Discover Moulins

Explore Moulins through a range of themes: the Bourbon architectural heritage, museums with archaeological and theatre-related collections, and routes through the natural area of Val d’Allier. When planning your visit, it is worth noting the differences: the buildings date from the 14th century to the late 19th century, the museums focus on different aspects of culture, and the Sentier des castors is a specific route option.

Bourbon Heritage and Architectural History

The Château des ducs de Bourbon was founded by the Dukes of Bourbon in the 14th century. Le Jacquemart is a 15th-century bell tower and a symbol of municipal freedoms. Its balustrade offers a view of Moulins and the surrounding area; access to the tower is only available on guided tours. The two buildings thus represent different aspects of the town’s history.

The Maison Mantin was built between 1893 and 1895 on part of the ruins of the Bourbon ducal palace. It can only be visited as part of a guided tour; check current availability in advance if you are planning a visit. At Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation Cathedral, the choir and ambulatory date from the 15th century. They are in the Flamboyant Gothic style; architectural details include the supports of the flying buttresses, made of pink and red sandstone.

Museums: Archaeology and Theatre Heritage

The Musée Anne-de-Beaujeu is housed in a Renaissance pavilion built around 1500 by Anne de France and Pierre de Beaujeu. Its permanent exhibition covers Egyptology, regional archaeology and the history of the Bourbon family. This combination brings both wider cultural history and connections to the region and the Bourbon family into focus.

The Centre national du costume et de la scène is dedicated to preserving tangible theatre heritage. Its collection comprises around 10,000 costumes, including stage costumes from the Paris Opera, the Comédie-Française and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. The La Scène galleries focus on theatrical scenography and the professions of the performing arts. Compared with the Musée Anne-de-Beaujeu, the focus here shifts from archaeology and family history to stage design, costume and theatre professions.

Townscape and Routes Along the Allier

The Pont Régemortes crosses the Allier River and connects its two banks. The Sentier des castors starts in Moulins Bain and follows a six-kilometre route to Bressolles. The route also provides easy access from Moulins to the Val d’Allier National Nature Reserve. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Getting There by Train

Intercités trains run from Paris-Bercy to Clermont-Ferrand, stopping at Moulins-sur-Allier, among other places. As timetables can change, check current departures before your trip. Moulins station is about 800 metres from the tourist office and therefore from the historic centre.

Discover more destinations: Arfeuilles, Saint-Léopardin-d’Augy, Châtel-Montagne, Bézenet, Jaligny-Sur-Besbre, La Chabanne, Souvigny, Chamblet.

For the broader travel overview: Allier.