Discover 25 of Auvergne`s best routes

Transcription

IT’S TIME TO GO
TRAVELLING AGAIN
Discover 25 of Auvergne’s best routes
www.auvergne-tourism.com
Motorway
Motorway-type road
Main road
Regional boundary
Departmental boundary
Regional nature park
boundary
Spa towns: balneology
and fitness
“Plus beaux villages
de France”
UNESCO World Heritage Site
as part of Way of St James
“Grand Site de France”
(major site of interest)
Canoe and kayak rental
Bathing area
“Chemins de Grande Randonnée”
(hiking trails)
“Tours de pays” (country tours)
“Grands itinéraires VTT”
(MTB routes)
“Grand itinéraire cyclotouristique”
(tourist cycling route)
Greenways
RIOM
Tourist train
Cartographie ACTUAL - +33 (0) 325 712 020 N3667
Reproduction is prohibited without permission - 02/12
http://www.actual.tm.fr - [email protected]
KEY TO CIRCUITS
Hiking route
Total distance in kilometres
MTB route
Degree of difficulty
Cycling route
Average time
Canoeing route
Altitude difference
Markings
Stopovers... Listed accommodation (Gîte de France, Logis, Qualité Tourisme, Clévacances, Rando Accueil, Relais & Châteaux, Camping Qualité, Bienvenue à
la Ferme) located close to route departure point Not to be missed ! Places of interest to discover close to the route Find out more... Tourist office contact details
Breathe deeply
Rounded summits, perched ridges, hidden valleys, forests, waterfalls, little roads and paths, lakes and
rivers everywhere, mouflons, kites, salmon, daffodils, heather, oak trees and plenty more.
There are all sorts of great reasons to get those shoes on, oil your bike chain,
fill up your backpack and head off to explore this whole new world.
There’s something for everyone, from truly demanding routes to easily accessible ones,
by land or by water. Come and enjoy it!
Discover our 25 ideas for routes throughout Auvergne on foot,
by mountain bike, by bicycle or by canoe.
Each circuit comes with a technical description, the features you’ll come across and some
great locations to stop off at to regather your strength and really enjoy yourself!
COME TO THE HEART OF AUVERGNE:
14,000 km of marked trails
13 GR® and 8 GR de Pays®
85 cycling circuits
61 km of greenways
150 km of cycling roads
4,000 km of marked MTB routes
2 “grands itinéraires de randonnée VTT” (MTB trails)
850 km of canoeing and kayaking routes
3 /
Idea n° 1 / Le Creux de l’Oulette
Saillant ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
12 km
easy
3¾ hrs
200 m
yellow
Ambert
N
St-Anthème
D996
Volcan de
Montpeloux
Eglisolles
D
Viverols
F
rom the banks of the Ance to the
pretty waterfall of the Creux de
l’Oulette, this
route crosses
over the curious
site of the
ancient Volcan
de Montpeloux
– one of the
rare volcanoes
of Le Forez –
hollowed out by
a basalt quarry and filled with water.
An interpretative trail provides
you with an understanding of the
geological, industrial and cultural
history of this exceptional location.
A floating stage was set up in 2007
in the amphitheatre of basalt organs
to house an eclectic open air festival
over three months. This is a truly
exceptional location which puts on
theatre and circus shows, as well
as concerts and training courses for
adults and children once a week.
An unforgettable experience!
The curious
site of the
ancient
Volcan du
Montpeloux
Accessing the point
of departure
From Ambert, head for Saint-Anthème,
then Raffiny and Saillant (32 km).
Departure point in the village of Saillant.
At the heart of the Volcan de Montpeloux
Stopovers…
Gîte Le Montcelard
in Eglisolles (3.5 km)
www.a-gites.com/siteweb13328
Gîte Les Sereines in La Chaulme (5.5 km)
www.gites-de-france-puydedome.com
Hôtel Le Pont de Raffiny**
in Saint-Romain (6.5 km)
www.hotel-pont-raffiny.com
La Mélanie B&B
in Saint-Romain (6.5 km)
www.lamelanie.eu
Le gîte Chomy in Saint-Martin
des Olmes (24 km)
www.chomylegite.com
Not to be missed!
