The Gorges de la Sioule , extending between Menat et Ebreuil on the West of Vichy (40km from here), is a naturally wild and pictoresque landscape dotted with steep rock faces in pink granite.

The pretty roman bridge of Menat marks the entry point to the gorges, dotted on the peaks are old roman churches and abbeys.

The medieval heart of the gorges is however best appreciated further along the river Sioule, at Chouvigny, where on top of a rocky outcrop is perched a remarkable Middle Age fortress, old residence of Lafayette, which overlooks the river from a height.

The gorges all the way along the river Sioule provide the possibility for fishing and canoeing:

Sioule Loisirs (Canoë-Kayak)

Alphea (Canoë- Kayak and Forest Adventures)