Discover Saint-Germain-De-Salles

Explore Saint-Germain-De-Salles through its architectural history, the natural landscape of the Basse Sioule and the Voie Verte du Val de Sioule, which passes through the town. Route details also help you plan: alongside the 27-kilometre Voie Verte, there is a hiking route rated difficult that passes through Salles via Place de la Chaume-Billard.

Church and architectural history

The Saint-Germain church preserves two vaulted bays from the original 12th-century building. A bay is a section of a structure; in this case, two such sections remain. The church’s choir forms the former chapel of a priory dating from the 15th century that no longer exists. The church also has stained-glass windows of rare value and originality. Together, these features offer several ways to understand the church’s construction, historical periods and furnishings.

Châteaux and historic sites

The privately owned Château de Salles includes a seven-hectare park with mature trees. The private Château des Joyeux is a 19th-century building in the Neo-Gothic style. The private Château de Ceron has a different history: it is a former fief dating from the 15th century and overlooks the Sioule. The three châteaux therefore differ both in their recorded histories and in the features described, from the park to Neo-Gothic architecture and a position above the river.

The Moulin de Salles is also part of local history: it was built by the Templars in the 13th century. Alongside the church and châteaux, it offers another way to explore Saint-Germain-De-Salles’ varied historic landmarks.

The Sioule and its floodplain

Saint-Germain-de-Salles lies within the continental ZNIEFF Type 1 area “Basse Sioule.” The INPN entry dated 12 June 2025 lists the municipality among the localities in this area. The ZNIEFF covers the Sioule and adjacent wetlands along an approximately 30-kilometre stretch of the river’s lower course in the Allier département. This is an approximate figure describing a longer river landscape, not a route within the town.

The floodplain habitats of the “Basse Sioule” support rich biodiversity, including bats, land mammals, birds and fish. For travellers interested in nature, this designation offers a different perspective from the architectural history, drawing attention to wetlands and animal groups in the river landscape. Saint-Germain-De-Salles is part of the designated area.

Voie Verte and hiking route

The 27-kilometre Voie Verte du Val de Sioule passes through Saint-Germain-de-Salles and connects Gannat with Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule. It is open every day throughout the year and free to access. For planning purposes, you can check the latest route information again before setting out. The connection between the two towns and the route through Saint-Germain-de-Salles give the trail a clear regional focus.

Another option is the 16.5-kilometre “Les écluses” hiking route, which is rated difficult. In Salles, it passes through Place de la Chaume-Billard; the route description does not say that the circuit starts there. Routes and trail markings can change, so check current route conditions and markings before your hike. The length and difficulty rating help distinguish this hike from the Voie Verte without specifying a walking time.

Practical information and finding a hotel

The shaded Place de la Chaume-Billard has toilets and drinking-water points. As these facilities should be checked again before your trip, it is advisable to confirm the information shortly before your visit.

Les Ecuries du Gâ is an equestrian centre with a boarding stable. It organises events and offers rides for children aged three and over. Programmes and availability may change; if a ride is important to your trip, check in advance whether the activity you want will be available.

Then narrow down your options according to your specific travel plans and compare the details of each hotel offer.

Discover more destinations: Hauterive, Vichy, Prémilhat, Estivareilles, La Guillermie, Jaligny-Sur-Besbre, Meillard, Marcillat-en-Combraille.

For the broader travel overview: Allier.