History
The military fortress of Billy dates from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The Forteresse de Billy stands on a circular hill approximately 50 metres above the ground.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Billy can use it to arrange accommodation for their own stay.
The Capitainerie of Billy was built at the entrance to the outer bailey in the 14th century and served as the residence of the captain of the fortress. The Tour Barbery formed part of the fortress’s second fortified enclosure, which consisted of seven towers connected by defensive walls.
The Porte Chabotin protected the first line of fortifications and featured a passage with a portcullis, a murder hole and loopholes. The Maison du Marchand is a half-timbered house known as the merchant’s house, built in the 15th century. Billy’s Maison protestante is a Renaissance residence from the 16th century.
Culture
The Auditoire of Billy was where the captain of the fortress dispensed justice. Today, it houses the tourist office, an exhibition room and the post office.
The Église Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte preserves a Romanesque crypt from the 11th century, known as the Cave Saint-Georges, which visitors can enter.
The Forteresse de Billy is open seasonally for guided tours organised by the tourist office, from Wednesday to Sunday in April, May, June and September, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Trails and nature
The Via Allier runs for 27 kilometres between Billy and Saint-Yorre and is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
The 22-kilometre Boucle des Patrimoines follows a variant route to the fortress of Billy and the Église Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte.
The PR No. 51 Le sentier du Renard leads through Billy’s medieval history and runs through fields and hamlets, over slopes and along the banks of the Allier.
Events
A large-scale escape game is offered throughout the entire village of Billy. La Marche des remparts is an event held in April.