Les Hautes Chaumes du Forez and
the Jasserie du Coq Noir, a former
farm, museography area, guided walks,
/ 4
local produce and summer events
programme. www.coq-noir.fr
The Festival du Volcan de Montpeloux
Le Montpeloux is one of the rare
examples of a volcanic landscape in the
Monts du Forez. Having for a long time
served as a promontory for a powerful
fortified castle, Montpeloux was gradually
eroded by works carried out in the basalt
quarry, which is what has made
it possible for people to access the belly
of the volcano today. Every summer,
it plays host to a theatre, music and
circus festival.
www.festival-volcan-montpeloux.overblog.com
Find out more...
Vallée de l’Ance tourist office:
+33 (0) 473 954 706
www.vallee-de-lance.com
This circuit is taken from the hiking guide “Puy-de-Dôme”, published by Chamina and on sale at the tourist office.
You can download all the hiking routes in Puy-de-Dôme free of charge at www.rando-planetepuydedome.com
Idea n° 2 / In the footsteps of Jean de la Nuit
Egliseneuve-près-Billom ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
5.5 km
easy
2 hrs
100 m
silhouettes of Jean de la Nuit
N
Vertaizon
A71
CLERMONTFERRAND
Billom
Cournond'Auvergne
Vallée du
Madet
Allier
Egliseneuveprès-Billom
D
Vic-le-Comte
Château des Martinanches
T
his is an interpretative trail in
the “land of art and history” of
Billom-Saint-Dier, an opportunity
to discover the mill heritage of the
Vallée du Madet, as well as a wide
variety of remarkable trees and
other plant life.
Six stands and
a viewpoint
indicator
that will be
of interest to
both young and old can be found
along the way. Jean de la Nuit, the
last of the valley’s millers, will be
your guide! Since the 17th century,
the Vallée du Madet has been a
place of intense and varied rural
activity. Numerous ruined mills,
large millstones and water channels
remain from this era.
The mills were used especially
for milling grain, pressing oil and
crushing hemp. The sun-drenched
slopes used to be home to vines and
gardens, while meadows planted
with fruit trees stretched along the
stream for rearing animals.
A trip
for children
and adults
Accessing the point
of departure
From Clermont-Ferrand, take the A89
towards Lyon until you get to Lempdes,
Chignat, Billom then Égliseneuve-prèsBillom (32 km). From the village, head
for La Jonchère, then Les Pierrys.
1 km further on, park in the car park
below the hamlet.
Auvergne’s Tuscany
Stopovers…
Gîte La Boissière
in Égliseneuve-près-Billom
Auberge de la Forge
in Glaine-Montaigut (5 km)
www.aubergedelaforgeglainemontaigut.com
Le Clos Goëlle, B&B
in Moissat (5.5 km)
www.clos-goelle.com
Le Centre d’Ailleurs, rooms, dormitories
and yurts in an unusual setting in
Chavarot (16 km)
www.lecentredailleurs.com
Le Domaine de Gaudon, B&B
in Ceilloux (19 km)
+33 (0) 473 707 625
Not to be missed!
“Land of art and history”, le Pays
de Billom-Saint-Dier, will be an
opportunity to discover the medieval
town of Billom, village forts and some of
Auvergne’s châteaux including Château
de Ravel, the Mauzun fortress, the
Museum Château of Montmorin and the
Château des Martinanches, with its moat
and lovely park.
Find out more...
Le Clos Margot, B&B
in Saint-Maurice-ès-Allier (18 km)
Pays de Billom tourist office
Saint-Dier-d’Auvergne:
+33 (0) 473 683 985
www.leclosmargot.com
www.stdb-auvergne.com
This circuit ”Sur les traces de Jean de la Nuit” is taken from the hiking guide “Balades en Pays de Billom-Saint-Dier”, on sale at the tourist office.
