Lavoine between culture and nature

The commune of Lavoine is the source of the Sichon. When planning your trip, you can focus on different themes: forest and local history, distinctive landscapes, or activities on foot and by bike. These themes can help you decide what to include in your time here—from a self-guided museum visit to marked routes and seasonal activities.

Discover culture and history

The Musée du Bois et de la Forêt can be visited independently. Smartphone QR codes and audio explanations provide information about the individual exhibits. The water-powered sawmill also explores the history of woodworking: the commune had it built in the early 1990s as a faithful reconstruction. Its model was a water-powered sawmill that once stood within the commune.

The water and ball clock stands in the centre of Lavoine. Here, too, you can access audio explanations via a smartphone QR code. The museum, sawmill, and clock each offer a different perspective, taking you from the history of forests and craftsmanship to a distinctive landmark in the town centre. If you would like to include culture in your trip, this selection offers several specific themes without limiting you to a single place to visit.

Rocks, views, and forest

Rocher Saint Vincent rises to 932 metres and offers views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Sichon Valley. The ruins of Château de Puyramont are also located on the rock, which is a climbing area as well. Landscape, history, and climbing come together at this named location. At 1,287 metres, Puy-de-Montoncel is the highest point in the Allier department. It can be reached on foot through the Bois Noirs forest, and from there the views extend in every direction across 360 degrees.

At Étang du Charrais, there is a fitness trail, picnic tables, an observation tower, a relaxation area, and a roller-skating rink. Fishing is also possible there. The activities at the pond therefore differ from those at the higher-altitude and forest destinations: here, the facilities include several leisure amenities and fishing, while at Rocher and Puy-de-Montoncel, the focus is on rocks, views, and trails.

Routes and activities throughout the year

For runners, Trail No. 25 starts at Foyer du Montoncel in Lavoine. The route is 25.6 kilometres long and has been awarded the Uni’Vert Trail label by the Fédération Française d’Athlétisme. Check local conditions before setting out. Another option for cyclists is the 21-kilometre mountain bike loop No. 35, “La Découverte”. It also starts at Foyer du Montoncel, passes through the Bois Noirs forest into the Sichon Valley, and goes by the outskirts of Lavoine and Rocher Saint-Vincent. Its distance and circular route clearly distinguish it from the trail, which has its own length.

In summer, activities in the Bois Noirs massif include hiking, mountain biking, permanent orienteering, and archery. If you would like to learn more about the area on foot, you can take the discovery trail. It starts at the car park at Foyer du Montoncel and introduces the natural and human environment of the Bois Noirs. For mountain bikes, there is also Route No. 88, “Le Pays des Pions”. It runs from Foyer du Montoncel or La Guillermie to Lavoine and explores the town’s forest heritage.

In winter, Foyer du Montoncel offers 47 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 12 kilometres of snowshoe routes, and opportunities for sledding. The summer activities in the massif and the winter offerings at the Foyer therefore differ both by season and by activity. You can use these specific differences to decide which routes or themes to include in your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Deneuille-les-Mines, Châtelus, Lusigny, Vichy, Paray-Sous-Briailles, Avermes, Toulon-Sur-Allier, Murat.

For the main travel overview: Allier.