La Cour d'Enchère

Peaceful camping, glamping and chambres d’hôtes in rural Allier, France

Welcome to La Cour d’Enchère, a small and quiet place in the French countryside where you can slow down and settle in. Here, life moves at a gentler pace. Whether you come with a tent, stay in a safari tent, sleep in one of our chambres d’hôtes or choose the gîte, you’ll find space, greenery and a warm, personal atmosphere.

La Cour d’Enchère a place to land.

Music Weeks 2026 
Now open for booking 
Spend a week making music  with workshops, open stages and shared evenings on our peaceful property.
Welcome imageWelcome imageWelcome image
La Cour d’Enchère is a small, family-run campsite, glamping, B&B and gîte in the peaceful Allier countryside, in the heart of France. Here, guests can slow down, enjoy nature, and feel at home.
Sometimes you’re not looking for crowds, schedules, or excess — just a place to unwind. Whether you come to camp, stay comfortably indoors, or settle in for a while, you are welcome just as you are. 

Stay your way
At La Cour d’Enchère you can choose how you want to stay. Everything shares the same atmosphere: rural, small-scale and far away from mass tourism.

Camping in the countryside

Spacious pitches for tents, caravans, campervans and trailer tents. You stay in the open landscape, with plenty of room around you and always a quiet place for the night.

Glamping with a little extra ease
Our Cameleon lodges (L and XL) combine the outdoor feeling of camping with added convenience. Ideal if you like comfort, but still want to be close to nature. 

Guest rooms – B&B in the Allier
Inside the house you’ll find our rooms Cello, Cheval and Clavier. Simple, welcoming and including breakfast. Suitable for a stopover, but also for a longer stay in the countryside.

Your own place in the gîte
Cottage Chasseur is our holiday home for families or small groups who prefer a fully independent stay, surrounded by peace and space. Disability-accesible.

A restful stop along Het Franse Pad
La Cour d’Enchère is a regular overnight address for walkers following Het Franse Pad. After a long day on foot, rest is essential. A quiet night and a good breakfast help you continue your journey the next morning.
You don’t have to be walking the trail to stay here. Guests who simply come for the peace and the countryside are just as welcome.

Music Weeks in the Countryside
A few times a year, La Cour d’Enchère hosts small-scale music weeks for (young) adults. Make music together in a relaxed atmosphere, sleep under canvas or in a lodge tent, and enjoy the quiet of the Allier countryside.

Check availability & book your stay
Our chambres d’hôtes in the Allier are a quiet and personal place to rest. 

Whether you are on a journey, walking Het Franse Pad, or simply looking for a few restful days, you are warmly welcome.
La Cour d’Enchère has three guest rooms: Cello, Cheval and Clavier. Each room has its own character, but they share the same feeling - simple, comfortable and peaceful. This is not a place with tight schedules, but a place of comfort. A place where you can arrive, put down your bag and breathe out.
Breakfast is included with every stay and served in a relaxed setting, with attention to good, honest food.

Our guest rooms at a glance
Room Cello
A family-friendly room with two bedrooms, including a separate bedroom with two single beds. TV with French channels, coffee corner, pellet heater and a playable musical instrument. Fully ground-floor and wheelchair accessible. Breakfast included.

Room Cheval​​​
A ground-floor room with private entrance, featuring an electric adjustable double bed, seating area by the pellet heater, a playable musical instrument, and a dining corner for two with coffee and tea facilities. Breakfast included.

Room Clavier
Coming soon: a modern two-person room, converted from a former stable. It will have a private bathroom, seating area with coffee corner, pellet heater and a playable musical instrument. Ground-floor layout and accessible. Breakfast included.