5 /
Idea n° 3 / Le puy de Baladou
Pessade/Saulzet-le-Froid ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
19 km
easy
5¾ hrs
400 m
green
N
Sioule
A71
CLERMONTFERRAND
Lac
Servières
Pessade
Lac d'Aydat
Allier
D
Lac de
Guéry
St-Nectaire
Lac
Chambon
Le MontDore
Chambonsur-Lac
Murol
Issoire
Lac de Guéry
T
his route goes around the Haute
Vallée de la Monne and has
various panoramic views over the
Chaîne des Puys and the Monts
Dore.
It passes
through
summer
pastureland
studded
with buron
dwellings and
wild areas
with heather
and bilberry, untouched villages
and spruce trees providing welcome
shade when it is hot. Pessade is a
multi-activity countryside centre
open throughout the year, with
hiking, MTB and an orienteering
race; in winter, Pessade is a Nordic
area where you can go crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing and
sledding. Equipment hire, bar and
restaurant on site.
Changing
panoramas on
the Chaîne des
Puys and the
Monts Dore
Accessing the point
of departure
From Clermont-Ferrand, take the
D2089 towards Le Mont-Dore, until
you get to Randanne, then the D983
for 7 km before turning left to Pessade
(32 km).
Departure point is the countryside
centre.
/ 6
Hiking in the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne
Stopovers…
Gîte la Grange in Pessade
Gîte Le Bonheur dans le Pré
in Vernines (5.5 km)
www.lebonheurdanslepre.com
La grange de Phialeix,
B&B in Phialeix (8 km)
http://grangedephialeix.monsite-orange.fr
Saint-Julien, B&B in Aydat (9 km)
www.stjulien.fr
Not to be missed!
Lac d’Aydat, Auvergne’s largest natural
lake with several water-based leisure
activities available.
At an altitude of 1,268 metres, the Lac
de Guéry is Auvergne’s highest lake.
Lac Servières is a crater lake, great for
relaxing and refreshing walks.
The Notre-Dame-d’Orcival basilica is
one of Auvergne’s 5 major Romanesque
churches.
Find out more...
Les Cheires tourist office:
+33 (0) 473 793 769
www.tourisme-lescheires.com
This circuit is taken from the hiking guide “Pays coté chemin” Les Cheires d’Aydat published by Chamina, on sale at the tourist office.
Idea n° 4 / Château Rocher
Saint-Rémy-de-Blot ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
1½ hrs
170 m
blue
Gor
ge
sd
el
Menat
a
easy (steep ascent)
A71
5 km
To Paris
N
Si
Ébreuil
le
ou
Château Rocher
D
St-Rémyde-Blot
Méandre
de Queuille
Combronde
SIOULE
Gour de
Tazenat
T
his is the iconic walk for
the Gorges de la Sioule! The
still-imposing ruins of Château
Rocher (12th to
14th century)
look out over
the Vallée de
la Sioule from
an altitude of
150 metres at
a strategic point between Auvergne
and Le Bourbonnais. Directly above
these ruins, there is a superb view
of the Pont de Menat and the steep
twists and turns of the river at
Rochocol’s Bend. Northwards, the
Forêt des Colettes stretches out over
2,000 hectares. This is a former
Bourbon hunting estate, home to
one of Europe’s loveliest natural
beech groves. Come and explore the
Gorges de la Sioule! The twists and
turns are scattered with different
kinds of contrasting rocks. There is a
small and pretty road winding along
the length of the river, but during
summer the best way of exploring it
is definitely by canoe. This is also a
paradise for fishermen.
Enter the
Gorges de la
Sioule
Accessing the point
of departure
Leaving from Clermont-Ferrand, take
the A71 towards Paris, and, leaving it at
Combronde, continue along the N144
until you reach the Pont de Menat.
Then take the D109 and the D99 to
Saint-Rémy-de-Blot (54 km).
