Désertines offers a range of reasons to visit, depending on what you are looking for: the Circuit Chezelles walking trail follows the Cher and explores the town’s wine-growing past; there is also a historic washhouse, cultural attractions and donkey activities. If you would like to combine exercise with local history, the trail provides a specific starting point. For a visit with children, City Park and the donkey activities offered at events may be of interest. The Médiathèque and Chez Cécile add a cultural venue and a specific lunch option to the mix. The individual offerings differ in whether they relate to a route, a place or a particular occasion.
The Circuit Chezelles walking trail
The Circuit Chezelles is a 6.2 km loop starting in Désertines. It follows the Cher and also offers a glimpse into the town’s wine-growing past. The route thus combines a clearly defined trail with a local history theme. If you enjoy learning about history as you walk, the description of this route brings both aspects together. Its length gives you a concrete point of reference for planning your day and gauging the scope of the outing. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.
Local history and culture
The Médiathèque Léo Ferré is located at Espace François Mitterrand, 11 rue Joliot Curie, 03630 Désertines. Use of the facilities is free. The precise address gives you a specific point of reference for a library visit; the media library also offers a different cultural focus from the trail and its wine-growing history. Opening arrangements may change. Check current opening hours and conditions of use before your visit.
The Lavoir de Désertines was built in 1897. A fresco commemorating its history was added during its restoration. The construction date and the fresco provide two different points of reference for local history: one sets the scene in time, while the other recalls the history of the washhouse in images. There was also a specific cultural event in 2026: the 37th Salon Artistique took place from February 21 to March 1 at the Maison de la Culture in Désertines.
City Park and donkey activities
City Park is for children and adults. This makes it an option for visitors of different ages, while the walking trail offers a separate focus for those interested in exercise and the history of wine-growing. If you are travelling with children, you can consider City Park as a separate reason to visit.
In Désertines, the Association Bourbonnaise de Valorisation de l’Âne organizes donkey discovery walks together with tourist destinations or local producers. These walks can be booked; confirm availability before your visit if the activity is important to your plans. The activities offered at events and festivals are different: on those occasions, the association offers children donkey rides or fun courses with a little “donkey driving licence.” These activities are part of the particular event and should not be considered an ongoing everyday offering.
Lunch and nature
Chez Cécile is a bistro and restaurant that serves set lunches for working people on weekdays. This is a specific option to consider when planning lunch on a weekday. As restaurant details may change, check the current service before your visit.
The Petite Suisse offers another connection with nature: in 2023, sheep and goats were kept there in a temporary enclosure for grazing. This dated event complements the themes of the trail, local history and culture with an insight into grazing at the Petite Suisse.
Discover more destinations: Chassenard, Saint-Hilaire, Neuilly-le-Réal, Serbannes, Domérat, Vernusse, Dompierre-Sur-Besbre, Treteau.
For the broader travel guide: Allier.
