The Sichon rises in the commune of Lavoine. Cultural history, high-altitude views and trails through the Bois Noirs give the destination several distinct themes: you can plan your stay around a museum visit, the landscape and its views, or a specific activity.
High-altitude views and notable places
Rocher Saint Vincent reaches 932 metres and offers views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Sichon Valley. It is also a climbing area, and the ruins of Château de Puyramont are located there. Landscape, climbing and history come together at this named site. If you are interested in the views, the Rocher offers two specific sights, while the ruins add a historical point of interest.
Another high point is Puy-de-Montoncel: at 1,287 metres, it is the highest point in the Allier department. It can be reached on foot through the Bois Noirs forest; at the top, it offers a 360-degree view. The two viewpoints therefore stand out for different reasons: at Rocher Saint Vincent, the views are of the Chaîne des Puys and the Sichon Valley; at Puy-de-Montoncel, you can enjoy a panorama in every direction.
Cultural history in Lavoine
The Musée du Bois et de la Forêt can be visited independently. Smartphone QR codes and audio explanations introduce the individual exhibits, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The museum is therefore a good cultural focus if you are interested not only in the landscape, but also in forests and wood.
A water-powered sawmill is part of the history of local crafts: in the early 1990s, the commune of Lavoine had a mill faithfully reconstructed based on a water-powered sawmill that had previously stood within the commune. The water and ball clock also stands in the centre of Lavoine. Audio explanations are available there via a smartphone QR code. The mill and clock offer two different ways to discover cultural history and technology; for the museum visit, there is also the expressly described option of exploring the exhibits independently.
Trails and seasonal activities
In summer, the Bois Noirs massif offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, as well as a permanent orienteering course and archery. In winter, the Foyer du Montoncel has 47 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 12 kilometres of snowshoe trails and opportunities for sledging. The activities vary considerably by season: in summer, the options range from trail activities to orienteering; in winter, the focus is on cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledging.
Several routes can also be compared by type and length. Trail No. 25 is 25.6 kilometres long, starts at the Foyer du Montoncel in Lavoine and was awarded the Uni’Vert Trail label by the Fédération Française d’Athlétisme. Mountain biking circuit No. 35, “La Découverte,” is 21 kilometres long and also starts at the Foyer. It passes through the Bois Noirs forest into the Sichon Valley, along the outskirts of Lavoine and past Rocher Saint-Vincent. This gives you the choice of an award-winning trail route or a shorter mountain biking loop whose circuit format is explicitly described. Check local conditions for the trail before setting out.
Another mountain biking route is No. 88, “Le Pays des Pions.” It runs from the Foyer du Montoncel or La Guillermie to Lavoine and takes in the area’s forest heritage. When choosing, you can therefore consider not only the activity, but also whether you are looking for a loop starting at the Foyer or a route with the stated starting options and a finish in Lavoine.
At Étang du Charrais
Étang du Charrais has a fitness trail, picnic tables, an observation tower, a relaxation area and a roller-skating rink. Fishing is also possible there. The site offers a choice of exercise and views, a quieter break, or a dedicated fishing activity. Its range of facilities makes Étang another option to consider when planning your trip, without needing to choose one of the longer routes.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Neure, Espinasse-Vozelle, Meillard, La Guillermie, Chamblet, Lusigny, Beaulon, Loriges.
Back to the main travel guide: Allier.
