Moulins, a town of art and history and a town of character!

Established in the year 990, and located in the very center of France, the town of Moulins is today a very charming town which still has many treasures.

Moulins’ crowning glory happened during the seat of the Duchy of Bourbon, from 1327 to 1527. When headed by Peter II and Anne of France, the eldest daughter of Louis XI, the court was brimming with the most renowned artists from the start of the Renaissance period.

Today, everywhere in Moulins you will find evidence of the patronage of the Dukes, just by wandering about. Stroll around peacefully in the cobblestoned streets of the old town, taking in houses with timber frames and the large private residences and buildings.  As you walk along, you will get glimpses of the town’s five centuries of history, from the Middle Ages to the 15th century and on to Art Nouveau at the start of the 20th, which saw Gabrielle Chanel become the famous fashion designer “Coco” Chanel in Moulins. 

Since 2005, several top listed cultural places give access to unique collections, places and exhibitions creating though an original and well structured tourism supply : The National center for stage costumes, the 19th century private house Maison Mantin, the museum of illustration for children books, the museum of the Visitation order, ...and the more than 500 year old Triptych of the Master of Moulins.

Take some time out to raise your gaze upwards and to admire the countless details of facades, balconies, the tympanums of churches and the gallery of the cathedral. And every day at night in summer, spectacular light shows are projected on the main historical buildings of the town. A not to be missed event.

Few kilometers outside Moulins, in the little village of Souvigny, you will face the largest religious structure built in the Bourbonnais historic province (constructed between the 10th and 15th Centuries); the Basilica has two original transepts. It houses, in two chapels, the recumbent statues of the Dukes of Bourbon and of their wives. In the nave, the tomb of Majolus and Odilo – 4th and 5th abbots of Cluny’s Abbey - takes centre stage as a Sanctuary for Peace. 

Most recent  born cultural site, set in the middle of the fields among  the white Charolais beefs, Street Art City, has become in few years the place to visit when it comes to Urban Art and artists. More than 65 frescoes created by artists from all around the world are presented to the public and the hotel 128 project reveals  each autumn 32 out of its 128 rooms and the unique work of the artists who were given these rooms ! A dazzling architectural and artistic discovery in total immersion. 

And guess what ! All these tourist sites are linked by more than 1000 km of secure little roads. A real opportunity to ride a bicycle with your friends and family and organise easy and environmentally friendly tours. 

Irrespective of how long you are staying in Moulins and its region, you are going to feel sorry that you have to move on so quickly !