Practical information
  • Breakfast included
  • Coffee and tea corner in the rooms
  • Quiet rural location in the Allier
  • Suitable for walkers, cyclists, musiscians, families and small groups
  • Ground-floor and wheelchair accessible rooms available

Check availability & book your stay
B&B Cello  imageB&B Cello  imageB&B Cello  image
Room Cello – a peaceful, family-friendly guest room in the Allier countryside
Room Cello is our spacious family room at La Cour d’Enchère. A quiet place on the ground floor, with extra space for families who would like to stay together, while enjoying the calm and rural atmosphere of our small-scale B&B.
The room is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Everything is on one level, with easy access and comfort in mind.
Room Cello is located in the main house. As we only have a few guest rooms, the atmosphere remains personal and peaceful. There is time and space to simply be.
 Each morning, breakfast is served in the diningroom: generous, nourishing and prepared with care. There is plenty of choice, so everyone can start the day in their own way. 

Two bedrooms for flexible stays
Room Cello has two separate bedrooms, offering both space and privacy for families or friends travelling together. It is also a comfortable choice for walkers or cyclists who appreciate a little extra room to unwind.
The main bedroom forms the heart of the space, with a second adjoining room furnished with two single beds. The private bathroom includes a walk-in Italian shower, all on the ground floor.
This layout allows everyone to stay together while keeping their own quiet corner. After a day in the countryside or on the road, it is a peaceful place to come home to and rest.

Comfort during your stay
Room Cello is thoughtfully arranged to make your stay easy and comfortable. Everything is on one level, with practical facilities that allow you to settle in and feel at home.
The room is well suited for families who would like extra space, for guests with reduced mobility, and for travellers looking for a quiet place to rest along their journey. It is also a comfortable choice for those who wish to stay a little longer and explore the peaceful countryside of the Allier.

Practical details at a glance
  • Two separate bedrooms (one with two single beds)
  • Ground-floor layout, wheelchair accessible
  • TV with French channels
  • Coffee corner with capsule machine, kettle, (supplies provided)
  • Pellet heater
  • Safety features: CO detector, smoke detector, first aid kit
  • Hairdryer & complementery toiletries
  • Breakfast included
  • Playable musical instrument

Check availability & book your stay

Room Cheval  imageRoom Cheval  imageRoom Cheval  image
Room Cheval – a comfortable and private guest room in the Allier countryside
Room Cheval is a quiet and welcoming guest room at La Cour d’Enchère, designed for comfort, privacy, and relaxation.
It is located on the ground floor, with its own private entrance, making it easy to access for all guests. Whether you are here for a stopover, a longer stay, or following Het Franse Pad, Room Cheval offers a calm and personal environment. 

Breakfast is served at the diningroom each morning, providing a generous and wholesome start to the day.

Comfortable sleeping and living space
Room Cheval offers a comfortable place to rest, with space to sit and unwind. The electric adjustable double bed allows you to find a position that suits you, whether you are reading, resting or settling in for the night.
A small seating area near the pellet heater creates a warm corner on cooler days. There is also a dining table with coffee and tea facilities, so you can prepare a quiet morning drink or relax in the evening in your own space.

Practical comfort in a rural setting
Like all our guest rooms, Cheval has been carefully restored with attention to its character and a touch of nostalgia. Original elements have been preserved where possible, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere for a peaceful stay in the countryside.
The room is on the ground floor, with its own entrance, offering both comfort and privacy.

The pellet heater provides warmth when needed, and breakfast is included each morning in our small-scale B&B setting. For walkers of Het Franse Pad, it offers a quiet place to recover after a day on the trail — and an unhurried start the next morning.
Room Cheval is well suited for couples or solo travellers who value comfort and calm, and for guests who appreciate a little independence during their stay. 

