Gennetines: Dance, Heritage and a Cycling Circuit

Gennetines combines a distinctive event with historic architecture and activities for culture and cycling enthusiasts. If you are looking for a hotel in Gennetines, your stay will largely depend on whether the Grand Bal de l’Europe or a visit focused on heritage and outdoor activities is your priority.

The Grand Bal de l’Europe

The Grand Bal de l’Europe takes place at the former Bourbonnais farm of Les Gauthiers in Gennetines. Each year, the programme features around 100 groups; the number may vary from one edition to another. Participating groups offer dance workshops and balls accompanied by concert music.

The workshops and balls have different focuses: the workshops centre on dance, while the balls feature concert music. If you are travelling for the Grand Bal, check which events fit your plans. Set your travel dates to match the relevant edition; event arrangements may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest dates and organiser information before booking.

Church and Château

The Église Saint-Marcel is a Romanesque church with remains dating from the 12th century. Its rectangular nave was altered in the 15th and 16th centuries. The building reflects distinct historical periods: Romanesque remains and later alterations to the nave.

Visits are available individually and independently by request. Make your request before your visit so you can take this access requirement into account when planning.

The Château de Pannessière was built in the 18th century and is listed in the register of historic monuments. Its historical context differs from that of the Église Saint-Marcel: the church is notable for its Romanesque remains and alterations to the nave, while the château dates from the 18th century. Including both sites in your cultural stay brings together different periods of architecture.

Tours in Gennetines

The PR 34 Circuit de Pannessière starts opposite the Église Saint-Marcel. If you would like to include both the church and the tour in the same stay, this gives you a specific starting point for planning. If you plan to visit both, also bear in mind that visits to the church are by request.

The Balade du château de Pannessière is a moderately difficult, 13.6 km circular cycling route with a duration of 58 minutes. Its length and duration give you a concrete basis for planning your time; route conditions may change, so check them before setting out. The stated difficulty is also a useful factor when considering this cycling circuit as part of your stay.

Getting to the Grand Bal

The nearest railway station to the Grand Bal de l’Europe venue is Moulins-sur-Allier, 10 km away. If you are travelling by train, plan your onward journey to the venue separately and check the organiser’s latest transport information. It may change.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Target, Jaligny-Sur-Besbre, Néris-Les-Bains, Chantelle, Villeneuve-Sur-Allier, Espinasse-Vozelle, Ébreuil, Bert.

Return to the main travel guide: Allier.