Moulins, city of art and history, keeps in its narrow streets and monuments footprint of its glorious past as the capital of the Dukes of Bourbon (1327-1527). Visitation implemented, as many religious orders in the 17th century preserves and exhibits now Moulins, works of Visitation of the world! On the other side of the bridge, the National Theatre Costume has the most beautiful costumes directory (theater, opera, ballet), in original scenography inspired.
The oldest document dates Moulins 990, it is the gift of the Order of Cluny in the chapel "in Molinis villa." The existence of Moulins is more than a millennium. The city probably owes its name to the many mills that inhabited places and worked with the energy supplied by the river (mills on boats), or through water streams and ponds located between the village of Yseure on Hill and the banks of the Allier.
The important development of the city until the 15th century was mainly due to three dates:
In 1232, the eighth Archambaud Sire de Bourbon, granted a charter franchise Moulins that promotes economic development and population increase.
In 1276, Beatrix, Lady of Bourbon, married Robert of Clermont, sixth son of St. Louis.
In 1327, their son Louis became the first Duke of Bourbon, King Charles the Fair who erected the Bourbonnais Duchy. This benefits all the more Moulins it becomes capital of the Bourbonnais welcoming the ducal administration in the late 14th century. Duke Louis II, will rebuild and expand the castle, it will build the dungeon called nowadays Mal Coiffée, create a chamber of accounts and erect the ducal chapel in college.
At the end of the 15th century, Moulins is a walled city that grew from the ducal castle.
The imposing castle illustrates the influence of the Dukes of Bourbon, which remains absolute until the early 16th century. The 15th century saw the climax, Pierre de Beaujeu becomes Duke of Bourbon, succeeding his two older brothers, John and Charles II second. Pierre married Anne de Bourbon of France, daughter of King Louis XI. In 1495, during the first Italian campaign, led by King Charles the eighth (younger brother of the Duchess Anne) the kingdom of France would be governed by Moulins from Peter and Anne. This golden age will be characterized by the influx of artists value.
It was at this time that the master Moulins painted his famous triptych: The Virgin in Glory, surrounded by angels and on the side panels, donors presented by their patron saint, the Duke and Duchess 2nd Pierre Anne, with her daughter, Suzanne, the triptych master Moulins is considered a masterpiece of French primitive art. It is also at this time that will be built pavilion commissioned by Anne de Beaujeu, one of the first buildings built in Renaissance France. Yet, despite these commands sumptuous, the duchy is fragile and lack of male offspring, after the death of the Constable de Bourbon, Charles III, son of Peter II, the Duchy of Bourbonnais will be attached to the crown of France in 1531.
Moulins retains the medieval historic center one plot and a frame that reflects the urban evolution.
Near the old castle, the half-timbered houses from the late 15th century mingle with brick houses of the 17th and 18th century brick facades often hidden medieval courtyards.
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Moulins keeps track of the power of merchants and freedoms obtained by the people in the Middle Ages. The clock tower stands called Jacquemart meet verticality of the towers of the cathedral and the castle dungeon.
Although undergone over the centuries several fires, Jacquemart is a symbol, an attraction for visitors and Moulinois. It evokes the splendor and power of the city under the Dukes of Bourbon, great patrons and politicians of France until the early 16th century.
The attachment of the United Bourbonnais does not, however, interrupt the development of the city. The extension continues the suburbs outside the walls along the main routes of communication involving the construction of a second chamber but to remain unfinished. In the 18th century, many mansions were built.
A bridge built by Louis Régemortes will finally master the impetuosity of the Allier and lead to a development project neoclassical on the left bank, the first building will be undertaken cavalry barracks which now houses the CNCS.
SIGHTSEEING
Chapel of the Visitation Moulins (XVII c.) Houses a mausoleum commissioned by the Duchess of Montmorency Anguier the brothers and a ceiling painted by Rémy Vuibert representative "Atticism Paris." This current is characterized by the classical works clean, elegant and serene, painted by artists as Jacques Stella, Laurent de la Hyre or Remy Vuibert, which correspond to the architecture of buildings or Pierre François Mansart The Mute. Atticism culminate in the years 1640-1650, before giving way to the grand style of Lebrun and other painters of Louis XIV.
THE LOVE OF BUSINESS - Chez Patrick and Martine Bourhy, passionate about French cuisine in cozy environment between you and super neat. Sofa toile de Jouy, velvet chairs and brushed...
Located in Moulins
40 € per person
Restaurant 9/7 - Olivier Mazuelle
8.5
Moulins
The Restaurant 9/7 Olivier Mazuelle invites you to discover its restaurant to market cuisine, creative and neat. You will be warmly welcomed in a contemporary setting and friendly....
Located in Moulins
36 € per person
Le Clos de Bourgogne
Moulins
Located in the heart of Boubonnais and installed in a large park, this mansion dating from the 18th century welcomes you in an elegant and romantic. In the kitchen, the charm continues....
At the heart of Bourbonnais, near the Tronçais, medieval villages and Souvigny Hedgehog, come and relax in a 100% natural. Dominique and Sylvain's Domaine Tuilière, the XV century property...
Located 16.9 km from Moulins
110 € the double room
Le Domaine Augenaies
8.7
Mercy
Digress nature and relaxation in the heart of Bourbonnais! Quietly, in a green 3 hectares, and Christine Oliver Augenaies await you at the Domaine. Spend a memorable, relaxing, and...
Located 18.8 km from Moulins
57 € the double room
Château de la Sauvatte
10
Tronget
Castle of Sauvatte. Three rooms with two rooms with private bathrooms in a nineteenth century castle surrounded by a park (5 acres), located in the countryside of the Bocage Bourbonnais,...
Charming little house in the heart of the Bourbon countryside, surrounded by Percheron horses and a donkey. Many walks possible on foot or by bicycle... Picturesque villages nearby,...
Located 10.3 km from Moulins
350 € per week
La Marivole
Saint-Menoux
Charming cottage, adjoining a house, situated in a charming village of 1 000, with all amenities. You can visit the beautiful Roman church and discover the famous débredinoire. Among...
Camping friendly, like a park, LaClefVerte since 2003, many different plants, birds natural reserve of the Val d'Allier site conservatory natura2000 center, great locations up to 400...
Our modern hotel offers all travellers excellent value and convenience, along with a warm welcome as this is a private residence with a homely atmosphere. Discover a European network...
Located in Moulins
Room from 32 €
Balladins Moulins
6.9
Moulins
This hotel is situated in Moulins city centre, in the heart of Auvergne. It offers comfortable accommodation with free Wi-Fi. All the rooms at Balladins Moulins have en suite facilities...
Located in Moulins
Room from 40 €
Hôtel De Paris
9
Moulins
Built in 1834, this 4-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a spa centre and a garden. Moulins Train Station is a 15-minute walk away and the city centre is 200 metres away....
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