The Grotte des Fées, historic castles and the Glozel collection offer different ways to explore Ferrières-sur-Sichon. When planning, consider not only your interests but also the conditions for each visit: the cave closes seasonally, while special opening dates are announced for the museum.
Grotte des Fées: Route and Season
The Grotte des Fées is on the banks of the Sichon. Stalactite formations, small cascades and a 44-metre-long network of accessible caves define the site. From the centre of Ferrières-sur-Sichon, follow the route towards La Guillermie as far as the hamlet of “Forest”; from there, follow the signs to the cave. The round trip takes about 40 minutes. Sturdy footwear and a torch are recommended.
The cave is closed from 15 November to 15 March to protect bats during hibernation. The Maison de la Vallée du Sichon provides tourist information, issues the key to the Grotte des Fées, and sells local and regional products as well as handicrafts. Check the Maison’s opening hours in advance.
Castles with Different Visiting Conditions
Château de Montgilbert was built around 1250 under Saint Louis by the Saint-Gérand family. It is freely accessible year-round. Guided tours are available on request while construction work is underway during the spring and summer holidays. If you would like a guided tour, make a request; check access information before your trip.
The history of the owners is central to Château de Ferrières: it can be traced back to the 14th century. François III de la Tour d’Auvergne, Viscount of Turenne, was born at the château on 25 January 1526. It is listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments.
Glozel: Site and Collection
The hamlet of Glozel is in the commune of Ferrières-sur-Sichon in the Allier department. More than 2,500 objects were discovered there over an eight-year period. The Musée de Glozel opened in 1926 and displays more than 2,500 objects made of fired clay, stone and bone. These include remarkable animal engravings and sculptures, two-sexed idols, face urns and tablets.
Individual visitors can visit the Musée de Glozel during special opening dates. Dates are announced on the museum’s website and via its telephone information service. Check these announcements before planning a visit for a specific travel date.
Church and Visiting Hours Compared
The Église Saint Désir can be visited daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The lower part of the bell tower and a small apse remain from the predecessor church, which dates to the 12th century. Check the visiting hours before your trip.
The conditions vary considerably: Château de Montgilbert is freely accessible year-round, the church has daily visiting hours, the cave closes for the winter, and the Musée de Glozel has special opening dates. Once your travel dates are set, this comparison can help you plan your visits accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Chamblet, Bressolles, Bert, Arfeuilles, Loriges, Bézenet, Murat, Vallon-En-Sully
For the overview of the wider area: Allier.
