Charroux

Visit Charroux, Auvergne

Charroux is a small village situated in the rolling countryside to the south of the Allier department (Auvergne region) in central France. An attractive and unspoiled village with some lovely traditional houses, Charroux is a pleasure to stroll around admiring the architecture, the decorative wells and stone benches.

The village is classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.

Explore Charroux

There are a few places of particular interest to explore in the pretty village of Charroux, including two stone entrance gateways into the town (one with portcullis, sundial and clock); a couple of half-timbered houses and a traditional market hall.

The 12th century church of Saint John the Baptist is a mix of roman and gothic styles (the 12th century chevet is roman, the rest gothic). There is a belfry from which there are good views across the Charroux rooftops (I don't know what happened to the 'missing' top half of the steeple!).

The 'centre' of Charroux, in the citadel, could almost be missed. Accessed by a couple of small paths, you reach a circular sheltered grassy area 'hidden' in the middle of the village, surrounded by old stone buildings.

There is also an interesting small museum dedicated to historical clocks in Charroux. (We were in Charroux at midday, and a cacophony of bells and clocks all ring at the same time.)

From the village viewpoint there are far reaching views across the region - Charroux is at the very northern edge of the massif central on a hill overlooking the extensive 'flat lands' to the north.

There are limited facilities - one or two restaurants and a couple of small shops including a bakers - in this old part of the village.

See Auvergne and Allier (the region and department for Charroux) for more travel ideas...

Photos of Charroux

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Suggested places to visit near Charroux, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chateldon 36km; Volvic 36km; Lapalisse 37km; Souvigny 39km; Moulins 44km; Clermont-Ferrand 45km; Montlucon 46km; Thiers 47km; Puy-de-Dome 48km;

Charroux tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Chareil-Cintrat Chateau - national monument (10km) : Parc du domaine royal de Randan - remarkable garden (24km) : Abbatial church de Saint Pierre de Mozac (Mozac) - religious monument (31km) : Collégiale Saint-Victor et Sainte-Couronne d'Ennezat (Ennezat) - religious monument (32km) : Marsat - town of art and history (35km) : Neris-les-Bains - recommended detour (40km) : Parc du château de Blanzat - remarkable garden (40km) : Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Clermont-ferrand) - religious monument (43km) :

See more places and a map at places near Charroux