In Souvigny stands the cradle of the Maison de Bourbon, which has a remarkable heritage, both because of its links with the powerful Cluny abbey and the presence of the Dukes of Bourbon.

In 1993 this old Bourbon capital was elected ‘Grand site régional d'Auvergne’ due to its architectural riches. In 2003 the town was then labelled ‘Grand sanctuaire roman d'Auvergne’ which ensured the restoration of the old priory church.

You are bound to enjoy discovering the rich cultural history of this town by visiting its museums, its gardens and expositions - and don’t forget to include the church in your itinerary. The past few years have seen a rise of eco-tourism in the pays de Souvigny; admirers of Romanesque churches, castles and walks will enjoy the unique wood banked landscape.

Besides the tomb effigies of the last dukes of Bourbon, the priory, the largest religious structure in the Allier, owns relics of several saints, two of whom were abbots of the Cluny order who died in Souvigny: Mayeul (who died in 994) and his successor Odilon (who died in 1049). Their graves, which had been forgotten after the devastation of the French revolution, were rediscovered during archaeological excavations in November 2001 and January 2002.