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La Loge des Gardes from Gannat: a day in the Montagne bourbonnaise

Published 21 February 2021

La Loge des Gardes is a small family resort in the Monts de la Madeleine, at Laprugne, about 1 hr 15 from Gannat. It operates as a leisure park in summer and as a ski resort in winter when there is enough snow.

What you will find there

The site lies between 1,000 and 1,160 metres above sea level, at the top of the Montagne bourbonnaise, on the border between the Allier and the Loire.

• In winter: a few downhill ski runs served by drag lifts, a magic carpet for beginners, cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, as well as sledging. Equipment hire and a crêperie complete the offer. Everything depends on the snow cover, which varies greatly from year to year at this altitude.
• In summer: the resort becomes a leisure park focused on thrills and sliding, with a treetop adventure course, toboggan runs and off-road descents. The lifts are then used to get back up the slopes.
• All year round: the trails of the Monts de la Madeleine, through fir forests, for walks.

Check opening before you set off

Snow cover and opening conditions change from one season to the next: information for winter 2026-2027 has not all been published yet. Before you hit the road, check the resort's website or the Vichy Destinations tourist office, and call if necessary. In winter, also look at the snow report on the morning itself.

Getting there from Gannat

Allow about 1 hr 15 for about seventy kilometres:

1. reach Vichy via the A719, about twenty minutes;
2. go through the town and then follow signs for Cusset and Le Mayet-de-Montagne;
3. carry on towards Laprugne on the mountain roads, which are slower and winding.

In winter, equip your vehicle (winter tyres or chains): the last few kilometres may be snowy while the Gannat plain is clear.

Making a full day of it

The journey justifies a whole day. A few ideas to round it off:

• The Saint-Clément lake, at Le Mayet-de-Montagne, on the way: supervised swimming in fine summer weather, boat hire, an adventure course and zip lines over the lake. Details in our article swimming spots and lakes from Gannat.
• Vichy on the way back: a stop in the parks or by Lac d'Allier before heading home.
• A picnic at altitude: on a clear day, the view stretches far across the plain.

If you are looking for an activity closer by with children, our article Gannat with the family brings together outings less than half an hour away.

Back to Gannat in the evening

After a day in the mountains, coming back to heated accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen is welcome, especially with the family. Our houses and flats in Gannat are close to the A719 for a quick return, and the map of properties will help you choose. All can be booked from one night, cleaning and linen included.