Château Rocher above the vallée de la Sioule
Stopovers…
Auberge du Château
in Saint-Rémy-de-Blot
www.auberge-du-château.com
Les Eydieux, B&B
in Saint-Angel (14 km)
www.leseydieux.com
Les Logis de l’Atelier,
Furnished rental accommodation
in Charbonnières-les-Vieilles (18 km)
www.leslogisdelatelier.fr
Not to be missed!
The Gour de Tazenat is a crater lake
that formed when molten lava met
an expanse of water. The result was
spectacular, creating an almost perfect
circle, 700 metres in diameter, and with
a depth of around 90 metres, with clear
water and encircled by forest.
There is a family-friendly circuit enabling
you to walk around the crater.
Find out more...
Combrailles tourist office:
+33 (0) 473 858 094
www.tourisme-combrailles.fr
This circuit is taken from the hiking guide “Combrailles” published by Chamina and on sale at the tourist office.
7 /
Idea n° 5 / Around the Puy de Dôme
Col de Ceyssat ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
12 km
easy
3 hrs
387 m
yellow
N
D9
41
Volcan de Lemptégy
Vulcania
Orcines
Puy de Dôme
Col de
Ceyssat D
42
D9
Panoramique
des Dômes
CLERMONTFERRAND
S
ince time immemorial, the power
and majesty of the Puy de Dôme
have fascinated people. It is the
jewel of the Chaîne des Puys, which
comprises a line
of 90 volcanic
domes and
craters over more
than 30 km.
This hike allows you to walk around
the 1,465 metre giant through
forests and sheep pastures. Three
quarters of the way through the trip,
you will have the option of going
to the top via the Panoramique des
Dômes (a rack railway inaugurated
in 2012), and walk back down again
via the Chemin des Muletiers to the
Col de Ceyssat.
Auvergne’s
iconic peak
Accessing the point
of departure
Leaving from Clermont-Ferrand,
head for Tulle until you get to Orcines,
then take the D942 towards the Puy
de Dôme and Ceyssat (18 km).
Parking and departure point at the
Col de Ceyssat.
At the top of the Puy de Dôme
Stopovers…
Le Relais des Puys in Orcines (6 km)
www.relaisdespuys.com
Les Hirondelles in Orcines
www.hotel-leshirondelles.com
Hôtel Arum in Orcines
www.hotel-arum.eu
Auberge de la Moréno, Col de la
Moréno in Laschamps (6 km)
www.aubergemoreno.com
Archipel Volcans, gîte in Laschamps
www.archipel-volcans.com
Not to be missed!
Vulcania : an unforgettable experience
exploring the Earth and associated
phenomena.
www.vulcania.com
Volcan de Lemptégy : a life-size
adventure, unravelling the mystery
of volcanoes.
www.auvergne-volcan.com
Find out more...
For a detailed map and description,
go to: www.planetepuydedome.com
Camping Indigo in Royat (6 km)
www.camping-indigo.com
/ 8
This circuit “Le tour du puy de Dôme” is taken from the hiking guide “Chaîne des Puys” published by Chamina and on sale at www.chamina.com
Idea n° 6 / The ridges west of the Sancy massif
Le Mont-Dore ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
8 km
medium
3¾ hrs
120 m
To ClermontFerrand
GR® red and white
N
Lac
Servières
Lac de
Guéry
La Bourboule
Massif
du Sancy
Puy de Sancy
Vallé
Chau e de
defo
ur
La Tour
d'Auvergne
D
Le MontDore
Super-Besse
Besse-etSt-Anastaise
T
his mountain route can be
walked by most people when the
weather is good. Follow the markers
that will take you to the foot of Le
Sancy.
After a dizzying
climb upwards
by cable car,
you’ll enjoy
views over the
Réserve Naturelle
Nationale de la
Fontaine Salée.
From here, you can get to the top
of Le Puy de Sancy (1,886 m).
Continue along the narrow dirt track
to a tricky but safe crossing with a
chain and stone steps. After a short
climb, you’ll be running alongside
the line of ridges to the Salon du
Capucin and the funicular station.
A journey back in time taking you
to Le Mont-Dore.
