Lavault-Sainte-Anne: Heritage, Water and Hotels

Lavault-Sainte-Anne brings together striking architecture, varied waterscapes and cultural events. When planning your trip, it is especially helpful to distinguish between the different visiting options and event dates: some visits take place regularly, while other activities are tied to specific dates or the season.

Heritage and visits

La Charité was recognised in 2004 as part of the French “Patrimoine du XXe siècle” (20th-century heritage). Visits to the entire architectural complex are offered on the first Sunday of each month and last around two hours. If you plan to attend, check the schedule before your trip.

Another highlight is the Église Sainte-Anne: the Romanesque church dates from the 11th century and has a distinctive four-sided bell tower roofed with chestnut shingles. Inside is an 11th-century stone altar with ISMH protected status. With advance booking, you can visit the church independently or on a guided tour; check the booking arrangements before your visit.

The local tradition also includes a procession held every year on 26 July. During the procession, a statue of Saint Anne is carried beneath a canopy from the church to the cross near the mill. This fixed date differs from the monthly visits and may be a deciding factor when choosing your travel dates.

The Cher and other waterside spots

The Cher runs alongside the town centre, where the local canoe and kayak club is based. The river is also popular with anglers. Languistre offers a different kind of waterside setting: it covers 2.4 hectares, of which 2 hectares are water, and is leased to the local fishing club.

The Ruisseau des Serpents offers another kind of scenery. The stream flows through the Bois de la Brosse before feeding the waterfall in the Lavault-Sainte-Anne arboretum. The river, pond and stream with its waterfall offer distinct attractions for travellers interested in water and landscapes.

Activities at the white-water centre

The Moulin de Chauvière white-water centre offers canoeing, kayaking, rafting and hiking. A permanent slalom course is located just below the centre. These activities and the permanent facility are distinct features of the site; the seasonal availability of activities may change. So check what is planned for your chosen dates before travelling.

Jazz in July

The Jazz au Fil du Cher festival takes place for a week every July in the Communauté d’Agglomération de Montluçon area. The festival includes a Sunday jazz walk at Pré de Chauvière in Lavault-Sainte-Anne. The local walk is therefore a specific connection to the town within a festival that takes place across a wider geographical area. If you are travelling for the jazz, check the festival week and Sunday event against your travel dates.

Monthly guided tours, the church visit requiring advance booking, the procession on 26 July and Jazz Week all have different schedules. It is advisable to check separately whether seasonal activities are currently taking place.

Discover more destinations: Louchy-Montfand, Cerilly, Trévol, La Guillermie, Ronnet, Boucé, Treteau, Ferrières-sur-Sichon.

For the regional travel overview: Allier.