Pionsat

A discovery of the heritage of Pionsat can begin with the church of Saint-Joseph and Saint-Bravy, built during the second half of the 19th century in a neo-Romanesque style. Its materials come from the previous church. A 16th century bell was also preserved and reinstalled, to which the virtue of warding off thunderstorms was once credited. In addition, the church preserves the relics of Saint Bravy, the name of an avern chief of the 6th century who is said to have been killed at the foot of an oak, in the locality of Eylauds, on the edge of the village. There would then have arisen a source which justified the installation of a fountain, always visible. The site was the object of pilgrimages until the 1980s.

To also mention the "Treasure of Pionsat", a set of Gallic coins, some in gold and representing Vercingetorix, contained in an earthen pot. day in 1852 by a sharecropper. Pieces of the treasure are now exhibited in various museums in the region or kept in Paris.

Then direction the castle of Pionsat, listed in the Inventory. It consists of an original part of the 14th century: the original castle was in fact formed of a rectangular main building flanked by towers at three of its angles (two having been demolished). On the interior courtyard, two windows on the first floor have thus retained their molded frames. A square staircase tower was added at the end of the 15th century. Then, which became the property of Gilbert de Chazeron, governor of Lyonnais and Bourbonnais, the castle was extended on the west side in a Renaissance style in the 16th century. After the Revolution, the estate was divided for a long time between different owners. Nowadays, a large part of the site, essentially the most recent, is owned by the municipality which wishes to initiate new restorations (roofs, attics). However, the main building has retained, in some rooms, parquet floors and woodwork, and the whole presents a real nobility. Art exhibitions and concerts are hosted in summer. The castle and the park are open to visitors from mid-June to mid-September, every day except Monday. Price of the guided tour: 3 to 5 euros. Information on +33 4 73 85 61 56.

Other beautiful architectural testimonies of the past are preserved. This is the case of the college of the city, fitted out on the basis of an educational establishment created in 1581 by Lord Antoine de Chazeron, but also of Maison Pradon. In the center of the village, this house dates from the 16th century and was restored in 1735 (installation of dormers in the shape of "sitting dogs" on the facade). Built in Volvic stones, the house has a wooden gallery and a square tower on the courtyard side. To also mention the castle of Montroy on the eponymous hamlet and, on the village as at the level of many gaps, number of dwellings and farms in light granite typical of the region.

In addition to many facilities accessible to visitors and tourists (such as tennis courts and football fields, a bowling alley: information on +33 4 73 85 61 56), a vast potential for hiking trails is available on the territory of Pionsat. A specific route for the family audience (with fun questionnaires for children) has been designed, highlighting the ecological richness and heritage (5 km long that can be easily walked in 2 hours). Another loop is dedicated to the Bois de la Garde and also crosses the typical wooded countryside of Combrailles. Other routes follow the banks of the Boron where it is also possible to indulge in fishing, and routes intended in particular for two-wheelers may include neighboring localities. Maps and information for hikers on +33 4 73 85 80 94.

The third week of July, Pionsat Musical Festival with classical music concerts at the castle or at the church.

The last weekend of July, beer festival.

The third weekend of September, municipal festival with fun, gourmet and musical entertainment.