Herisson is a village on a bend in the River Aumance towards the west of the Allier department (Auvergne region) of central France and north of Montlucon.
Almost 2000 years ago nearby Chateloy was the site of an important Roman city, that was subsequently destroyed during the goth invasions. The survivors moved here and established a new settlement. It was in medieval times that the town as we now see it came into being, when it developed around the imposing castle.
Explore Herisson
Although it is the castle that dominates the village be sure to take the time to visit the other highlights, in particular the churches of Herisson and the town along the riverfront.
Herisson castle
Although earlier castles had already stood here since the 10th century, the castle we see today was built around the 14th century by the Dukes of Bourbon. The castle was largely destroyed in 1652 - it was dismantled and the stone used as a local quarry - but the ruins still dominate the village and provide a very dramatic backdrop.
It is possible to visit the castle to see the substantial towers and castle keep and part of the original living accommodation, based around two inner courtyards.
The village
Strolling around Herisson itself, and along the river banks, you will see lots of attractive houses and buildings, some dating back as far as when the village first developed around the castle about 600 years ago.
There are several churches and religious monuments in Herisson, of which the most important is the 12th century Church of Saint-Peter (also called the Chateloy Church). An elegant roman style church, you can admire the 16th century wooden entrance door then enter the church to see some notable 13th century frescoes and also ornately carved capital stones.
The other churches in the village include the neo-gothic church of Notre-Dame built in the 19th century; the Church of Saint-Sauveur (17th century, with a 13th century belltower), the Chapel of Saint-Etienne (15th century) and the Calvary Chapel with its interesting facade (17th century).
Take a look at the remaining parts of the original ramparts, and the stone archways such as the 'porte de varenne' which still allow access to the village, and the view along the river from the bridge. When you have finished exploring be sure to cross the bridge in Herisson for a nice view across the river across the village to the rooftops and the castle. You can also take a stroll through the extensive Parc Louis Bignon.
The small Herisson museum contains numerous artefacts both from the current town and also from archaological excavations at the site of Cordes (the original Roman settlement).
Note: photo of Herisson, Allier above is copyright
Attractions nearby
About 25 kilometres south-west of Hérisson, you can find more historic buildings in the centre of Montlucon.
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 Herisson and places nearby
Visit near Herisson with France This Way reviews
Montlucon
Periods of prosperity in the 12th, 15th and 19th centuries have each contributed monuments and buildings to the centre of Montlucon
Montlucon guide
Souvigny
The Priory Church of Saint-Peter and Saint-Paul with the tombes of the Dukes of Burgundy reminds us how important the quiet town of Souvigny was 500 years ago
Souvigny guide
Moulins
In the historic centre of Moulins it is the cathedral that is the most imposing monument
Moulins guide
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
Charroux
Charroux is a very quiet Auvergne village, unusual in the 'village centre' being a hard to find area of grass!
Charroux guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Allier
Address: Hérisson, Montluçon, Auvergne, 3190, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.509444, longitude 2.712222
Plan your visit to Herisson, Allier
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Foret de Troncais: site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Montlucon: town of art and history (21 km)
- Neris-les-Bains: recommended detour (25 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Ygrande): religious monument (26 km)
- Eglise de Saint Georges (Bourbon-l'Archambault): religious monument (28 km)
- Montmarault: village d'etape (28 km)
- Saint-Amand-Montrond: ville fleurie 4* (29 km)
- Les jardins artistiques de Drulon: remarkable garden (30 km)
- Jardins du château d'Ainay-le-Vieil: remarkable garden (32 km)
- Abbaye Notre Dame de Noirlac et Saint Etienne Prieuré (Bruere-Allichamps): religious monument (33 km)
- Abbaye de La Celle (La Celle): religious monument (35 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Georges (Saint-Jeanvrin): religious monument (38 km)
The French version of this page is at Herisson (Francais)