the surrounding plains and valleys. Its attractions include the remains of ramparts, an archaeology museum and the 12th century church of Saint John the Baptist, not forgetting local specialities, events, exhibitions and lots more besides. Marvel at the stunning view of the Plaine de la Limagne to the north and the mountains of Auvergne to the south.
Take a trip back in time as you stroll through the cobbled streets with names like ‘Rue de la corderie’ and ‘Rue du tanneur’. Appreciate the architecture, facades with carved stonework from the 15th - 18th centuries, and remarkably preserved 14th century, half-timbered and corbelled houses.
Admire the wells, clock tower, Porte d'Orient, the Prince de Condé ‘s house, the ""Cour des Dames"", covered market, etc. and visit the museum which traces the history of the village.
Charroux : speciality foods and local crafts
Taste local speciality foods like the famous « moutarde de Charroux » mustard (wholegrain and other varieties), local oils, saffron in many shapes and forms, hand-made sweets and, especially, old-fashioned lollipops, hand-made jams and jellies, chocolates, fruit juice and lots more.
Have a meal out at one of the many food outlets ranging from the local boulangerie-pâtisserie (bread and cakes) to traditional regional restaurants or buy local food to cook and eat at home. And make the most of your visit to the area by staying in one of our gites or B&Bs.
Enjoy the fragrant scents of hand-made candles by Les Bougies de Charroux and the 80 varieties of soap made at the local soap factory.
Visit the clock museum and travel back in time with the marvellous collection of timepieces from 16th to 19th centuries. Stroll around the different craft workshops featuring mother-of-pearl, pottery, ceramics, painting, jewellery design, textiles, etc.
Events are held in the village throughout the year like the Art and Craft Day at the beginning of August and the Fete de la Soupe in autumn.
How to get to Charroux
Follow the guide
30km west of Vichy, 14km from Gannat, not far from the Saint Pourçain vineyards and close to the A71 and A719.
