A trip to Serbannes can focus on a range of different things: the hiking trails in the ForĂŞt de Montpensier, a golf course in the commune and historic buildings. Nature, sport and local history are thus distinct themes in their own right.
Hiking trails and prehistory
The Forêt de Montpensier can be explored on hiking trails, particularly the PR 43. The La forêt de Montpensier – PR n°43 hiking trail is a circular route. This distinguishes the wider hiking area from a specifically named type of route: those wishing to include a circular route in their plans can consider the PR 43 as a particular option. The forest's significance also extends beyond its present-day recreational use. Finds from hunter-gatherers attest to its use since prehistoric times; they are around 50,000 years old.
Golf in Serbannes
Golf Vichy ForĂŞt de Montpensier has been open in the commune of Serbannes since 1993. It has 18 holes, a par of 72 and a length of 5,893 metres. These details give golf enthusiasts a concrete basis for assessing the course. Its forest setting is another feature: the course lies in a forest of century-old oak trees. The golf facilities also include a teaching centre suitable for everyone. This combines precise course details with a distinctive natural setting and a teaching offer.
Château, church and historic crosses
The Château du Jaunet probably dates from the 16th century. It was the seat of an important lordship, mentioned in 1501. These dates refer to different aspects of its history: the probable dating of the château and the year in which the lordship was mentioned. The parish church of Saint-Jean was built in 1872 and 1873 and has a cul-de-four vault. The building dates therefore range from a probable date in the 16th century to a precisely specified construction period in the 19th century.
The materials and design help distinguish the individual crosses. The Croix Jacob has a square limestone base and a cover slab made of Volvic stone; it bears the inscription “Jubilé 1902”. The Croix du Grand Serbannes is an iron cross on a base made of several stones. The lower part of the Croix du Jaunet depicts a winged woman. The initials E and S are intertwined on the Croix de la place de l'église.
The Croix de cimetière also has its own historical connection: it probably dates from the early 19th century. Its base is made from a fragment of a column or milestone, engraved with the year 1723. Another landmark in local history is the Lavoir de la Pause, located on the Chemin de l'Ancienne Église. Together, these buildings illustrate a variety of forms and materials; their details range from an inscription and initials to a date on a reused fragment.
Getting there and accommodation
Serbannes is accessible via the D984 departmental road. If you are looking for a holiday rental, first decide whether hiking trails, golf or historic buildings will be the main focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Victor, Doyet, Buxières-Les-Mines, Thionne, Châtelus, Verneix, Murat, Chazemais
For the broader travel overview: Allier.