Practical details at a glance
  • Ground-floor guest room with private entrance
  • Electric adjustable double bed
  • Seating area with pellet heater
  • Dining corner with coffee and tea facilities
  • Breakfast included
  • Hairdryer and complementery toiletries
  • Playable musical instrument

Check availability & book your stay

Travelling with others?
La Cour d’Enchère also has two other guest rooms:
Room Cello (family room)
Room Clavier

Room Clavier – a new guest room for two in the Allier countryside
Room Clavier is currently under renovation, transforming what was once a stable into a modern, welcoming guest room for two people.
Even before it opens, we want to give you a clear picture of what Room Clavier will offer: a calm, small-scale space with all the warmth and personal attention typical of La Cour d’Enchère.

What to expect from Room Clavier
When completed, Room Clavier will offer a comfortable place for two to rest, with a private modern bathroom and a small seating area for relaxing indoors. A pellet heater adds warmth on cooler days. In keeping with the spirit of our other rooms, a musical instrument will be part of the space — inviting guests to explore sound and creativity during their stay.
The room will be on the ground floor, making it easily accessible, and thoughtfully designed to blend modern comfort with the rustic charm of our countryside property. 

Staying at La Cour d’Enchère
Like all our guest rooms, Clavier will provide a quiet and personal atmosphere. Guests can enjoy privacy, a gentle pace, and the calm surroundings of the Allier countryside. Breakfast will be included, served in the main house as a simple, wholesome start to the day — a warm moment to begin your stay, perhaps with a tune from the room’s own instrument lingering in the air.


Practical details 
  • Two-person guest room
  • Modern private bathroom
  • Seating area and pellet heater
  • Playable musical instrument
  • Ground-floor layout, accessible
  • Breakfast included

Room Clavier is scheduled to open May 1st 2026. You can reserve in advance and be notified when it is ready.
Fill out our contact form 

Our other guest rooms
While Room Clavier is being prepared, you can still book our other guest rooms:
Room Cello (family room)
Room Cheval 


Camping and Glamping imageCamping and Glamping imageCamping and Glamping image
Camping at La Cour d’Enchère
Our small campsite in the Allier welcomes tents, caravans, campervans, and travellers seeking a calm stop in the French countryside. The atmosphere is relaxed and personal, with open space and nature all around, offering a true sense of peace and quiet.

What to expect
Spacious pitches are spread across a green, open field, giving each guest plenty of privacy. Electricity is available at several spots, and the modern sanitary building includes showers, toilets, a hairdryer, basic toilet articles, and an accessible bathroom. Water points and a chemical toilet disposal area are conveniently located nearby.
Camping at La Cour d’Enchère is about enjoying the outdoors and the simplicity of the countryside. You can swim in the pool, play a gentle game of pétanque, or watch our animals wander freely — pigs, geese, sheep, chickens, and ducks. Children often enjoy helping with feeding, collecting eggs, or exploring the small woods and stream behind the property.
In the evenings, guests often gather on the terrace or around a small campfire, and music naturally arises, especially during our Music Weeks, combining outdoor living with informal ensemble sessions.

Food and small treats
Many evenings, we offer a home-cooked three-course meal (table d’hôtes) for guests who wish to join. Sometimes meals are cooked outdoors at the barbecue using our own recipes. Fresh bread from a local bakery can also be ordered for the next morning.
During the day, the shaded terrace in front of the house invites you for coffee, a drink, or a small snack. A self-service fridge is available for cold drinks or ice creams to enjoy at your pitch or by the pool.

Glamping - Safari Lodge tents Cameleon L and XL
If you enjoy camping but prefer not to bring all your own equipment, our glamping lodges offer comfortable, fully equipped tents while keeping the same relaxed, rural atmosphere.
For those seeking a room with breakfast and solid walls around them, our guest rooms (chambres d’hôtes) in the main house provide a quiet, personal place to stay in the Allier countryside.

Exploring the surroundings
Beyond the campsite, the Allier countryside offers gentle day trips and quiet country roads for walking or cycling. Discover local markets, spend a warm afternoon by a natural lake, or explore historic towns, forests, and viewpoints. Personal tips and maps are available from us, and local tourist offices provide up-to-date information.

