In Billy, discoveries range from a medieval fortress to hiking and cycling trails along the Allier. The Forteresse de Billy stands on a circular hill about 50 metres above the ground. When planning your stay, you can focus on the history of the fortifications, other historic buildings, or trails through fields and hamlets and along the river.
The fortress and its history of construction in Billy
The military fortress dates from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Its fortifications comprised several levels: the Porte Chabotin protected the first level of defences. Its features included a passageway with a portcullis, a murder hole, and loopholes. The Tour Barbery was part of the second fortified enclosure. It consisted of seven towers connected by curtain walls. These two structures offer different insights into the fortress’s defences.
Outside the fortress, you will also find buildings from various centuries. The Auditoire was where the castellan administered justice. The Capitainerie was built in the 14th century at the entrance to the bailey and served as the castellan’s residence. The Maison du Marchand, a half-timbered house known as the Merchant’s House, dates from the 15th century. Billy’s Maison protestante is a Renaissance residence from the 16th century. The Romanesque crypt of the Église Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte dates back to the 11th century, is known as the Cave Saint-Georges, and is open to visitors. Together, these dates span the period from a medieval church space to later residences.
Guided tours and activities
Guided tours of the Forteresse de Billy are offered seasonally: Wednesday to Sunday in April, May, June, and September, at 2 and 4 p.m. Check the current schedule before planning your visit. La Marche des remparts is an event held in April; here too, it is advisable to check the current event dates before travelling. A large-scale escape game takes place throughout the village. Check in advance whether it is available on your travel dates.
Hiking and cycling around Billy
There are several trails to choose from, each with its own details. Hiking trail PR No. 51, Le sentier du Renard, takes you through Billy’s medieval history and across fields and hamlets, over slopes, and along the banks of the Allier. The Boucle des Patrimoines is 22 kilometres long and has a variant that leads to the fortress and the Église Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte. The Via Allier runs for 27 kilometres between Billy and Saint-Yorre and is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
The 22 kilometres of the Boucle des Patrimoines and the 27 kilometres of the Via Allier are two distinct options. The Boucle includes a variant connecting the route with two historic sites; the Via Allier is described as a connection between Billy and Saint-Yorre. PR No. 51, meanwhile, offers its own succession of landscapes: fields, hamlets, slopes, and the banks of the Allier. You can distinguish the routes by their stated length, focus, and surroundings, without planning them as one continuous circuit.
Plan your travel dates and hotels
If you’re looking for hotels in Billy, first decide which experiences will shape your travel dates. Months and times are given for the fortress tours; check current details for the April event and the escape game. If you’d also like to plan a hike or bike ride, you can weigh the three trails by their respective features: the 22-kilometre Boucle, with its variant leading to historic buildings; the 27-kilometre Via Allier between Billy and Saint-Yorre; or PR No. 51, with its varied landscapes. This choice gives your stay a clear focus without combining distinct activities into a single tour.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Victor, Vallon-En-Sully, Ygrande, Neuilly-le-Réal, Châtelus, Loriges, Paray-Sous-Briailles, Laprugne
For the broader travel overview: Allier.