A journey
back in time
taking you to
Le Mont-Dore
Caution: on this route, dogs must be
kept on leads. They are not permitted
in the reserve.
Accessing the point
of departure
The departure point for this route is at
Le Mont-Dore, 46 km from ClermontFerrand.
Departure point in front of tourist office,
where you can buy a dual ticket: one
cable car ticket + a funicular ticket at a
discounted rate.
The ridges west of the Sancy massif
Stopovers…
At the foot of Le Sancy:
various 1 and 2* hotels, youth hostels
La Prade Haute, holiday village
www.touristravacances.fr
In the village:
various hotels, 1 to 4*, B&Bs, gîtes,
campsites, holiday village, furnished
tourist accommodation
Les Hautes Pierres, hiking gîte
www.gite-les-hautes-pierres.com
Le Parc des Fées,
hotel at La Bourboule (6.5 km)
www.parcdesfees.com
Not to be missed!
Winter on the Massif du Sancy
The resorts of Le Mont-Dore and SuperBesse are amazingly diverse and give
you the option of all sorts of activities,
including downhill and cross-country
skiing, alternative downhill sports, as
well as sledding, dog sledding and
snowshoeing. Children are especially
spoiled for choice, with a fully safe play
area. The family resort of Chastreix is
especially focused on Nordic activities.
Find out more...
The Massif du Sancy tourist office:
+33 (0) 473 652 021
www.sancy.com
www.sancy-volcans.com
This circuit “Les crêtes ouest du Sancy” is taken from the hiking guide “Massif du Sancy, les 15 plus belles balades et randonnées” by Jean-Thierry Plane, on
sale at tourist offices in the Massif du Sancy. You can download all the hiking routes in Puy-de-Dôme free of charge at www.rando-planetepuydedome.com
9 /
Idea n° 7 / La Vallée des Saints
Boudes ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
medium
2 hrs
100 m
Chemin de Fée
N
A75
5.8 km
ISSOIRE
VilleneuveLembron
Boudes
Vineyard
D
Val
lée
Boudes
St-GermainLembron
des S
aints
14
D2
The village and vineyards of Boudes
B
oudes is a village with a
tradition of winemaking, in the
heart of the famous red lands of
the Lembron and it harbours a gem
that is well worth a detour called
la Vallée des
Saints, which
appears quite
out of place in
the middle of
Auvergne.
You start the
circuit on the hillside before passing
through a dry forest with some
remarkable geological formations,
including fairy chimneys,
multicoloured amphitheatres and
cliffs, the red shading of which puts
you in mind of the Grand Canyon.
Between 10 m and 30 m in height,
they look down over the vegetation
with their amazing colours, and
you really would think you were in
a western. This route will enable
you to discover a part of the Boudes
vineyard area and the Plaine d’Allier.
You’ll think
you’re in
a western!
Accessing the point
of departure
From Issoire, take the A75 towards
Saint-Germain-Lembron, then head for
Boudes (14.5 km).
Car park on the village square, then
follow markers.
/ 10
Auvergne’s Colorado
Stopovers…
Le Boudes La Vigne,
hotel and restaurant in Boudes
+33 (0) 473 965 566
La maison de Marie Camille,
B&B and table d’hôtes in Saint-GermainLembron (5 km)
Bookings can be made through the Pays
d’Issoire tourist office.
Mr Bretogne, B&B and table d’hôtes
in Mareugheol (5 km)
Bookings can be made through the Pays
d’Issoire tourist office.
Not to be missed!
Château de Villeneuve-Lembron
Tours: +33 (0) 473 964 164
Guided tour of the village of Boudes
and its AOC Côtes d’Auvergne
vineyards.
Tour of cellar and estate, introduction
to wine tasting. Bookings can be made
through the Pays d’Issoire tourist office.
Find out more...
Pays d’Issoire tourist office:
+33 (0) 473 552 313
www.sejours-issoire.com
This circuit is taken from the hiking guide “Lembron et Pays des Couzes” published by Chamina and on sale at the tourist office.