Practical information
  • Small, rural family-run campsite in the Allier
  • Spacious pitches for tents, caravans, campervans, or trailer tents
  • Safari Lodge tents available for a comfortable, ready-to-stay camping experience
  • Modern sanitary building with showers, toilets, accessible bathroom, hairdryer, and basic toilet articles
  • Electricity available at several points
  • Swimming pool, terrace, and shared lounge area
  • Suitable for families, musicians, walkers, cyclists, and travellers passing through

Rates & availability
Camping at La Cour d’Enchère is possible from €20 per night for a pitch including a car and two people (low season).

Price example
A stay for two adults with a tent in high season, including electricity:
€25 pitch + €4 electricity = €29 per night
Tourist tax (€0.22 per adult per night) is added separately.

Check availability & book your pitch




Glamping  -  Lodge tents  imageGlamping  -  Lodge tents  imageGlamping  -  Lodge tents  image
Glamping with us means camping with a bit more comfort, while still being surrounded by nature and the simple rhythm of outdoor life. Our safari tents are fully equipped, so you can enjoy the outdoor feeling without bringing all your own gear.

The Safari Lodge tents
Our safari lodge tents, measuring five by five metres, are suitable for four to five people. The larger XL safari tents, seven by five metres, can host up to six people, making them ideal for families. Each tent has proper beds with bed linen provided, towels and kitchen towels, a fridge, and a movable kitchen unit for outdoor cooking. Electricity is available, and a private terrace with seating invites you to relax and enjoy the surroundings. There is no running water in the tents themselves, but guests can use the modern sanitary building on the campsite. Our glamping tents are especially popular with families and those who enjoy outdoor living with a little extra ease.

Spacious Safari Lodge Tents, Ready on Arrival
The Cameleon Safari Lodge tents stand on wooden platforms, offering a practical and comfortable way to experience camping. Two lodge tents, measuring five by five metres with an approximately 40 square metre platform, are suitable for four to five people. One bedroom has a bunk bed and a single bed, while the other bedroom offers a double bed. The living area includes a movable kitchen unit and a refrigerator, with cooking facilities ready for use. On arrival, the beds are made, towels are provided, the fridge is cold, and the stove is ready to use. On warm days, the kitchen unit can be moved outside to cook in the open air. From your private terrace, you can enjoy the calm and greenery of the surrounding countryside.

The Larger XL Lodge Tent
For larger families or those who prefer more indoor space, the XL Safari Lodge tent measures seven by five metres with a platform of approximately 50 square metres. It provides the same facilities and atmosphere as the standard tents, with just a little extra room to live comfortably together.

Comfort in a Natural Setting
Glamping at La Cour d’Enchère is not about luxury, but about ease and comfort in harmony with nature. Real beds and proper cooking facilities create a balance of indoor and outdoor living. It is perfect for families, couples, or friends who enjoy camping but prefer to travel light. Children can explore the grounds, play with the animals, and enjoy the countryside while adults relax nearby.

Facilities Nearby
Glamping guests have access to all campsite facilities within walking distance. This includes toilets and hot showers, an accessible bathroom with an adapted shower and toilet, and a dishwashing and washing-up area. Drinking water is available, and each lodge tent is connected to electricity with multiple outlets and its own lighting. The tents themselves do not have running water.

Music, Ambiance and Shared Evenings
Life at La Cour d’Enchère is naturally outdoors. Guests meet each other easily, children find playmates, and evenings may include a campfire or music. A few times a year, this shared atmosphere becomes more focused during our small-scale music weeks. Adults of different ages come together to make music in a relaxed and open setting, without any pressure to perform. Comfort, space, and instruments ready to play make this a unique experience in the peaceful countryside. Music, nature, and relaxed days create a distinctive way to experience La Cour d’Enchère.

