Lonely PlanetAug 11, 2026
7 of the best places to visit in central France
Explore the best of central France at these medieval cities, trade hubs and culture-filled towns.
14 things in this story
- Château de BoussacSightExtraordinary château filled with eclectic collections.
- Elsewhere
- Cathédrale St-ÉtiennePlace of worshipBourges, FranceUNESCO World Heritage Gothic masterpiece with stained glass.
- Palace of Jacques CoeurSightBourges, FranceEarly 15th-century French civilian Gothic architecture.
- Saint Martin churchPlace of worshipAubigny-sur-Nère, France12th-century church with remarkable stained glass windows.
- Musée de la Chemiserie et de l’Élégance MasculineMuseumArgenton-sur-Creuse, FranceMuseum of shirt-tailoring with antique sewing machines.
- Espace Monet RollinotMuseumFresselines, FranceLocal museum exhibiting artists inspired by the countryside.
- Arboretum de la SédelleGardenCrozant, FranceOne of France's remarkable gardens.
- Vallée des PeintresNeighborhoodCrozant, FranceRegion known for inspiring artists.
- Cité internationale de la tapisserieMuseumAubusson, FranceUNESCO site for tapestry weaving, museum, and school.
- Castle of the Dukes of BourbonSightMontluçon, FranceHistoric castle, though closed to the public.
- Notre-Dame de Montluçon churchSightMontluçon, FranceChurch located on the eponymous square.
- MuPop Music MuseumMuseumMontluçon, FranceHouses France's largest collection of 18th-century instruments.
- National Center for Costume and Theatrical DesignMuseumMoulins, FranceStores and exhibits costumes from major French theaters.
- Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation cathedralSightMoulins, FranceCathedral with four 19th-century soaring spires.