Espace Nature du Val d'Allier

L'Espace Nature du Val d'Allier is an interpretative centre dedicated to the natural heritage of the River Allier. The area is of international importance, with no fewer than 100 breeding bird species, including Stone Curlews and Kingfishers among others. The new centre, opened in September 2000, is designed to be a focal point for those wishing to know more about the natural riches of the river, with a strong educational slant, but also acting as a source of information for tourists visiting the surrounding Auvergne region. The centre itself occupies the recently restored and converted water pumping station of the town of Moulins, and contains dioramas illustrating the wildlife and human activities of the river valley, a jardin d'oiseaux with video cameras bringing bird activity right into the building, and l'espace enchanté, where visitors can listen to and learn the songs of the various birds to be found along the Allier.