Montmarault offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: the Maison des Trois Roys and its history of construction and use, the PR9 to Étang de Miquet, and the Musée du chemin de fer de l’Allier. This gives you the chance to explore local history, a walking route and railway themes as separate highlights.
A building with several chapters of local history
The Maison des Trois Roys is one of Montmarault’s oldest buildings and probably dates from the 15th century. It is considered a witness to the looting and burning of Montmarault during the Wars of Religion. Later, it was a college founded by Catherine Auvergnat in 1574. The building subsequently served as the town hall, guardhouse, barracks, school and presbytery. The Maison therefore offers a chance to explore both its probable age and its several later uses.
Montmarault’s history also goes back a long way: as early as Roman times, the town was a well-used transit point and a small settlement surrounded by walls and ditches. These early signs date from well before the Maison, which probably dates from the 15th century. They add a glimpse into Montmarault’s early settlement to the history of the individual building.
The PR9 between the town centre and the countryside
The PR9: L’étang de Miquet is a family-friendly, very easy 7.7-kilometre walking route. It takes approximately two hours. The route passes through part of Montmarault town centre and then through the surrounding countryside. It therefore includes both an urban and a rural section.
A break at Étang de Miquet is planned halfway along the route; swimming is not allowed there. Allow approximately two hours for the walk when planning your day. The stated duration is an estimate, while the route length is specified as 7.7 kilometres. These give you two different points of reference when planning the walk as part of your stay.
Railways and regional goods
The Musée du chemin de fer de l’Allier displays railway equipment from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the local “Tacot.” The museum also features a historic French heavy artillery train that was used on railway lines from 1914 to 1918. The collection thus brings together the Tacot’s local significance and a historic train, as well as the period when it was in service.
The Marché de Montmarault offers a different perspective on local goods: producers and traders sell fruit, meat and fish, as well as non-food items such as clothing, shoes and household goods. The range therefore includes both food and everyday items. Individual vendors may vary; if you are planning to buy a particular product, check what is currently available in advance.
Visitor information for your stay
The Maison du Tourisme de Montmarault offers tourist information, a shop selling regional products from more than 60 partners, a relaxation area and a range of activities. You can find both visitor information and regional products, along with other offerings. Individual visitor services may change, so check which services are currently available before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Souvigny, La Chabanne, Chazemais, Nades, Barrais-Bussolles, Villeneuve-Sur-Allier, Toulon-Sur-Allier, Commentry
View the overview of destinations in the wider area: Allier.
