Montlucon is a sizable town situated to the west of the Allier department, in the Auvergne region of south-central France. In the town centre you can see many buildings and monuments dating from its periods of prosperity in both the medieval era and the 19th century, and the town is classified as a French "town of art and history".
Exploring Montlucon
A visit to Montlucon will focus in the streets of the historical centre around the Chateau of the Dukes of Bourbon. This chateau dates from the 15th century, and although quite modest in size it dominates the town centre giving views across much of the surrounding region.
The castle has a gallery and clocktower to one side and a square tower and more conventional appearance on the other side, overlooking the gardens. It is now also home to the Museum of Popular Music.
The region of Montlucon known as Saint-Pierre just below the castle contains the medieval streets with numerous half-timbered buildings and also a 12th century roman style church. There is a great deal to enjoy as you stroll around this historic centre, among which the highlight is perhaps the House of the 12 Apostles (maison des douze apotres).
There are also several churches of interest to explore in Montlucon town centre: the 12th century Church of Saint-Pierre and the 15th century Church of Notre-Dame are the most important. Others include the 19th century Church of Saint Paul, unusual in being built around an iron structure, and the Chapel of Croix Verte - unremarkable on the outside but you should step inside to see the decoratively painted interior.
As well as its important medieval centre there are several buildings of interest in Montlucon dating from the 19th century, including some grand townhouses.
The town also has a good selection of parks and public gardens to stroll through, such as the well-maintained Jardin Wilson and the extensive English style gardens of Jardin Breda, while the castle and park of Saint-Jean are another popular place to take an afternoon promenade through the gardens.
You can discover most of the important sites in Montlucon simply by wandering around, or go into the Montlucon Tourist Information office for a useful leaflet with a suggested route to follow.
Attractions nearby
About 25 kilometres north-east of Montlucon you can visit the village of Herisson, dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle.
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 Montlucon and places nearby
Visit near Montlucon with France This Way reviews
Herisson
The ruined castle and the historic centre along the banks of the Aumance river are the principal attractions in Herisson
Herisson guide
Charroux
Charroux is a very quiet Auvergne village, unusual in the 'village centre' being a hard to find area of grass!
Charroux 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
Aubusson
Aubusson is world famous for the rugs that have been produced here during several centuries
Aubusson guide
La Chatre
La Chatre is a small town and quick to explore - before setting off to discover the other castles and countryside nearby
La Chatre guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Allier
Tourist classifications for Montlucon
Montlucon is classified as a listed town of Art and History
Address: Montluçon, Auvergne, 3100, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.340833, longitude 2.603333
Plan your visit to Montlucon, Allier
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Neris-les-Bains: recommended detour (7 km)
- Jardins du château d'Ainay-le-Vieil: remarkable garden (22 km)
- Montmarault: village d'etape (27 km)
- Pierres Jaumetres: site of natural beauty (30 km)
- Gouzon: village d'etape (33 km)
- Forêt des Colettes: site of natural beauty (33 km)
- Foret de Troncais: site of natural beauty (35 km)
- Les jardins artistiques de Drulon: remarkable garden (39 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Georges (Saint-Jeanvrin): religious monument (40 km)
- Saint-Amand-Montrond: ville fleurie 4* (44 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Ygrande): religious monument (44 km)
- Eglise de Saint Georges (Bourbon-l'Archambault): religious monument (44 km)
Market days in Montlucon, France
Regular market(s) are held in Montlucon each Wednesday & Tuesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday all day. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Montlucon (Francais)