Coulandon is a rural commune with a church dating from the 12th century. Its other historical features range from manor houses and mission crosses to an Iron Age settlement.

Church and Architectural History

The Église Saint Martin was built from Coulandon sandstone. Construction probably began at the end of the last Romanesque period in Bourbonnais, in the 11th century. The church has been protected as a historic monument since 4 September 1913. The dates describe different aspects: the presumed start of construction, the church’s classification as dating from the 12th century, and the precise date of its historic monument protection.

Manor Houses and Their Architectural Features

The Château de Certilly, also known as Chartilly, is a stone manor house dating from the 15th century. Its features include a dormer window with a triangular gable, a coat of arms dated 1582 above the entrance door, and two projecting turrets, one round and one square. Le Châtelet is also a stone manor house dating from the 15th century; it lies on the road to Montilly. Inside, there is a corner tower, and a staircase with a bend on the north side. The south-facing façade, overlooking the garden, dates from the 17th century.

The Château de La Chassagne lies east of Coulandon on the road to Montégut. The 16th- and 17th-century manor house consists of a rectangular main building and two set-back pavilions with round towers; traces of dry moats are still visible. At the Château de La Presle, stone and two-colour brickwork define the building, which is surrounded by a large park. The fief already existed in the 15th century. Comparing the different construction periods and the arrangement of the towers and buildings helps distinguish them.

Archaeology and Religious Tradition

An Iron Age settlement was discovered in 1886 north of Coulandon, between La Calvardière and the municipal boundary with Marigny. It included dwelling pits dug into the ground and covered with branches, known as “mardelles”. Here, the term refers to a specific type of structure and connects the history of the area with traces that predate the manor houses.

There are also nine mission crosses in the territory of Coulandon, often located at crossroads. Some were still used until recently in Rogation processions. This three-day liturgical celebration takes place before Ascension Day. The history of the area thus encompasses not only buildings, but also religious traditions and their connection with roads and crossroads.

Walking, Crafts and Sandstone

The PR 9 – Circuit de Coulandon is a marked, moderate circular walk covering 11.8 kilometres, with a stated duration of three hours. These details help you plan how long the walk will take; route information may change. Check the latest information before setting out. The “La balade des potiers” walking route offers a different focus: it passes through the hamlet of La Poterie, recalling Coulandon’s significant pottery tradition, which continued into the 19th century.

Sandstone also tells a story of connections beyond the area. The Coulandon quarries supplied stone for the construction of the Régemortes Bridge and Moulins Cathedral. The Église Saint Martin was also built from Coulandon sandstone. The former railway station building still stands at 9, route de St-Menoux.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Desertines, Nades, Hauterive, Jaligny-Sur-Besbre, Sanssat, Meaulne, Isle-Et-Bardais, Huriel.

Back to the main travel overview: Allier.