Montmarault: Maison des Trois Roys, Railway Museum and PR9

Montmarault can be explored through a range of themes: the history of the Maison des Trois Roys, the railway collection at the Musée du chemin de fer de l’Allier, and the PR9: L’étang de Miquet walking trail. If you’re looking for a hotel in Montmarault, you can plan your stay around whether you’d like to focus on local history, railway exhibits or time outdoors.

History of the Maison des Trois Roys

The Maison des Trois Roys is one of Montmarault’s oldest buildings and probably dates from the 15th century. It is considered a witness to the looting and burning of Montmarault during the Wars of Religion. Later, it became a college founded by Catherine Auvergnat in 1574. The building subsequently served as a town hall, guardhouse, barracks, school and presbytery. Its probable construction in the 15th century and the founding of the college in 1574 mark distinct historical milestones; its later uses show how varied the building’s functions were.

The Roman era marks a much earlier chapter in the town’s history than the Maison des Trois Roys: even then, Montmarault was a frequently used transit point and a small settlement surrounded by walls and ditches.

PR9 walking trail: L’étang de Miquet

For time outdoors, there’s the PR9: L’étang de Miquet walking trail. The route is 7.7 kilometres long, very easy and family-friendly, and takes about two hours. It passes through part of the town centre and then through the countryside around Montmarault. The walk therefore combines a stretch through the town centre with the surrounding rural landscape, rather than focusing on just one of the two settings.

A break at the Étang de Miquet is planned halfway along the route. Swimming is not permitted there, so the pond is a stop along the way, not a swimming destination. The approximate duration can help you plan the walk as a separate activity during your stay.

Railway history and everyday life in town

The Musée du chemin de fer de l’Allier displays railway equipment from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the local “Tacot.” The museum also features a historic French heavy artillery train that was used on railway lines in 1914–1918. The collection thus connects local railway history with the history of the military use of railways during the First World War.

The Maison du Tourisme in Montmarault offers tourist information, a shop selling regional products from more than 60 partners, a rest area and various activities. Individual services may change.

At the Marché de Montmarault, producers and traders sell fruit, meat and fish, as well as non-food goods such as clothing, shoes and household items. The range therefore covers everything from food to everyday goods. Individual vendors may vary.

Discover more destinations: Vallon-En-Sully, Target, Vicq, Autry-Issards, Contigny, Châtillon, Agonges, Sanssat

For the broader travel overview: Allier.