페리에르 쉬르 시숑 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

A marvel of our beautiful Bourbonnais mountains

Ferrières-sur-Sichon is the only commune in the Montagne Bourbonnaise to have preserved three of its castles: that of Bourg (16th century), that of Chappes (15th) and that of Montgilbert (13th).

As you walk along the track that runs through the forest towards the Saint-Vincent rock, the trees part for a moment to reveal the wind turbines.

Saint-Vincent Rock is an imposing volcanic rock that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and valleys. It is a natural wonder that dates back millions of years, when lava erupted from a fissure. Later, the sea receded, and tectonic movement lifted the lava, creating the impressive rock that stands today. You can explore the ruins of an ancient castle that once crowned the rock and admire a statue of the Virgin and Child, called "Our Lady of Up There," installed in 2012.

Montgilbert Castle is a ruined medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can explore the remains of the two concentric walls, the towers, the chapel, and the seigneurial residence, and imagine the lives of the lords and soldiers who inhabited this strategic site. The castle is located on a rocky hill overlooking the Vareille Valley and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Montgilbert Castle is open to visitors year-round and admission is free.

What the runner walking quickly past encounters off the path are the modern heirs of the historic windmills, because centuries ago our ancestors were clever enough to harness the power of the elements for their own purposes. They used the wind captured in the blades to drive the heavy millstones, so that grain could be ground into flour, for example. While in the past, attention was paid to the architecture of each individual mill, this modern and unaesthetic variant - which is used to generate electricity - has simply been built en masse in the landscape. These wind farms, which are designed for efficiency, are not without controversy, because on the one hand, no consideration is given to the landscape when they are built, and above all, the slender blades become a death trap for birds.

the climb is quite steep for beginners

At the crest of Chemin de la Ligue, the tops of the trees are not the only ones nourished by the wind. Here, you walk at the foot of the wind turbines. Immense, they impress as much by their size as by the monotonous sound they emit.