A few steps from the A75 motorway (exit 18), situated on a plateau overlooking Alagnon, the common Charbonnier-les-Mines is built on a Gallo-Roman village. Many relics and prove the existence of a Roman road called Régordane way. Then successively called Charboneriis Charboneiras (from the Latin meaning Carbo Coal), indicating that coal mining is very old (pre-15th century), Charbonnier was the capital of the commandery of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem.
The whole history of Charbonnier is strongly marked by the Mine. Here are some milestones: the 19th century, most were dug wells operating in wells of the Ass, well the machine, the wheel wells, wells in the bottle, Wells St. Alexander. In the early 20th century, a cable is installed for air transport of coal, which connects the operations center at the station Brassac. In 1939, after remaining the property of Pence family for over a century, the mine was acquired by the Company Commentry Fourchambault Decazeville. But the operation has become too expensive, gradually ceases. Well the last well known St. Alexander closed in 1942 but served as the return air from the well of Bayard Brassac until 1960. Its headframe was demolished in 1970 by an individual who had purchased 'the floor of the Mine'.
To see the old streets of mining towns, the view of the mining area and the surroundings of Alagnon.
Castle: in 1372 on the orders of the Commander Jean Achard, was built on the spur overlooking the valley of Alagnon the castle. Redesigned several times, it was completed at the end of the 14th century. Other owners succeeded, the Order of Malta and the Denier family. In 1925, it will be sold to the coal Centre which will partially demolished (only remain the surrounding walls and the ruins of the corner round tower, properties of an individual).
The church after the collapse of the roof of the Saint-Bonnet church, church situated chemin de Bellevue, in 1866, a new novel type of building with a single nave with presbytery was built for 30,000 gold Franc (registrations near the door : ' this church was built, Meyal being mayor, Redon, Moutet, assistant ')..
The Lembronnais be discovered through vineyards, castles and forts. Peynet Museum, the Mining Museum can be visited in the town close to Brassac-les-Mines. Fishing, walking, gastronomy can be discovered on the sector.
About ten kilometers to the northwest, is visible the village of Chalus. The castle is reported from the 10th century and has an old cadastral chapel of Roman origin altered several times. At the foot of the hill towards Gignat is the Sainte-Madeleine chapel built in arkose and basalt. The winemaking tradition is perpetuated in this village ( Auvergne wine).
In the same direction 2 km further, the castle of Villeneuve- Lembron was built in the late 15th century. It is built around a square courtyard with four towers at each corner and surrounded by moats. Amazing murals in the 15th and 16th centuries.
After another 2 km, is the town that has Mareugheol in the town center a strong villagers : it forms an almost perfect square of 65 m square with four round towers at the corners.
Northwest side about 10 km, the wine village of Boudes ( Auvergne Boudes wine coast ) has many features with its church classified historical monuments ( 12th century ) opening the " Quartier des Forts ". Furthermore it is possible to visit a territory that extends from 27 ha classified sensitive natural area by the General Council of Puy-de-Dôme, called " Valley of Saints," alternating a dry forest and training remarkable geological : fairy chimneys, circuses and multicolored cliffs. For this a 5.8 km circuit was built on which is also present a salty source.
Towards the west about 4 km, lies the village of Vichel dominated by the peak of Montcelet the remarkable panorama, on top of which a tower ( remains of a fortress of the 9th and 10th centuries ) was restored.
At about 10 km north -west, the village of Saint-Gervazy has a 13th century castle that houses a museum of the horse toy.
Northeast side about ten kilometers from the top of the hill of Nonette, another breathtaking panorama offers an almost aerial view of the village and Lembron. In the village, the Horts park is home to several species of trees.
Besides churches and castles visible throughout the Lembron Community of Communes Val d'Allier, many fountains are present as well as pigeon or restored bread ovens. In this area where vines had and still has a recognized place, it is possible to contemplate typical winegrowers' houses.