Discover Ronnet

Ronnet brings together several distinct travel themes: architectural history at the Église Saint-Christophe, hiking, cycling, and an educational farm offering guided tours. The town also plays a different role depending on the route: one circular trail starts in Ronnet, while a cycling tour reaches the town after starting in Marcillat-en-Combraille.

Church architecture and local history

The Église Saint-Christophe combines a rectangular, four-bay Gothic nave dating from the 13th century with a Romanesque choir from the late 11th or early 12th century. A bay is a section of a church interior; here, the four bays divide the nave. The building thus reveals two clearly distinct construction phases: the nave belongs to the Gothic phase, while the choir is part of a much older Romanesque phase. Since the decree of 17 September 1969, the church has been listed as a Monument historique. It can also be considered an example of a church from the Creuse region on the border with Bourbonnais.

The Tour de Ronnet is mentioned as part of a line of fortifications associated with the English occupation. While the Église Saint-Christophe is distinguished by its architectural styles and its listing as a Monument historique, the Tour de Ronnet points to a different historical context.

Hiking and cycling

The Circuit Le bois de Champeaux walking trail starts at Ronnet town hall. It is classified as a moderately difficult hike covering 14 kilometres, with a stated duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The trail leads from Ronnet through woodland and bocage landscapes. The described sections range from wide, straight paths to narrow, winding stretches. When planning, take into account the distance and stated duration, as well as the difficulty rating and character of the route. Check local conditions before setting off.

The Les routes vallonnées de la Combraille – variante cycling route is 46 kilometres long and passes through a hilly landscape where bocage meadows alternate with woodland. It starts in Marcillat-en-Combraille and then continues to Ronnet. Unlike the circular walking trail, Ronnet is not the starting point here but is reached later on. The routes therefore differ not only in how you travel, but also in the order of the places they pass through. Check current route conditions before setting off.

A guided visit to the farm

La Ferme de l’Aventure is an educational farm open to the public in Ronnet. Guided tours explain how the farm, its animals, and the surrounding natural environment interact. Coffee, tea, or lemonade, along with small sweets, are offered on guided tours. The visit thus has a different focus from the church architecture and the two routes: the farm, its animals, and their natural surroundings take centre stage. Check the arrangements before travelling, as the availability and content of guided tours, as well as the refreshment options, may change.

Discover more destinations: Mazirat, Sainte-Thérence, Andelaroche, Chamblet, Sanssat, Isserpent, Busset, Avermes.

For the regional travel overview: Allier.