Based
in the castle of Prureaux at Montcombroux-les-Mines (03-Allier), the
Créneau is situated in the bourbon bocage in the middle of
woods and plains. The village consists of 400 inhabitants; the
architecture and the name of the village reflect its mining past. The
area is very rural, rich in natural and architectural beauty, but
marked by an aging population. Deprived of industry and a tertiary
sector, this territory relies on its green tourism, sale of artisanal
goods, and a quality agriculture dominated by the breeding of
cows.
The closest towns are Vichy (45km- pop. 26 000), Moulins
(50km- pop. 22 000) and Roanne (60km- pop. 40 000). The closest urban
agglomeration is Clermont-Ferrand (90km- pop. 250 000). The closest
train stations are Lapalisse (20km), St Germain-des-Fossés
(35km) and Digoin (25km).
The
Créneau itself is a remote place, 6 km from the first
commercial centre. The relative isolation is compensated by the
presence of a permanent team on site, and people or groups hosted
regularly, in addition to this there are links with cultural
associations, and local sporting centres.