Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais: Forêt de Tronçais and heritage

The centre of Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais developed on the edge of the Forêt de Tronçais, near the Sologne river and the natural Étang de Saint-Bonnet. Wooded areas make up about 40 percent of the commune. The 45-hectare pond is a popular tourist destination. Forest and water thus shape different aspects of the commune; historic sites add another dimension, reflecting how the landscape has been used.

Forest and Remarkable Oaks

The finest sections of the Tronçais forest are in the commune, in Richebourg and Morat. Sessile oak, beech and hornbeam are the predominant species there.

The Forêt Domaniale de Tronçais in Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais has held the “Forêt d’Exception®” distinction since 2017. Futaie Colbert II is home to oaks around two centuries old, among the finest in the Forêt de Tronçais. Along the Circuit des Chênes Remarquables, some oaks are described as being more than four centuries old.

The Circuit de Richebourg partly follows the edge of the Forêt Domaniale de Tronçais. There stands Chêne la Sentinelle, estimated to be about 450 years old. Futaie Colbert 2 and its features are an additional point of interest on the walk.

Routes and Activities

Ways to explore the commune’s landscapes include hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. The Circuit de l’Étang de Saint-Bonnet has a 1-kilometre section designed for people with reduced mobility; the circuit also offers opportunities to observe and listen to birds.

The similarly named Circuit de l’Étang de Tronçais is a 4.9-kilometre circular route starting in Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais. The names distinguish the two pond circuits: the Circuit de l’Étang de Saint-Bonnet includes the adapted section and offers opportunities for birdwatching, while the Circuit de l’Étang de Tronçais is defined by its length and starting point.

From the Rond de Richebourg, there is a hike of about one hour and 1 kilometre. It explores the local terroir, forestry, the quality of Tronçais wood and barrel-making. These topics connect the walk with the forest and its economic use.

On a broader regional scale, the long Sentier des Muletiers runs between Berry and Bourbonnais. This hiking route offers a way to explore the many facets of the heritage of the Pays de Tronçais.

Water Management and Local History

The Guérite du Maître d’Eau was built in 1788–1789 on the dam of the Étang de Saint-Bonnet. It was used to monitor and regulate water supplies to the forges. The structure thus points to water management in connection with the local forging tradition.

Another historical trace leads to the construction of the church: a former Romanesque chapel, in very poor condition, once stood on Chemin du Pré de la Cure. This led to the construction of a larger church at the end of the 19th century. The two stories point to different aspects of local history: water regulation for the forges, and the transformation from a chapel site to a larger church.

Discover more destinations: Treteau, Jaligny-Sur-Besbre, Lignerolles, Le Veurdre, Nades, Sainte-Thérence, Le Mayet-De-Montagne, Espinasse-Vozelle.

For the regional travel overview: Allier.