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Le Vert Plateau and the Colettes forest: a nature day out near Gannat

Published 25 August 2021

Le Vert Plateau is a holiday village located at La Tuilerie, in the commune of Bellenaves, about twenty kilometres north-west of Gannat (around 25 minutes). It mainly hosts groups, school classes and families on holiday, but the surrounding area, between the Colettes forest and the Sioule gorges, is well worth a day out from Gannat.

What is Le Vert Plateau?

According to the region's tourist listings, Le Vert Plateau is group accommodation with the Accueil Vélo (cyclist-friendly) label. It welcomes groups, sports holidays, family celebrations, seminars and school trips. On site:

• dining and meeting rooms, a lounge with a fireplace;
• a wellness area with an indoor pool (open from April to early November), jacuzzi and sauna;
• a repair workshop, washing station and garage for bikes;
• starting points for walking, mountain biking and horse riding routes, and orienteering courses.

The site is accessible to people with disabilities. Prices and availability can be requested directly from the establishment, via its listings on France Vélo Tourisme or on its own website.

The Colettes forest on foot or by mountain bike

Le Vert Plateau sits on the edge of the Colettes forest, a large wooded area between Bellenaves, Échassières and Coutansouze. You can walk in the shade in summer, making it a good alternative to the plain when it is hot.

For experienced mountain bikers, the Gour de Lannet route starts from Coutansouze: about 25 km, more than 800 m of ascent, red grade (difficult). It passes through Lalizolle and Bellenaves. For a gentler outing, several walking trails start from the village of Bellenaves.

Combining with the Sioule valley

From Bellenaves, you are a few minutes from Ébreuil and the entrance to the Sioule gorges. A typical day from Gannat:

1. Morning: a walk or mountain bike ride in the Colettes forest.
2. Lunch: a picnic in the forest or lunch in Ébreuil.
3. Afternoon: Ébreuil abbey church, then the gorge road towards Chouvigny, or a canoe trip in summer (see our article a canoe trip on the Sioule).

The drive back to Gannat takes about twenty minutes via Ébreuil.

Practical tips

• Season: the forest is pleasant from spring to autumn. During the hunting season, ask at the town hall about hunt days and stay on the waymarked paths.
• Equipment: walking shoes, water and a map or hiking app, as mobile signal can be weak in the forest.
• Routes: the Val de Sioule tourist office, in Gannat, provides maps and walk leaflets for Bellenaves and the gorges.

Accommodating a group around Gannat

If you are looking for group accommodation without a holiday-centre package, with your own kitchen and the freedom to set your own schedule, we offer houses for up to 10 people and residences with several properties at the same address: see our group stays page. In the countryside, the Hameau de la Grande Varenne, opposite Charroux, brings together three stone gîtes with a heated pool, and the Gîtes de Saint-Bonnet, at Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort, are on the road to Bellenaves. All can be booked from one night, cleaning and linen included. Our map will help you choose.