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On the border between the Berry and
Bourbonnais regions, the Forest of Tronçais is
an invitation to fairyland. In the Val de Cher and the
Combrailles, a paradoxical mixture of laughter and melancholy
rises from the undulating landscape.
 The
Domanial Forest of Tronçais, covering nearly 11,000
hectares (27,170 acres), has maintained its unique atmosphere
of impressive majesty.
A refuge for fugitives and comforter of lonely hearts,
it has inspired poets whose imaginations have filled it
with a world of nymphs and fairies.
But this forest with centuries-old specimens has not always
been a land of peace! As the former property of the Dukes
of Bourbon (it was confiscated from them in 1527), it
was the subject of such a free-for-all that, in 1670,
three-quarters of its trees had been destroyed. In the
same period, Colbert decided to protect it with the avowed
goal of providing the kingdom’s shipbuilders with
high-quality wood.
Today, the forest, 7/10ths of which is made up of oak,
beech and pine, provides raw materials for the production
of barrels, notably for the great Bordeaux wines.
The forest may be industrious, but it also has a story
to tell.
Here you will find the traces of the ancient Celtic, Gallo-Roman
and Gothic populations. You will also come across ponds
where you can enjoy a pleasant swim.
 Heading
further south in the region, accompanied by the murmuring
River Cher, we come to the city of Montluçon, economic
capital of the Bourbonnais region and centred around the
Château of the Dukes of Bourbon.
It was build during the Hundred Years’ War by Louis
II of Bourbon and his successors.
Overlooked by the Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower),
the château is now home to the “Musée
des Musiques Populaires” (Museum of Folk Music).
Heading to Les Combrailles, you will be surprised by these
small mountains, wooded gullies, the infinite villages
and the rivers and ponds.
The Sioule flows through here. It was a source of strength.
It had to be used.
Man decided to build dams (visit the Besserve and Queuille
dams). One of the major attractions in this area is the
Fades Viaduct overlooking the Sioule at a height of more
than 140 metres. Designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel,
it is the highest in Europe.
For the end of your visit, head off to the Gorges de Chouvigny
for a unique sight: the Sioule has made its bed on a whim,
running deep into the mysteries of the shadowy Combrailles.
 
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