Surroundings
Camping
Brénazet
03390 – Vernusse
Département: Allier
The Auvergne
Auvergne is located in the center of France and includes 4 departments: Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire and Puy-de-Dôme.
The village of Vernusse is located in the extreme south of the department of the Allier, just above the department of Puy-de-Dome, known for its 80 dormant volcanoes. From Vernusse, the countryside hovers more and more towards the Massif Central. From Brenazet you can benefit from what both departments offer.
The Allier is the green heart of France: peaceful villages, Romanesque churches and white Charolais cows grazing in a bocage landscape. The river Allier is one of the most beautiful natural protected areas of France. In the immediate vicinity there are beautiful walks to do, and hiking maps are at your disposal.
Around Brenazet
The nature around Brenazet is omnipresent for the attentive tourist. There is so much to see! When you get up early or go to the forest at sunset, you can cross wild boars.
The nature photographer Bartje Struun was staying in the gypsy caravan :
« A quiet corner in the centre of France, where it is good to be.
There was a lot to see around the farm! I counted no less than 15 different types of butterflies. I wandered for days, but the first time I found myself in the « hidden valley » in the middle of the forest it did not know its equal – it looked like the animals had never seen a human being. So many butterflies, dragonflies, beaver rats and even a pine marten walking a few feet in front of my feet. «
Going out
Swimming
Rivers in the area
Brenazet is located near the Bouble Valley. There is a small beach near the Abbey of Chantelle on the border of the Bouble. The gorges of the Sioule is about 20 km from Brenazet. You can take a nice drive through the gorges of the Sioule. There are some beaches and kayaks for rent to go down the river.
There are several possibilities for swimming. In Brenazet you will find a list of bathing sites in the area.
It is about 30 km to the river Allier. Very beautiful is the reserve: « Val d’Allier » with a very large variety of birds, including a colony of bee-eaters, different species of birds of prey and herons. This video tells you more about the beauty of the river Allier:
AU FIL D’ALLIER
Forests and Lakes
Forêt Chateau Charles
A large forest 3 km from Brénazet.
Forêt de Colettes
In the « Forêt de Colettes », 15 km from Brénazet, 700 meters above sea level is the intersection La Bosse. Hidden in the forest, you will find a small lake. The lake is created by excavations in a kaolin extraction area.
The vegetation is very special, for example the sundew. A visit to the museum of minerals « Wolframines » located nearby is interesting to learn more about this region and to see your stones found in the area under the microscope.
Near the museum, you can visit a beautiful climbing park: Acro’Sioule.
Forêt de Tronçais
An hour away, you join the forest of Tronçais. It is the oldest oak forest in Europe. You can walk there between impressive old trees or have a picnic by a peaceful lake. There is also a large swimming lake with beaches and picnic benches in the shade of the pine trees.
Chateaux Bourbonnais
The Allier is known for its many castles. Vernusse has a fairy tale castle: the Puy Guillon, beautiful to photograph but it is not to visit. Above the beautiful village of Hérisson, there is a castle ruin, recommended for children because in the three towers, eight rooms have been arranged to give a view of the daily life in the Middle Ages.
The castle of Chouvigny on the Sioule and the castle of Billy on the Allier are also to be visited. Veauce is a small village not far from La Bosse and has a special castle. The oldest part dates back to 800 and parts have been added over time. The last baron claimed that the castle was haunted and this brought him a lot of attention for the castle. Open weekends and holidays, in July and August, every day.
Do you want to know how the nobles lived in their Bourbonnais castles? Visit the rural castle: Le Fontariol at Le Theil.
Villages, markets, festivals
Charroux, 20 km from Brénazet, is one of the « most beautiful villages in France » and is a picturesque, medieval village. Although it is quite touristy, there are not too many people. Beautiful shops such as jam factory, mustard making, candle making, gem store and museum / clock shop. There are a few very good restaurants, teashops and terraces.
The other nice villages are Verneuil en Bourbonnais, which boasts an authentic village with some restaurants and shops. Saint Pourçain sur Sioule, which has a wine museum and a market on Saturday morning. Bellenave, which has a castle and a market on Wednesday morning. Chantelle, with her beautiful Abbey with shop of beauty products and Sunday morning market. Ther is also a very nice cafee with brocante and a few art galleries. Souvigny, with its Romanesque and Gothic church, the market on Thursday morning, and do not miss the medieval festival the first week of august. Gannat has a dinosaur museum and the market is on Wednesday and Saturday morning. During the last week of july Gannat has its world cultural festival.
Restaurants
Below is a carefully compiled list of lovely restaurants. Note that in France, you can almost always have lunch at lunchtime, but for dinner, call ahead to make a reservation. Many restaurants are closed on Sunday evenings and Mondays.
Restaurant La Chaumière in Blomard
4 km
Primarily because of its excellent cuisine and good value, and the restaurant is also close by. You have a view of the church, and you can also dine outside on the terrace. We chose the « traditional » menu, and vegetarians were given a delicious option!