Idea n° 8 / Suc de Combres and Forêt de Miaune
Roche-en-Régnier ...Haute-Loire ...Auvergne
To La Chaise-Dieu
13.7 km
medium
3½ hrs
449 m
yellow – PR N°604
®
St-Andréde-Chalençon
N
"Traces de Rêves"
canine activity park
Suc de Combres
Rocheen-Régnier
D
Fo
au
Mi
de
rê t
ne
D9
Retournac
9
D2
Vorey
S/Arzon
Loire
D103
Chamalièressur-Loire
To Le Puy-en-Velay
I
n the heart of the Emblavez, this
circuit takes you into a medieval
and Renaissance atmosphere
leaving from Roche-en-Régnier,
a former barony of Le Velay.
Throughout this round trip, you’ll
be able to enjoy the amazing views
of the Gorges de la Loire and the
mysterious atmosphere of the Forêt
du Mont Miaune,
one of the oldest
volcanoes in
Haute-Loire!
You can
supplement this
hike with one of
the nine round trips of the “Le Livre
de Pierre” landscape interpretative
trail. This easily accessible walk
(1½ hrs) takes its pretext from
the remains of feudal fortifications
and Renaissance era houses to tell
you about the origins of the riches
of this town, now a little village,
and the tumultuous history of the
relations between its lords and the
bourgeoisie.
A medieval
and Celtic
atmosphere
Accessing the point
of departure
From Le Puy-en-Velay, take the D103
in the Gorges de la Loire, then the D29
to Roche-en-Régnier (30 km). Circuit
departure point beside the chapel.
Access by train from Vorey-sur-Arzon
station (8 km).
Dog Hiking
Stopovers…
Les Pierres Bleues, B&B
in Saint-Vincent (15 km)
www.les-pierresbleues.fr
La Buissonnière, B&B
in Saint-Vincent
www.buissonniere-auvergne.com
The following accommodation options (apart
from l’Auberge du Brabant) are Respirando listed.
Camping Traces de Rêves in Rocheen-Régnier - Accommodation in yurts
Les Rives de l’Arzon,
hotel and restaurant in Vorey-sur-Arzon
www.hotel-rives-arzon.fr
Camping Les Moulettes
in Vorey-sur-Arzon
www.camping-les-moulettes.fr
Camping le Pra de Mars in Vorey-sur-Arzon
www.leprademars.com
Not to be missed!
www.tracesdereves.com
L’Emblavez landscape interpretative
trail, 9 discovery sites and walks.
Auberge du Brabant
in Roche-en-Régnier
The “Traces de Rêves” canine activity
park, for hiking activities with dogs.
www.auberge-brabant-haute-loire.com
Gîte Prunelle in Roche-en-Régnier
http://giteprunelle.free.fr
Le Clos Moulin, holiday village
in Vorey-sur-Arzon (8 km)
www.vacances-ulvf.com
www.tracesdereves.com
Find out more...
L’Emblavez tourist office:
+33 (0) 471 013 067
www.cc-emblavez.fr
This circuit “Suc de Combres et forêt de Miaune” is taken from the “Terre d’Emblavez” walking and hiking routes map, on sale at the tourist office.
Find out all the information you may need about routes and hiking in Haute-Loire at www.respirando.fr and www.auvergnevacances.com
11 /
Idea n° 9 / Mountains and panoramic views
Berbezit ...Haute-Loire ...Auvergne
16.8 km
difficult
5 hrs
713 m
yellow – PR® N°611 – Respirando listed circuit
N
To
Brioude
D19
La ChaiseDieu
D4
Connangles
D
06
D9
Berbezit
D20
To Le Puyen-Velay
T
his circuit is located on the
plateau of La Chaise-Dieu in
southern Auvergne. It alternates
between fantastic views of the
Cantal Massif, the Sancy Massif and
the Plateau du Cézallier. Diving into
the narrow valleys of the stream of
Berbezit makes
this a lovely
walk among
the trees and
through the
farmland. A
route retracing
a vernacular
heritage (work
involving
horseshoeing, washing houses,
drinking troughs, springs and mills,
crosses, etc.) as well as historic
buildings, revealing to you the
secrets of a rural way of life marked
with age-old toil, spirituality and
savoir-faire.