Day Trips from Your Lodge Tent
Step directly from your lodge tent into the open landscape of central France. The Allier and neighbouring regions are known for quiet roads, rolling countryside, and charming villages. Spend a day exploring local markets, walking in old forests, visiting historic towns, or swimming in a natural lake. There is plenty to see without any rush. During your stay, we are happy to suggest places that match your interests.

Practical Information
  • Small-scale glamping in the Allier countryside
  • Two Safari Lodge tents for 4–5 people (5 × 5 m, ±40 m² platform)
  • One larger XL Safari Lodge for up to 6 people (7 × 5 m, ±50 m² platform)
  • Beds made on arrival, towels included
  • Equipped kitchen and refrigerator
  • Suitable for families, couples, and friends
  • Shared sanitary facilities nearby
  • Quiet, rural setting with plenty of space
Rates & availability
A stay in one of our fully equipped Cameleon safari lodge tents is possible from €497 per week (5-person lodge, low season).

Price example
One week in the XL safari lodge for up to 6 people in high season:
from €763 per week
Tourist tax (€0.22 per adult per night) is added separately.

From-prices are indicative and depend on the period, availability and composition of your stay. You can always find current availability and prices via our booking system.
Check availability & book your lodge tent
Cottage Chasseur imageCottage Chasseur imageCottage Chasseur image
A quiet holiday cottage in the countryside of the Allier
Our gîte is nestled on the same property as our small campsite and chambres d’hôtes, yet it offers complete privacy and its own space. Here, you can stay independently, at your own pace, surrounded by the calm rhythm of the French countryside. The cottage sits on our intimate rural property in the Allier region of central France, combining open views, morning birdsong, and the genuine quiet of real darkness at night. It is a truly peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a simple, authentic escape.

A cottage with history
The cottage is called Chasseur, meaning “the hunter,” as it once served as a retreat for local hunters. They would gather here before and after hunts to rest, share meals, and tell stories. Today, Chasseur has been fully renovated into a welcoming and comfortable holiday home while retaining elements of its authentic character, giving guests a sense of connection to the region’s history.

Inside the gîte
Cottage Chasseur is ideal for families or small groups, offering a practical and homely layout. It has two bedrooms, a living room with kitchen, and a separate shower and toilet. Heating, an induction cooking plate, a fridge, and Wi-Fi provide modern comfort. The interior is simple and fresh, combining practical amenities with original details. It is not about luxury, but about a pleasant, functional space where guests can relax in a peaceful, authentic environment.

Fully accessible
The cottage is entirely on the ground floor and fully accessible for guests with reduced mobility. With everything arranged on one level, it provides a comfortable stay for those who prefer or require step-free access. Guests with specific personal or medical needs are welcome to contact us in advance so we can ensure a smooth and comfortable stay.

Outdoor living and quiet surroundings
Staying at Chasseur means enjoying both indoor comfort and outdoor life. You can step outside with your morning coffee, sit in the shade during warm afternoons, and experience the deep quiet of the surrounding countryside in the evening. Guests are also welcome to use the shared areas of La Cour d’Enchère, from the terrace near the house to the open grounds where visitors naturally meet and children explore.

Discover central France at your own pace
The gîte provides a relaxed base for exploring the Allier and surrounding regions. Quiet country roads, charming villages, and scenic landscapes invite you to take day trips at your own pace. Wander through historic towns, stroll under the shade of ancient oak forests, visit local markets, or enjoy a long lunch in a peaceful French square. We are happy to suggest local highlights, and nearby tourist information offices offer maps and seasonal recommendations.

Part of La Cour d’Enchère
Even though you stay independently, you remain part of the warm, small-scale setting of La Cour d’Enchère. This means a landelijk location in the Allier, a rustig atmosphere without mass tourism, personal contact when needed, space for children to play and discover nature, and daily fresh bread from the local bakery. Staying here is about slowing down, enjoying simple comforts, and immersing yourself in the authentic rhythm of rural France.

