Bourbon-l'Archambault

Bourbon l'Archambault is a commune with 2558 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Allier in the Auvergne region; it belongs to the district Moulins, is the capital of the Canton of Bourbon l'Archambault and seat of the municipal association Bocage Bourbonnais.

Geography

The municipality is located on the upper Burge, a tributary of the Allier, about 21 kilometers west of Moulins. North of town, the lake is Etang de Bourbon l'Archambault.

History

The ancient settlement of Bourbon was located in settlement areas of the Bituriges. This city is listed as Aquae Bormonis on the Tabula Peutingeriana. In the Middle Ages the town was the capital of the lords of Bourbon, nine of which bore the name Archambault between the 10th and 12th centuries - hence the name suffix. Bourbon was an important fortress, which was equipped with 15 towers, and that was to the 15th century in use. In the 17th century it was discovered thermal springs, which are still in operation today. In the 19th century, the fortress was almost completely demolished. Only three towers remained at the urging of the poet Achille Allier stand.