The Moulins region is a gem for art, history, and heritage lovers.

In Moulins, discover the Château des Ducs de Bourbon, the Maison Mantin and the Anne-de-Beaujeu Museum, and Moulins Cathedral with its late 15th-century triptych, all a 3-minute walk from our hotel. You can also explore the famous Centre National du Costume de Scène (National Center for Stage Costume) located a 5-minute drive away, Souvigny Cathedral and the Balaine Arboretum in Villeneuve-sur-Allier, less than 20 minutes away, or the 15th-century Château de Bourbon-l’Archambault, less than 30 minutes away.

One of the jewels of Moulins’ heritage, the Centre National du Costume de Scène et de la Scénographie (CNCS) is the first museum in France entirely dedicated to the material heritage of the performing arts.

The museum showcases the Rudolf Nureyev Collection, costumes from the Comédie-Française and the Paris Opera… more than 9,000 costumes from the worlds of theatre, ballet, and opera, along with set elements, are housed here. The CNCS is dedicated to preserving, studying, and showcasing these prestigious collections.

The Centre National du Costume de Scène is located in the Villars district, in a former cavalry barracks built in the 18th century in the Madeleine neighborhood, on a 4-hectare site along the banks of the Allier River. Listed as a Historic Monument, the building houses some of the world’s most renowned collections, entrusted by major institutions such as the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the Comédie-Française, and the Paris Opera, as well as by the Nureyev Foundation, designers like Christian Lacroix and Franck Sorbier, artists’ families, and theatre companies.

As you explore, enjoy permanent and temporary exhibitions featuring stunning costumes presented in theatrical scenography. Don’t miss the exceptional permanent “Nureyev” collection, which pays tribute to one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century. It offers an in-depth look at his artistic life through nearly a hundred pieces: furniture, musical instruments, textiles, paintings, engravings, sculptures, everyday and stage costumes, photographs, and films.

DIRECTIONS: Just a 5-minute drive or about a 20-minute walk from our hotel.

Perfect for a family outing, the famous amusement and wildlife park Le Pal, located in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre, invites you to discover 50 hectares of fun and discovery: 30 attractions for all ages, 1,000 animals, a large playground for children, shows and animal presentations.

Le Pal is one of the most visited zoological parks in France. During your visit, you’ll explore its incredible animal reserve, home to several endangered species, and admire white rhinoceroses, Mississippi alligators, capuchin monkeys, storks, miniature pigs, chimpanzees, Asian elephants, hippos… and many more.

When it comes to attractions, there’s something for everyone. Brave the rushing waters of the “Colorado River Rapids”, stroll through the giant mushrooms of the “Enchanted Forest”, face the terrifying King Kong, fly in airplanes, ride the mine train, hop on the “Frogs’ Carousel”, enjoy a pony ride or set sail on the pirate ship…

But Le Pal is also about animal shows, educational activities, encounters with keepers… and a dedicated team ready to inform you about the park’s mission: a place devoted to “raising awareness and love for animals, learning to respect them, and educating the public about the threats facing endangered species and their natural habitats.”

DIRECTIONS: Less than a 30-minute drive from our hotel.

The famous Nevers-Magny-Cours racing circuit is located near our hotel.

Located in the Nièvre region, 18 km south of Nevers, this legendary site comprises three circuits: the Grand Prix track, the Club track, and a karting track open to the general public. For over 60 years, this circuit has hosted iconic car and motorcycle races, as well as numerous events such as Superbike.

Since 2015, the Nevers-Magny-Cours circuit has also housed a museum, the Conservatoire de la monoseater française.

Although it no longer hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the site remains renowned for having seen the greatest drivers in the sport, such as Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Kimi Räikkönen, Damon Hill, and Michael Schumacher.

COMMUTE: About a thirty-minute drive from our hotel.

Looking for an original outing? Head to “Street Art City” in Lurcy-Lévis, an incredible 10-hectare artist residency that has become a hotspot for street art, transforming this small town in the Allier region into the capital of urban art.

Dozens of artists from around the world have been invited over the years to showcase their talents here. Today, visitors can discover 90 extraordinary frescoes, created on nearly 23,000 m² of wall space.

In addition, in its artistic showcase housed in a former building and named “Hôtel 128,” Street Art City invites you to discover 128 exceptional worlds, by 128 artists.

A dazzling architectural and artistic discovery, fully immersive and a unique experience!

MILEAGE: Approximately 30 minutes from our hotel by car.

Fancy a breath of nature? Head to the Balaine Arboretum, a 20-hectare botanical park created over 200 years ago in Villeneuve-sur-Allier.

Listed as a Remarkable Garden and a Historic Monument, the Balaine Park is the oldest private arboretum in France and is home to some 3,500 species and varieties of plants. Remarkable trees, shrubs, climbing plants, roses, perennials, and even a vegetable garden make up this green setting, which boasts the unique combination of 19th-century English garden architecture and collections of exotic species.

Depending on the season, you can admire azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias, cornus, irises, colorful exotic hardwoods, witch hazel, Sycoparrotia semidecidua, Corylopsis, Lonicera standishii, old roses, Japanese maples, and a host of other species.

DRIVE: 20 minutes by car from our hotel.

The Bourbonnais is a paradise for nature lovers.
Mountain bike in Moulins, hiking trails with the “Sentier des Castors”, hiking trails on the “Circuit du Château de Pannessière” 10 minutes away from our hotel, walk in the Natural Area Sensitive “Espace Naturel Sensible des Coqueteaux” in Montilly, 10 minutes away the hotel, discovery of both Moulins Nature Reserves, forests, valleys, green hills, bocage, to be explored on foot, on horseback or by bike…

If you want an original excursion for your family, you can go to the racetrack “Hippodrome des Gâteaux” in Moulins, 3 minutes away our hotel.
Closed to the river Allier, you will admire this sumptuous environment and several “Trotteurs” (horses) on a cross-country course.

Golf lovers can perfect their swing at the 9-hole Les Avenelles Golf Course in Toulon-sur-Allier, near our hotel. Open to beginners and advanced players, the golf course welcomes you in a splendid green setting with ponds. The atmosphere is very friendly, and several competitions open to all are organized throughout the year.

7 minutes away our hotel, SoGo Loisirs located in Yzeure, offers a natural outdoor site with 7 courses of Accrobranche with a double tyrolienne of 230 meters, as well as Paintball and an outdoor Laser Game in forest. With friends or family, fun is guaranteed.