Practical information
  • Independent holiday cottage 
  • Two bedrooms for two people each
  • Living room with kitchen
  • Separate toilet and shower
  • Heating, Wi-Fi and basic kitchen facilities
  • Fully ground-floor and accessible
  • Suitable for families and friends
Rates & availability
A stay in Cottage Chasseur, our 2-star classified gîte, is possible from €595 per week (up to 4 people, including bed linen).
Price example
A stay for two people in the gîte, with a minimum stay of 3 nights:
€85 per night → €255 for 3 nights
Tourist tax (€0.63 per adult per night) is added separately.
Heating is provided via a pellet stove. One bag of pellets is included; additional bags are available at the daily rate if needed.

From-prices are indicative and depend on the period, availability and composition of your stay. You can always find current availability and prices via our booking system.
Check availability & book Cottage Chasseur


Music weeks in France imageMusic weeks in France imageMusic weeks in France image
Music Weeks 2026 – Making Music in the Countryside
A few times a year, La Cour d’Enchère becomes a place where music blends naturally with the quiet rhythm of the French countryside. The music week takes place on our small-scale, landelijk property in the Allier, surrounded by open fields, trees, and peaceful landscapes. Guests come together in an intimate and relaxed setting to share their love of music while enjoying the calm, authentic atmosphere of rural France.
Our music weeks are designed for young adults and adults who enjoy playing music in a friendly, informal environment. There is no stage and no pressure — just the joy of making music, listening, and sharing in a warm, communal space. Accommodation is either under canvas on our camping pitches or in a fully prepared glamping lodge tent, allowing you to stay close to nature while enjoying simple comfort.

What the weeks are about
The focus is on ensemble playing in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. The pace is gentle and flexible, giving space for your own rhythm. Days include group sessions for ensemble music, informal evening playing moments, and time for individual practice. Afternoons provide opportunities for walks, quiet reflection, or exploring the surrounding countryside. The combination of music and a rustige, natural setting makes these weeks a truly unique experience.

For whom
These weeks are intended for adults and young adults who play an instrument and enjoy music in a group. All acoustic instruments are welcome, and while basic independence on your instrument is helpful, perfection is not required. Openness, enjoyment, and curiosity are the most important qualities. The small-scale and authentic setting encourages connection and shared musical experiences.

Staying during the music week
Participation in the music week includes staying on our peaceful property. Guests can choose between a camping pitch for their own tent, caravan, or camper, or a fully prepared glamping lodge tent. This shared landelijk environment fosters community, with opportunities to cook, relax, and meet other participants naturally between sessions.

A typical day during the music week
Mornings are dedicated to ensemble sessions, while afternoons are free for walks, rest, or optional individual practice. Evenings feature informal playing sessions and social moments. The schedule is flexible, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the countryside and the serene, authentic surroundings.

The setting
La Cour d’Enchère is located in a quiet, rural area of the Allier, surrounded by fields, trees, and open skies. Nights are still and dark, creating the perfect backdrop for music, reflection, and peaceful moments. The calm, kleinschalig property and natural environment enhance the sense of connection with both nature and fellow guests, making each music week a restorative and memorable experience.


Music Weeks 2026 – Dates & Prices
Music Week 1    Arrival: Sunday 17 May 2026     Departure: Sunday 24 May 2026
Music Week 2    Arrival: Sunday  7 June 2026     Departure: Sunday 14 June 2026
Music Week 3    Arrival: Saturday 17 October 2026     Departure: Sunday 25 October 2026

You can book your music week directly through our booking system in the following combinations:
  • 1 participant + camping pitch – from €357
  • 2 participants + camping pitch – from €535
  • 1 participant + glamping lodge – from €686
  • 2 participants + glamping lodge – from €864
Coming with a larger group of friends? We provide a personal price proposal.
From-prices are indicative and depend on the period, availability, and composition of your stay.

