By Car
Recommended for flexibility.
- From Paris
- approx. 3.5 hours via A77
- From Lyon
- approx. 2 hours via A89
- From Clermont-Ferrand
- approx. 1.5 hours via A71
GPS: 6 Rue St Martin, Besson, 03210
Private parking for up to 6 cars on site.
Besson · Bourbonnais · Central France
Le Couvent
A former convent, restored with care.
Built in 1876 on a site dating back to the 16th century.
The House
Welcome to the Couvent, our beautiful and historic house situated on the edge of the village of Besson in central France.
A former convent, over the past 20 years the house, and its outbuildings, have been sympathetically restored into a beautiful private residence, in keeping with its historic past and with care taken to preserve its traditional appearance, whilst offering modern comfort and facilities.
The building’s origins date back to the 16th century, and the current property was built in 1876, incorporating beautiful original fireplaces and magnificent oak beams from the original building on the site.
Two significant outbuildings were constructed at the same time for use by the nuns who ran the convent — a school house (now the pool house), and an infirmary (now the gîte), which are built around a central courtyard. As a working convent, both were used by the nuns to provide education and medical care to the villagers up until the closure of the convent sometime around 1945.
Amenities
- 8 bedrooms (2 ensuite)
- 4 bathrooms in main house
- Two fireplaces in main house
- Games room, including gym area
- Pool house with shower and changing facilities
- Smart television
- Separate gîte living space for 2, with shower
- Spacious living and dining areas
- 3 fully equipped modern kitchens (one in each of the main house, pool house and the gîte)
- Large private garden and courtyard
- Pétanque court with floodlights
- Table tennis
- Darts
- Table football
- Gas barbecue
- Swimming pool (May – October)
- Wi-Fi throughout
- Telescope to observe the clear night skies
- Private parking for up to 6 cars
Each bedroom is furnished with care, with comfortable beds. The two principal bedrooms are ensuite. All of the bathrooms are modern and have been fitted out in the past few years.
The Couvent is a place for unforgettable gatherings, well suited to families, small groups, or guests seeking a longer stay.
With its walled garden, tranquility and privacy, days here unfold easily — shared meals around the dining tables, both indoors and out. Stunning, peaceful countryside walks directly from the house. Fun and games in the pool house, and cosy living-room evenings warmed by the log-burning stove.
A Place with a Past
For around 70 years, from the late 1870s until the end of the Second World War, this building served as a convent — and was an integral part of Besson village life.
It was a place of contemplation and community, where nuns lived and worked. Part of Vichy France, but close to the border of Nazi occupied territory, which was at Moulins, just 10 km away, the property housed child refugees during the war years.
An unverified history of the Couvent, given to us when we bought the property in 2005, can be found here. Whatever the truth of the story, it certainly adds to the charm of this historic property.
- 16th c.Origins of the building on the site
- 1876The current house is built, with its school house and infirmary
- 1939–45Child refugees are housed here during the war years
- c. 1945The convent closes
- 2005The house is bought and its restoration begins
The Village of Besson
Besson is a village largely untouched by tourism, largely supported by agriculture and the local, excellent Gardien Frères vineyard. Stone houses line quiet streets, church bells mark the hours, and neighbours gather for an early morning coffee in the café in the central square.
The village offers all the essentials within walking distance of the property: an épicerie, a pharmacy, a renowned butcher’s, a café, a tabac, a hairdresser’s, a Mairie with post office, a football pitch, various nearby châteaux and stunning countryside views and walks.
This is la France profonde, and like so many villages in the area, it is a close-knit community with an historic 12th-century church at its heart.
Villages & Towns Worth Exploring
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Medieval spa town with thermal springs and castle ruins.
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Historic priory village known for its Romanesque architecture and Cluny cathedral.
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Cultural centre of the Bourbonnais region. More below.
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Description to follow.
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Description to follow.
Other activities
- Canoeing
- Parc Le Pal
Châteaux & Heritage Sites
The countryside surrounding Besson is dotted with historic châteaux and estates. Together, they reflect the long political and social history of the region.
1 km
Château de Fourchaud
A fortress château with a hilltop position overlooking the Allier valley, originally built for strategic defence, and currently being restored.
See photosChâteau de Rochefort
Situated in a prominent position overlooking the village, this château is sadly now in ruins.
See photo- Château de Ritz1.1 kmPrivate residence
An historic rural château on the edge of the village.
- Le Vieux Bostz2.5 kmPrivate residence
A traditional Bourbonnais estate with well-preserved regional architecture.
- Le Nouveau Bostz3.9 kmPrivate residence
An estate illustrating architectural evolution across generations.
- Château des Écossais4 kmPrivate residence
Named for its historic Franco-Scottish connections.
- Château de Bourbon-l’Archambault25 km
Former stronghold of the Bourbon dynasty, offering extensive ruins and panoramic views.
- Château d’Avrilly28 km
An 18th-century château with formal gardens, occasionally open to the public.
Many sites are open seasonally or by appointment.
The local vineyard
Gardien Frères
Located on the edge of the village, and run by two third-generation brothers, the vineyard produces an impressive range of delicious wines. Open daily for tastings, it is a must visit!
Moulins
Just 10 kilometres from Le Couvent, Moulins serves as the historic and cultural centre of the Bourbonnais.
The historic centre is anchored by Cathédrale Notre-Dame, home to a renowned 15th-century Triptych (currently being featured in the Louvre Museum). Surrounding streets reveal half-timbered houses, elegant townhouses, and discreet courtyards.
Moulins combines cultural interest with everyday life: weekly markets, independent shops, museums, and traditional restaurants. Riverside walks along the Allier offer green space, while the city’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot.
In the summertime, canoeing on the River Allier is a family favourite.
Worth Visiting
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame and its Triptych
- National Centre for Stage Costume
- Anne de Beaujeu Museum
- Saturday morning market at Place d’Allier
- Historic centre and pedestrian streets
- Riverside walks and gardens
- Canoeing in the Allier River
Getting Here
Le Couvent lies in the heart of rural central France and is best reached by car.
By Train
- Moulins · 10 km
- Direct connections from Paris Bercy (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Vichy · 47 km
- Alternative station with connections from Paris and Lyon
Car hire is recommended from either station.
By Air
- Lyon–Saint-Exupéry · 214 km
- approx. 2.5 hours by car
- Clermont-Ferrand · 88 km
- approx. 1.5 hours by car
Car rental is available at all airports.
Arrival note Besson is a small village, and the Couvent is located at the edge of the village. Exterior lighting is provided, though we recommend arriving during daylight for your first visit.
Gallery
The gallery provides a sense of the house and its setting.
Book Your Stay
Come and stay
We welcome enquiries regarding availability and are happy to answer any questions about the Couvent.