Green bocage countryside, historic buildings and a weekly market held all year round offer different ways to explore Buxières-Les-Mines. Follow trails through valleys and over hills to experience the landscape; Saint-Maurice, the Château de la Condemine and the former railway line offer other points of interest. The Wednesday market is another event to consider when planning your visit.
Bocage Countryside, Waterfall and Hiking Trails
Numerous paths and trails through the valleys and hills of Buxières-les-Mines let you discover green bocage countryside and its preserved natural environment. One option is the Circuit des Terres Premières – PR 15: this yellow-marked circular trail is 16 kilometres long, climbs 139 metres and is listed as taking 3 hours and 15 minutes. These details can help you work the route into your day’s plans.
The marked Vallée des Rocs trail has a different character. It is steep in places and crosses the river over a makeshift bridge formed by a fallen tree. The Creux de la Mare waterfall lies along the trail, beyond the quarry. While the PR 15 is described by its distance, ascent and estimated duration, the Vallée des Rocs is defined by its steep terrain and river crossing. Check for current trail information before setting out, as conditions can change.
Church, Château and Industrial History
Saint-Maurice Church is Romanesque in style. It was built in part in the second half of the 12th century and completed in the 13th century; it was listed as a historic monument in 1886. Visitors can explore it independently using an information leaflet.
The Château de la Condemine can be visited on an individual tour by prior request. The site was formerly a Templar establishment. Its polygonal building is protected by a water-filled moat. If you would like to visit the château, make sure to request an individual tour in advance.
Another point of historical interest is the Four du Sauvage: remains of a prehistoric settlement were found in the small cave. The Moulins–Cosne industrial railway line opened in sections in 1886 and 1887; the Buxières–Cosne section followed on 13 October 1887. The Circuit des Terres Premières – PR 15 follows the former route of the Moulins–Cosne Tacot railway. The circular trail thus brings together a present-day route and the history of the former railway line.
Weekly Market and Fishing
The weekly market is held at Place Louis Ganne on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., all year round. If you are planning your stay around a visit to the market, check the current schedule beforehand, as market dates may change. The regular market day is easy to take into account when planning, without needing to build your entire day around it.
Fishing at Étang communal de la Chassagne is permitted with an annual or day permit. These permits allow three fishing rods per person. Check the current permit and fishing rules before you go. This gives you the main conditions for this activity, while you plan your other outings around nature, history or the market.
Discover more destinations: Gannay-Sur-Loire, Vaux, Montluçon, Estivareilles, Poëzat, Saint-Rémy-En-Rollat, Vendat, Domérat
For the main travel guide: Allier.