What is included
  • Welcome drink and dinner on arrival
  • Participation in all music activities
  • Camping pitch or glamping accommodation
  • Use of available instruments on site
  • Entrance ticket for the excursion
  • Barbecue evening
  • Snacks and drinks during the open stage evening
Optional extras
  • Half board: breakfast (day 2–8) and dinner (day 2–5 and day 7)
  • Full board: breakfast (day 2–8), lunch from breakfast table (day 2–8), dinner (day 2–5 and day 7)
  • Transfer service: pick-up and drop-off at the nearest train station; includes excursion transport

You arrange yourself
  • Travel to and from La Cour d’Enchère
  • Camping equipment (unless staying in a glamping lodge)
  • Meals and drinks outside the programme
  • Parental permission if under 18 and travelling independently
  • Travel, cancellation, and health insurance

Booking & practical info

Check availability and Book your Music Week 2026
Participation requires a stay on-site (camping or glamping). Groups, instrument needs, and other preferences can be discussed in advance.
Things to do  imageThings to do  imageThings to do  image
Things to do and day trips in the countryside of central France
The Allier region around La Cour d’Enchère offers a gentle mix of nature, villages, culture and simple day excursions. Whether you are here for a few days or longer, there are many ways to enjoy the surroundings — in a quiet, personal way that suits this rural setting.
Below is a practical and easy-to-scan overview of activities, local treasures and day trips.

Outdoor activities close by
Walking and cycling routes
The Allier countryside is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. Quiet lanes, open fields and forest paths invite gentle walks and longer rides. Recommended routes include the GR Sur les pas des Maîtres Sonneurs, and we can share our own local itineraries. 

Fishing
The region is dotted with fishing ponds such as Plan d’eau de Herculat, Étang de Courçais, Étang de Chazemais and Lac de Sidiailles, all popular with anglers. A fishing licence (carte de pêche) is needed, available for a day or longer. 

Swimming
Cool off in the campsite’s pool or visit the natural pool at Treignat. On cooler or rainy days, indoor water fun can be found at the Aqualudique centre in Montluçon. 

Golf
Close by, the Golf course Val-du-Cher offers a peaceful day on the greens for golf enthusiasts. 

Natural parks and forests
Forest of Tronçais
One of Europe’s most beautiful oak forests, with centuries-old trees and peaceful walking trails — a wonderful place for a picnic or quiet exploration. 

Sioule Gorges
A dramatic natural area where the river meanders between cliffs. Ideal for hiking, canoeing, kayaking or simply enjoying the views. 

Local arboretums and gardens
  • Arboretum de Balaine, a historic botanical garden with remarkable tree collections. 
  • Arboretum Paul Barge and Arboretum de l’Île de la Ronde offer tranquil places for a nature walk among varied flora. 
Cultural and leisure outings
Nearby (within 45 minutes)
Loups de Chabrières – A beautiful wildlife park near Guéret where you can see wolves in a natural setting, offering a calm and authentic experience for families and nature lovers.
Les Pierres Jaumâtres – Legendary rock formations with panoramic views, perfect for a gentle hike and to enjoy the quiet, rural landscapes of central France.
Hérisson – A small, authentic village in the peaceful countryside of the Allier, with historic streets, medieval houses, and ancient walls. Recognized as a “Small Town of Character,” it offers a relaxed and charming glimpse into rural France.
Maison de George Sand – Celebrate the life and works of the famous French writer and discover local culture and history.
Montluçon – A charming medieval town with the Château des Ducs de Bourbon and the MuPop museum of popular music. Stroll through winding streets, enjoy local cafés, and soak in culture beyond the calm countryside.

Further Afield (1–2 hours)
Moulins – A picturesque town blending art and history, with a museum and historic centre that invite quiet walks and exploration of the Allier region.
Le Pal amusement park – A family-friendly destination in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre combining a zoo with rides. Perfect for a lively day out while still surrounded by a landelijk and natural setting.
Bourges – A historic town famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral and medieval streets, ideal for a full-day cultural excursion.
Vichy – Known as the “Queen of Spa Towns,” with Belle Époque architecture and thermal springs, offering a relaxing and scenic experience beyond the countryside.
Clermont-Ferrand – A larger city set against the dramatic landscapes of the Chaîne des Puys volcanoes, perfect for scenic walks and city exploration in central France.

