Discover Lapalisse: château, historic center and Besbre

In Lapalisse, the Château de La Palice, a historic walking tour and the Besbre offer different ways to experience the town. You can tailor your visit to your interests in architectural history, old streets or spending time by the river. The Parc floral and local heritage associated with the historic N7 add further dimensions to your visit.

Château de La Palice and its history

The Château de La Palice is a furnished feudal residence dating from the 12th to the 16th century. Its distinctive features include coffered ceilings. The château was the residence of the French Marshal Jacques II de Chabannes La Palice and has been occupied by the same family since 1430. A visit brings together different historical periods and a long family history.

Guided tours are offered daily from April 1 to November 1, except Tuesdays; the park is open for independent visits. Check seasonal opening times before your trip. The château also houses a unique collection of flags representing the nations of the world. It represents peoples from every continent and religion and is visited as part of the château tour. If you are interested in architectural and cultural history, you can experience the château and collection together as part of your visit.

Historic streets and walking tours

The historic walking tour passes through Lapalisse’s old streets and takes in several places of interest. Stops include an old half-timbered house on the corner of Rue du Commerce and Rue Notre-Dame, the former Hostellerie du Puits de l'Image and its landscaped square, and the former Lapalisse hospital. The Salle de la Grenette, Place du Champ de Foire and Esplanade Maréchal de La Palice, on the site of the former mill, are also included. The range of places gives the tour its historic character, without focusing on just one building.

Another way to explore Lapalisse with a focus on its history is the audio-guided tour “Laissez-vous conter Lapalisse”. Check in advance whether this option is available during your visit. The tour is a separate option that complements the historic walking tour; no specific route details are implied.

The Besbre, gardens and outdoor activities

The Besbre flows through the town center, inviting you to stroll and relax by the river. Fishing is possible in the Besbre and in ponds. Lapalisse also has signposted hiking trails and marked circular routes. Carriage rides are another leisure activity on offer. Alongside historic sightseeing, there are activities to suit a range of interests.

The Parc floral is a three-hectare park with a French garden and an English garden. It features more than 95 different plant species, a peony collection and a discovery trail showcasing notable trees. Its botanical diversity and two distinct garden styles offer a different experience from the town’s historic sites. If plants are a particular interest, the collection and trail offer specific themes around which to plan your visit.

Grand Embouteillage and the historic N7

The Grand Embouteillage de Lapalisse recreates the historic traffic jam associated with holiday departures in the 1950s and 1960s. Participants and visitors are expected to wear period clothing and bring luggage and holiday accessories. The event also features historical scenes, a swing and rock ’n’ roll atmosphere, and a vintage market. The event takes place periodically; its specific format may vary from one edition to another. Check the dates for your trip.

The Pays de Lapalisse is a separate experience: there, you can follow the 30-kilometer historic Route Royale-Impériale-RN7 section by bicycle or vintage car and discover 30 historic and tourist attractions along the way. The former N7 is considered part of the heritage of the Pays de Lapalisse and has been signposted there as “Nationale 7 Historique” since 2011. This regional route offers a distinct perspective on N7 heritage and should not be confused with the sights in the town center.

Discover oils from Lapalisse

At L'Échoppe des saveurs, visitors can discover oils produced by the Huilerie de Lapalisse. These include fine, virgin, organic and specialty oils, as well as walnut, hazelnut, pistachio and sesame oils. This offers a tangible local insight into the production and variety of these oils. Check the current selection before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Moulins, Saint-Léopardin-d'Augy, Vendat, Loriges, La Ferté-Hauterive, Deneuille-les-Mines, Buxières-Les-Mines, Chouvigny.

Return to the main travel overview: Allier.