Charroux is a small village situated in the rolling countryside to the south of the Allier department (Auvergne region) in central France. The village is classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
Explore Charroux
France This Way review: an attractive and unspoiled village with some lovely traditional houses, it is a pleasure to stroll around Charroux admiring the architecture, the decorative wells and stone benches.
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.
Attractions nearby
The small town of Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule is about 20 kilometres north-east of Charroux and also pleasant to visit.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Allier guide and the Auvergne guide.
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Map of Charroux and places nearby
Visit near Charroux with France This Way reviews
Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule
The quiet town of Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule lacks major monuments but merits a stroll when you are in the region
Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule guide
Vichy
The spa town of Vichy is best known for its bottled water and as centre for the government of unoccupied Fraance during the Second World War
Vichy guide
Riom
The quiet regional town of Riom has several monuments of historical importance to see as you explore
Riom guide
Mozac
The interesting Abbey of Saint-Pierre in Mozac combines early roman elements and later gothic elements
Mozac guide
Chateldon
The ancient city of Chateldon still retains an important part of its medieval castle and fortifications
Chateldon guide
Volvic
One of the most famous bottled waters in the world is from Volvic, which is also a pleasant town in the 'Volcano' region of the Auvergne
Volvic guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Allier
Tourist classifications for Charroux
Charroux is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Charroux, Chantelle, Moulins, Auvergne, 3140, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.185833, longitude 3.161944
Plan your visit to Charroux, Allier
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Chareil-Cintrat Chateau: national monument (10 km)
- Forêt des Colettes: site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Montmarault: village d'etape (22 km)
- Vichy: ville fleurie 4* (22 km)
- Parc du domaine royal de Randan: remarkable garden (24 km)
- Abbatial church de Saint Pierre de Mozac (Mozac): religious monument (31 km)
- Collégiale Saint-Victor et Sainte-Couronne d'Ennezat (Ennezat): religious monument (32 km)
- Riom: town of art and history (33 km)
- Marsat: town of art and history (35 km)
- Mozac: town of art and history (35 km)
- Lapalisse: recommended detour (37 km)
- Parc du château de Blanzat: remarkable garden (40 km)
The French version of this page is at Charroux (Francais)