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Fleurs séchées de Bayet, a visit half an hour from Vichy

Published 25 August 2021

Half an hour's drive from Vichy, the Fleurs séchées de Bayet (Bayet dried flowers) farm grows, dries and sells some fifty varieties of flowers on site. Entry is free, and in summer the growing gardens can be visited with the growers. It is a short and unusual outing, easy to fit into a day around Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule.

Getting there from Vichy

Bayet lies north-west of Vichy, around thirty kilometres away. The most direct route is to head for Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule, then follow signs for Bayet. The farm is at the hamlet of Plugeat-Bompré, in the countryside, on the banks of the Sioule: parking is free.

There is no suitable public transport for this journey. Plan to take the car, or the bike for the more energetic.

The road crosses the farmland of the Limagne bourbonnaise plain, between fields and small villages. If you set off in the early afternoon, you will arrive as the shop opens and can head back before the end of the day without rushing.

Why visitors love it

Dried flowers are often imported. Here you see local production, from field to bouquet, and you can ask questions about the varieties, picking and keeping them. It is also a visit that works on an overcast day, and appeals as much to keen gardeners as to anyone simply looking for a decorating idea.

What you will find there

• The shop: the flowers are sold in bunches, to put together as you like. For a made-to-measure bouquet, it is best to come with an idea of the colours you want.
• The gardens: during the summer, the growers offer a free tour of the plots, a chance to understand how the flowers are prepared before drying.
• Environmentally conscious production, highlighted by the farm.

Practical information

In 2026, the shop is open from 29 April to 31 December, Wednesday to Saturday, in the afternoon. Exact times may vary: check them before you set off on the Val de Sioule tourist office page or on the farm's website.

• Payment by cash or cheque: remember to bring the means to pay.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Wheelchair access is possible with assistance.

Dried flowers travel well: you can buy them at the start of your stay with no risk of damaging them before you go home.

Half a day around Saint-Pourçain

The farm visit rarely takes more than an hour. To round it off:

• The Saint-Pourçain vineyards and their wine cellars, a few minutes away; a few ideas for local produce in our article on local specialities.
• The Vélorail de la Sioule (rail bikes), at Le Mayet-d'École, one of whose routes heads towards Bayet: see our article on the vélorail.
• Charroux and Chantelle, a little further west, if you have the whole day.

Heading back to Vichy

After half a day in the countryside, it is pleasant to return to town in the evening. Our apartments in the spa quarter are a stone's throw from the parks, bookable from one night, cleaning and linen included. To locate our properties and outings, see our map.