In La Ferté-Hauterive, the entire Château des Echerolles complex is listed as a historic monument. This includes the interiors and their furnishings, a chapel, the circular stable, the entrance pavilions, the park with its surrounding wall, the ice house and the kiosk; the listing took effect on 19 May 2003. The Château des Echerolles is representative of the classic, orderly layout of a Bourbonnais estate. The original Château des Echerolles dates from the 17th century and was remodelled around 1880 by the architect Emile Dadolle.
Those who choose La Ferté-Hauterive for their stay will want to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture and History
The Donjon de la Ferté-Hauterive, dating from the 14th or 15th century, is the only surviving remnant of the priory of La Ferté-Hauterive and is listed in its entirety as a historic monument; the listing took effect on 28 April 1986. The priory associated with the donjon is mentioned in papal bulls issued by Urban II in 1096 and Eugène III in 1151.
The Musée des outils de l'ancien temps is housed in an old barn and displays an impressive collection of old tools that Michel, a retired farmer, collected and restored. The museum represents traditional occupations and traditional craft skills, with agriculture occupying a large section.
Nature
La Ferté-Hauterive is one of the municipalities within the Val d’Allier National Nature Reserve, which contains geological heritage and offers eight access points as well as opportunities for hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing and nature observation.
Regional Surroundings
The wider regional surroundings of La Ferté-Hauterive include Billy Castle as a historic site, the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc and the Archives départementales de l'Allier.