Practical Visitor Advice
Many of the day trips are easiest to enjoy by car or bicycle, allowing you to explore the countryside at your own pace. Local tourist information offices can provide maps, seasonal events, opening times, and personalised recommendations to help you make the most of your visit. Seasonal activities vary throughout the year, with local markets and brocantes especially lively during the summer months.

Local markets and brocantes
Traditional markets and flea markets (brocantes) dot the region, especially in summer — a lovely way to experience local life and find unique items. 

Back to La Cour d’Enchère
After a day out, return to the calm of La Cour d’Enchère — whether you are camping, glamping, staying in a guest room, or enjoying the cottage.
Check availability & plan your stay

This overview is suggestive and not exhaustive — we are happy to share more personalised recommendations during your stay.
About us imageAbout us image
Our story: life in the countryside of central France
In 2017, we — Ron and Ellen — left the Netherlands with a shared dream: to build a life surrounded by nature, history and quiet spaces. In 2023, our son Thomas joined us here at La Cour d’Enchère.
We had always imagined a place like this: where mornings begin with bird song, evenings fade slowly into night, and guests feel at home in the calm of the countryside.
When we discovered Saint‑Palais, a small village in the heart of the Allier, we immediately felt we had found that place. The tranquillity, the old stone houses, the winding streets and the peaceful river all seemed to whisper “welcome”. 
La Cour d’Enchère itself dates back to 1601. Once a self‑sufficient farm, it remained in the same family for centuries. To us, that history was not only something to preserve — it was something to live within, to add a new chapter to.

Why we chose this life
The Allier drew us not for its fame, but for its quiet beauty. Rolling fields, small medieval villages, gentle hills, rivers and farmland — a rhythm of life that feels natural and unhurried. 
This region also has a climate that feels just right: warm days and cool nights, fields of sunflowers and wheat in the summer, and open skies that let you see the stars clearly at night.
What made us stay is not just the beauty, but the way the countryside invites you to slow down, breathe and simply be.

A Place to Share with Our Guests
La Cour d’Enchère is not a hotel or a busy resort. It is a small, kleinschalig and welcoming place — with a campsite, glamping tents, chambres d’hôtes, and a gîte — where guests can enjoy the rustig surroundings, explore the landelijk countryside at their own pace, meet others around a campfire or in the lounge, and share simple meals and authentic conversation.
Whether you walk Het Franse Pad, come with family, join a music week, or stay for days of peace and exploration, La Cour d’Enchère is a place where you can truly land. For us, hospitality is not just a job — it is the joy of sharing what we love about this landelijk, authentic setting with everyone who visits.


The spirit of this place
Some people arrive with questions and leave with calm.
Others find inspiration in the quiet, the birdsong at sunrise, or the glow of the fire in the evening.
Children discover nature at their pace, while adults find themselves again in simplicity.
That is the spirit of La Cour d’Enchère:
quiet days, honest meals, gentle evenings, and meaningful time — without hurry.

We’re happy to meet you
When you visit us, you are not a number.
You are a guest in our home — and we hope you will leave feeling rested, inspired, and quietly connected to this land.
If you ever want to know more about us, the history of the property, or our life here, we’re happy to tell you over a cup of coffee or a walk around the grounds.

  • La Cour d'Enchère, Saint-Palais, France
  • 10, Route de Saint-Pierrre le Bost 03370 Saint-Palais (Allier) France

From Utrecht to Saint-Palais, Allier 789 km From Paris to Saint-Palais, Allier 327 km Fom London to Saint-Palais, Allier 789 km