Welcome from 12:00 to 1:30 PM and in the evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM +334.70.06.68.92
Closed on Sunday and Tuesday evenings and all day Wednesday. Conveniently close by, within cycling distance and even walking distance.
Hostellerie du château in Bellenave
14 km
A very atmospheric restaurant with excellent cuisine run by a top Dutch chef! You can dine indoors or outdoors. Large leafy terrace, French cuisine. Closed Monday evenings and all day Tuesday. Address: Rue des Fossés, 03330 Bellenaves +33 470583719
Maison 365 Days
25km
Looking for something special? This restaurant has it all! And they’re open every day. You’ll find this restaurant in the beautiful town of Charroux, which is well worth a stroll. Address: 7 rue des Murs, 03140 Charroux Tel: +33 443500607Au comptoir des Colettes
Bistronomic menu for 35€. Excellent cuisine, local products, closed Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday at noon. 2, route de la Plai, 03330 Coutanzouse, 04 7032 64 68
C’ la Pause
Restaurant with terrace Lunch: €15 closed Sunday evening and Wednesday. Le Bourg 03390 Saint Marcel en Murat 04 7009 21 34
Hotel de France
9 km
Excellent service with all sorts of lovely surprises, local products, everything made at home. Closed Sunday evenings and Mondays. Address: 1, rue Marx Dormoy, 03390 Montmarrault, +33470076026
(Other restaurants in Montmarault: Centrotel, Le Bocage and Fasthôtel)
Le ris Blanc
Open for lunch every day except Wednesday and open on Saturday evening. Le Bourg, 03330 Echassière tel 04 70 90 40 06
Bar Central
Eat-in café, only for lunch. Typical French cuisine. Terrace. Open Monday to Friday.
Address: 6, Place Jean Jaures, 03390 Montmarault. Tel: +33 470646972
Other restaurants in the pretty little villages that are worth a detour: Chantelle, Verneuil-en-Bourbonnais, Hérisson et Charroux.
The weather
This region has a land climat so summers can be hot. Brenazet is situated at 400 meters and that makes that the temperature in the night drops, the nights are pretty cool wich is appreciated a lot by our guests. There are not much musquitos neither for the same reason. In spring or automn we do have some rain that is why it’s green. Most of the time it is just a shower and again the sun is back.
Diaporama et video
Our pets
Chickens and cats
The hens are free, but during the high season they also stay in the henhouse. You can feed them with leftovers, fruit peels and vegetables, bread in moderation, all in small pieces.
We have 4 cats, 1 castrated male, grey called Philou and 3 females: a white cat with a little black, Minoesh, her daughter Soefie, a tri-colored cat, and Bibi, the daughter of Soefie, grey and white.
2 dogs: Elza and Nanouk
Elza is a Border Collie dog crossed Belgian Shepherd. She is sweet and intelligent and she used to listen very well but getting a little deaph. We took her out of the SPA in November 2013 when she was almost 1 year old. She cannot be fed by the hosts despite her looks to melt your heart.
Since februari 2025 we have Nanouk, he is a cross of a belgium sheppard and a Labrador. He is still a little shy but a very sweet dog. The two dogs cannot be free both at the same time otherwise they take off for extreme long walks together!
Welsh ponies
We have 5 Welsh ponies: Gatsby (Stallion 2016, 1m28), Sonja ( 2014 1m30), Hindi ( 2017, 1m30) Nynke (2023, 1m20) and Oumany, (2024 will be 1m30). In april /mai we expect another foal!
Taking care of the ponies
Mariken has a certificate for equi therapist and all activities with the ponies are in full respect of children and the animals.
Children that like to help Mariken with the ponies can do: brushing, cleaning stable and field, giving hay etc (always under the direction and responsibility of their parents).
On Monday mornings, children from 4 years old onwards can do an activity with the ponies:
-Grooming and meeting the pony’s and some instructions
-How to lead a pony, this is for children and the parents both.
– For who is ready: horseback riding!
A pony ride in nature can be done under the direction of parents and Mariken on another day in the week.
You want more? For children and adults there is a happy horse course with Haflingers at La Faye in Vernusse. Tel: 0033 470076975
Slideshow animals
Activities around Brénazet
What our guests say…
A wonderful stay in an idyllic setting! The hosts are very friendly, accommodating, and attentive. I highly recommend it!
Cécile
A paradise your children will never want to leave. Between ponies, swings, bikes, and freedom. Beautiful walks, peace and quiet, a magnificent view from your terrace, and delightful hosts who are dedicated to making your stay perfect.
Michel
A beautiful setting in the heart of the countryside. We received a warm welcome from Mariken and Ron. The farm is huge and the surroundings are lovely. The children were very well looked after: games, animals, and plenty of space!
Anne Laure