Châtelus combines local history, walking routes and landscapes with insights into traditional mill craftsmanship. Between the Barbenan Valley, historic buildings and paths around the Borne-Romaine, the different facets of the village are closely interwoven.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Châtelus can choose from the available options according to their own travel plans.
Nature and Walking Routes
The Circuit des Faures leads to the Borne-Romaine crossroads and offers views of the plains to the north and the mountains to the south, extending as far as the Puys d'Auvergne.
The “La borne romaine – PR n°29” route is an 8.0 km circular hike that begins at the Place de l'Église in Châtelus. The self-guided walk “Châtelus par le chemin des écoliers” has an information board and passes the Saint-Cyr church, which dates from 1905.
Local Crafts
At the Moulin Gribory, private individuals can have oil made from their walnut or hazelnut kernels by appointment, observe the production process and take the oil home. The mill also produces flour from organic cereals, using both roller milling and stone mills.
Culture and History
The Musée de l'École recreates a former classroom in the old village school, built in 1880, with numerous documents and pieces of furniture dating from 1830 onwards. Visitors can write there with a Sergent-Major nib at authentic school desks. In 2026, the museum is open daily all year round, but exclusively by reservation made at least 48 hours in advance.
The Maison des Dîmes is a former 12th-century guardhouse and the only surviving part of the former feudal castle of Châtelus. The former medieval castle stood on a rocky promontory topped by a feudal motte and dominated the Barbenan Valley. The Maison des Dîmes can be viewed freely from the outside.
Other places: Commentry, Treignat, Dompierre-Sur-Besbre, Souvigny, Contigny, Ronnet, Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais, Arfeuilles.
