Moulins France

Day 116/ France 17

Travelled: 142km from Vallon en Sully to Souvigny and Moulins to Artaix

Stay: Artaix- parking next to the Canal de Roanne à Digoin N46.2528 E4.0114

After another peaceful night we set off after our morning coffee to Souvigny. In its day it had been the capital of the Bourbonnais area as the House of Vourban was based here. The town also had ties with the nearby Cluny Abbey.

 There was lots of lovely buildings around the centre of the village including the church, which of course we had a quick look inside.

Bourbon Tombs

 We walked around the streets reading several information boards about the history of the town and its buildings. 

Local artist 

We then continued on to Moulins (visited in 2013). The Dukes of Bourbon moved here after unresolved disputes in Souvigny. We strolled around the historic quarter admiring the architecture and churches. 

The Cathedral 






The old castle keep. Used as a POW prison during WWII.







The old palace.



Charming Martin House

We picked out a spot for tonight further east and drove once again through parched countryside and some forests showing the first signs of autumn. 

We were happy to arrive at the beautiful overnight night stop in Artaix.

Gorges of the Sioule and Loire France

Travelled: 157km

Visited:Sioule Gorge, St.Rirand, Villerest, Loire Gorge

Stay:le Chateau de la Roche : free parking N45.896632 E4.102675

We set off along the Sioule Gorge road and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. It certainly wasn’t as dramatic as other Gorge drives we have done, but it still had a tunnel blown out of the rock and stone walls bordering the road to stop us from tumbling down the ravine. There were the obligatory camp sites and canoe hire places along the way as well. 

We thought to spend the morning exploring Vichy but alas we were thwarted by traffic congestion and decided to bypass the town and take a forest road towards Roanne. 

We took a breather from the windy roads in St.Rirand, a tiny village that had a pretty church and a free motorhome parking and service area next to the playground!

 We stretched our legs and had a cup of tea before continuing our journey to Villerest which is on the banks of the lake with the same name. 

Mark happily listened to the Bombers win against Westcoast Eagles and I walked up into the Medieval walled village. 

Then over the dam wall we crossed and followed the Loire Gorges Road to the pretty Chateau de la Roche. 

Parking under the shade we went to have a closer look at this quaint Chateau that had originally been built on a rocky outcrop over the river. However with the dam being built making the river water level rise, the Chateau appears to now be on a little island. Later we were joined by two other motor homes for the night.