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Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Moulins

Forêt De Moladier

The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Forêt De Moladier

4.5

(128)

919

hikers

46

hikes

Family friendly hiking trails in Forêt De Moladier traverse a landscape characterized by dense woodlands, primarily featuring sessile oaks and common beeches. The forest is situated on an undulating plateau, with a maximum elevation of 299 meters, and is crisscrossed by serene river valleys formed by waterways like the Ruisseau des Sabotiers. This protected natural environment, part of the Natura 2000 network, offers varied terrain suitable for exploration.

Best family friendly hiking trails in Forêt De Moladier

  • The most popular…

Last updated: July 6, 2026

4

hikers

#1.

Medieval Village of Souvigny loop from Souvigny

10.9km

02:53

100m

100m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

3.8

(5)

17

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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4.0

(1)

4

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

JakobusPilger
November 27, 2025, Cathédrale de Moulins

The patronage of this cathedral in Moulins, dedicated to the Annunciation (or, in another spelling, the Annunciation of Mary), refers to one of the many feast days in honor of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Annunciation (liturgical name: Annunciation of the Lord) is celebrated on March 25th, exactly nine months before Christmas. It commemorates the message the angel of the Lord brought her: that she would give birth to the Son of God – Jesus Christ. According to the account in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, this occurred in Nazareth, Israel. There, on the site where this event took place – according to a tradition spanning some two thousand years – a large church stands, which can thus be considered the original patronal church for the title of this church in Moulins. ] ... The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth can be found as a komoot highlight at the following link =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/251260

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The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation, the episcopal see of the Diocese of Moulins, was built in the 15th century on the remains of an original 10th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Peter. The oldest parts of the collegiate church are primarily built in the flamboyant Gothic style. It was elevated to a cathedral in the first half of the 19th century and then to a minor basilica.

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The town of Souvigny was chosen by the Bourbon dynasty as the religious capital of its duchy. Thus, the commune became the necropolis of all the Bourbon lords.

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Beautiful town church in Moulins

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Very beautiful church, right in the center of Moulins. It's worth a visit. The stained glass windows are beautiful. 🤩

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The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation was built in the 15th century on the remains of a first chapel from the 10th century, which was dedicated to Saint Peter. Since 1817 it has been the episcopal church of the diocese of Moulins. The most important work of art in the cathedral is the altarpiece from around 1502 by the Master of Moulins. His triptych of Moulins shows the Virgin Mary in front of a rainbow on the central panel, also surrounded by the donor Duke Pierre II and Anne de Beaujeu and their daughter Suzanne, and is considered an important example of a donor portrait of the late Gothic period.

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This church with the title "SACRE-COEUR" is not dedicated to one of the countless saints or - like many churches in France - to the Virgin Mary and Mother of God ("Notre-Dame"). Here, the choice of patronage was made directly to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. The "HEART OF JESUS" veneration, which in earlier times was deeply rooted in popular piety, can look back on a three-and-a-half-century-long history in the Catholic Church: It can be traced back to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoyue (1647 to 1690), a French nun. In this time-honored tradition, this church here in Moulins-sur-Allier was also dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The most famous church – not only in this country, but in continental Europe in general – with this patronage is “SACRE-COEUR de Montmartre” in the French capital (if you are interested, see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/229994 ).

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Vince
January 2, 2024, Place d'Allier

The Place de l'Allier in Moulins is worth the detour, it offers a beautiful perspective on the Sacré-Coeur church and I invite you to take a look in the Grand Café, Art Deco style!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Forêt De Moladier?

Forêt De Moladier offers a wonderful selection of routes suitable for families. There are over 40 hiking trails in total, with more than 20 specifically categorized as easy, making them ideal for family outings.

What kind of landscape can we expect on a family hike in Forêt De Moladier?

You can expect to immerse yourselves in dense woodlands, primarily featuring sessile oaks, common beeches, and pedunculate oaks. The forest is situated on an undulating plateau, traversed by serene river valleys like those of the Ruisseau des Sabotiers and the Goutte Champ Loué, adding varied scenery to your walk.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Forêt De Moladier?

The komoot community highly rates the trails in Forêt De Moladier, with an average score of 4.5 stars from nearly 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained and signposted paths, the tranquil forest atmosphere, and the diverse natural beauty that makes it perfect for family adventures.

Are there any easy circular routes suitable for families with young children?

Yes, there are several easy circular routes perfect for families. For a pleasant and manageable walk, consider the Moulins city centre — loop, which is just over 4.5 km. Another great option is the Plan d'eau des Champins — loop from Vichy, offering a gentle 6.8 km path.

When is the best time of year to visit Forêt De Moladier for family hikes?

The forest is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for family hikes. In spring, you'll enjoy fresh greenery and blooming flora, while autumn offers stunning foliage colors. Summer can also be lovely, with the dense canopy providing welcome shade on warmer days.

Can we bring our dog on the family-friendly trails in Forêt De Moladier?

Yes, many trails in Forêt De Moladier are dog-friendly. It's generally recommended to keep your dog on a leash to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Always remember to clean up after your pet.

Are there any specific trails that offer a good balance of distance and interest for families?

Absolutely. The Allier Square – Moulins Cathedral loop from Moulins is an excellent choice, covering about 6.8 km with minimal elevation gain, making it engaging without being too strenuous. For a slightly longer adventure, the Medieval Village of Souvigny loop from Souvigny offers a moderate 10.5 km route with interesting surroundings.

What kind of wildlife might we encounter on a family hike?

As a designated ZNIEFF and Natura 2000 site, Forêt De Moladier is rich in biodiversity. While specific sightings are never guaranteed, you might spot various bird species, small mammals like squirrels, and insects. The tranquil river valleys also support diverse aquatic life.

Is parking readily available near the trailheads for family walks?

Yes, parking is generally available at various access points around Forêt De Moladier. Specific parking areas are often signposted near popular trailheads, making it convenient to start your family adventure. It's always a good idea to check the starting point of your chosen route for the nearest parking options.

Are there places to eat or facilities like restrooms near the family hiking areas?

While the forest itself is a natural area, you'll find amenities in nearby towns and villages surrounding Forêt De Moladier. For example, towns like Moulins and Souvigny, which are starting points for some routes, offer cafes, restaurants, and public restrooms. It's advisable to plan your stops accordingly.

Are there any routes suitable for strollers or very young children?

For very young children or those with strollers, look for routes with minimal elevation changes and wider, well-maintained paths. The Plan d'eau des Champins — loop from Vichy is a relatively flat and accessible option that could be suitable, though conditions can vary.

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