Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule travel guide
Visit Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)
Photo Gallery Book a visitSaint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule is a small town located in south-central Allier, in the Auvergne region of central France.
Explore Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule
Although it is quite a quiet town, there are a couple of places of interest that deserve your attention in Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule when you are in the region. Start your visit at the Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule tourist office at 29 rue Marcellin Berthelot.
The principal sites include an old town, with a 15th century watchtower later converted into a clocktower, and the nearby church of Saint-Croix, also with a belltower and combining both roman and gothic elements in its design, and containing some interesting 15th century decorative elements - it is these two towers that dominate the skyline of Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule, and also act as the symbol of the town.
The Church of Saint-Croix dates in part from the 11th century, although it was much modified later, and has a statue of Saint-Pourcain set in a recess in the facade.
In the centre of the old town you can also stroll through the site of the original abbey buildings and cloisters. Reached via a passageway, although the cloisters themselves no longer exist there are sufficient traces of the original abbey buildings (next to the church) to evoke their history.
The benedictine courtyard also contains the Wine museum in a 15th century church building (the 'Maison du Baillage').
There is a nice view of the town from the 17th century bridge across the river.
A large market is held in St-Pourcain-sur-Sioule on a Saturday morning, just off the broad boulevard 'below' the old town, where cafes etc can also be found.
Attractions nearby
There is an accrobranche park (ropes and activities in the forest) close to the town at Parc Aventure les Perches where you can enjoy an adventure in the tree tops!
To the south-west of Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule you will enjoy a visit to the village of Charroux, classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
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 Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule and places nearby
Visit near Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule with France This Way reviews
Charroux
Charroux is a very quiet Auvergne village, unusual in the 'village centre' being a hard to find area of grass!
Charroux 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
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
Lapalisse
The renaissance style Chateau de la Palice, its internal decorations and its gardens are the main highlight when you visit Lapalisse
Lapalisse guide
Moulins
In the historic centre of Moulins it is the cathedral that is the most imposing monument
Moulins guide
Chateldon
The ancient city of Chateldon still retains an important part of its medieval castle and fortifications
Chateldon guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Allier
Address: Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule, Moulins, Auvergne, 3500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.308333, longitude 3.29
Plan your visit to Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule, Allier
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Chareil-Cintrat Chateau: national monument (7 km)
- Charroux: most beautiful village (17 km)
- Vichy: ville fleurie 4* (23 km)
- Montmarault: village d'etape (26 km)
- Lapalisse: recommended detour (28 km)
- Moulins: town of art and history (29 km)
- Forêt des Colettes: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Parc du domaine royal de Randan: remarkable garden (33 km)
- Parc d'Attractions et Animalier (PAL): zoo or wildlife park (34 km)
- Eglise de Saint Georges (Bourbon-l'Archambault): religious monument (35 km)
- Le PAL: theme park (38 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Ygrande): religious monument (39 km)
Market days in Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule, France
Regular market(s) are held in Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule (Francais)