About Weather/Climate/Temperature

The Montagne Bourbonnais ar an extension of the Massif Central and though we're at the centre of France, it's a mountain climate. It can be hot during the day but since were on 800m., it's never too hot. There's practically always a slight breeze. Normally, the nights are fresh even on hot days.
Normally in autumn we enjoy an Indian Summer, with lots of sun and rather high temperatures.

About General Entertainment

Surrounding la Grande Serve is a pristine landscape of mixed forests, hamlets, farms and tiny villages, dotted with streams, country roads and walking paths. But the cities of Roanne and Vichy are both only about 45 minutes away by car, so you won’t feel isolated. This is the spot to mountain bike, rest, fish, read, hike, and eat like a king.
There are hundreds of kilometers of hiking routes, from hour-long hikes to routes like the GR3 that take several days to cover. Almost all are circuits and they are rather well indicated.

We rent electric mountainbikes which make cycling on steep mountain roads a piece of cake. They make no noise and don't pollute.

Most hiking paths lead through the forest, so temperatures are moderate even in the middle of summer. The Bourbonnais are not high peaks, so while hiking routes may occasionally be steep, no climbing is required. We do advise shoes with a strong profile and thick soles, however. It’s only 5 kilometers from la Grand Serve to La Loge des Gardes where you can toboggan, skateboard and mountain bike. The neighboring village Saint Clément has a climbing wall and a jungle trail. There is also a small lake with canoes to rent.

Like the nearby Allier, the Besbre river on the valley floor is famous for its trout. Vichy is a beautiful city in Art Deco style. It’s known for its healing springs, and has many luxury shops, fine restaurants and terraces for dining outdoors. It’s also a very green city with the Parc des Sources at its center and a splendid arboretum on the banks of the Allier river. Roanne is on the other side of the mountain that forms the border with the Loire region. From la Grande Serve, it’s a beautiful journey that takes you to the Roannais wine country.

About Children Activities

Near La Chabanne, there's a little lake of Saint Clement which is also suitable for little children to swim. There's also a jungle trail and 30 min. the other way, there's even a large one to spend a whole day. You can visit the countless litlle museums in the area, go for a swim on Vichy Beach in summerseason, or toboggan at La Loge des Garde (10 min. by car)

About Family Activities

The region is called 'Montagne Bourbonnais" because the royal Bourbonnais lived here. Hence there are lots of castles to visit. In the artistic village of Chatel-Montagne you can visit the church which is from the 5 th century.
The city of Vichy is really worth a visit. There you find a lot of Art Deco buildings. A visit to one of the pastry and tea salons is obligatory, just as a little glass of Vichy's mineral water to compensate.
The Roannais is a wine area. You can visit a lot of local winefarmers and taste their products. In the middle is the city of Roanne, which used to be a centre of textile. Haute Couture marque Devernois, which is still rather unknown outside France and Italy, is still manufactured here.

About Local Attrcations

The region is called 'Montagne Bourbonnais" because the royal Bourbonnais lived here. Hence there are lots of castles to visit. In the artistic village of Chatel-Montagne you can visit the church which is from the 5 th century.
The city of Vichy is really worth a visit. There you find a lot of Art Deco buildings. A visit to one of the pastry and tea salons is obligatory, just as a little glass of Vichy's mineral water to compensate.
The Roannais is a wine area. You can visit a lot of local winefarmers and taste their products. In the middle is the city of Roanne, which used to be a centre of textile. Haute Couture marque Devernois, which is still rather unknown outside France and Italy, is still manufactured here.