A lovely walk
among the
trees and
through the
farmland
Accessing the point
of departure
From La Chaise-Dieu, take the D4 to
Saint-Pal-de-Senouire, then the D20 to
Connangles.
Continue on for 4.5 km, then turn onto
the D561 to Berbezit. (12 km)
/ 12
View of the Massif du Sancy
Stopovers…
Le Refuge de P’tit Âne in Berbezit
+33 (0) 471 000 922
Les Chambres d’à côté in Berbezit
www.leschambresdacote.fr
Auberge pays de Connangles (6 km)
+33 (0) 471 023 231
La maison du Lac, B&B
in Monlet (18 km)
www.lac-de-malaguet.com
La Dordorette, B&B
in Malvières (20 km)
ladordorette.pagesperso-orange.fr
Not to be missed!
La Chaise-Dieu
The abbey of La Chaise-Dieu, a
cathedral in the middle of the forest,
and its famous sacred music festival
(end of August) are what make this town
famous. www.chaise-dieu.com
Lavaudieu
Recognised as one of Auvergne’s
“Plus beaux villages de France”, everything
here revolves around a former Benedictine
abbey, which is also home to Auvergne’s
last remaining preserved and intact
Roman cloister.
www.abbayedelavaudieu.fr
Château de Domeyrat
Get off the beaten track and come and
enjoy an amazing medieval adventure,
involving daily life in a fortified castle.
http://chateaudomeyrat.free.fr
Find out more...
Le Pays de La Chaise-Dieu tourist office:
+33 (0) 471 000 116
www.la-chaise-dieu.info
The outdoor leisure specialists:
www.pro-sport-nature-auvergne.fr
This circuit ‘‘Entre sucs et chausses’’ is taken from the hiking guide “Le Pays de La Chaise-Dieu à pied”, on sale at the tourist office. You can find all the information
you may need about hiking routes in the Gorges de l’Allier and Haute-Loire at: www.gorges-allier.com, www.respirando.fr et www.lacroiseedeschemins.com
Idea n° 10 / Le Roc du Vacher
Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs ...Allier ...Auvergne
easy
2 hrs 20 mins
206 m
yellow
Besbre
7 km
N
D25
VICHY
ChâtelMontagne
Le Mayetde-Montagne
Montagne
Bourbonnaise
D7
Monts de la Madeleine
Cusset
D
Plateau
de la Verrerie
St-Nicolasdes-Biefs
T
hrough the 400 km of marked
trails making up the Montagne
Bourbonnaise,
hikers will discover
a peaceful,
preserved
environment with
some surprisingly
beautiful features.
The Puy de
Montoncel stands
out at a height of
1,287 m, providing
spectacular views
over the Auvergne
mountains.
This fun route starts from the old
village of Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs.
The Plateau de la Verrerie, wellknown for its peat bogs, is home to
a wide variety of animals and rare
plants, some of which go back to
the ice age. The description board
provides a better understanding of
this unique natural heritage, one
that is vital to protect and respect.
And it is also on this plateau, at
the viewpoint indicator, that you
can enjoy the amazing views over
the Plaine du Forez, the Lyonnais
mountains, the Chaîne des Puys and
the Alps.
A peaceful,
preserved
environment
with some
surprisingly
beautiful
features
Accessing the point
of departure
From Vichy, head east towards Cusset,
then take the D420 to Saint-Nicolasdes-Biefs (39 km).
Looking towards the Montagne Bourbonnaise
Stopovers…
La Bourbonnière hiking gîte
in Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs
http://lmiaille.free.fr
Rural gîte
www.allier-tourisme.com
Le Bois Trapière, B&B
www.montagnedor.nl
La Grande Serve, caravan rental
in La Chabanne (9 km)
www.lagrandeserve.com
La maison des Collines Autour,
B&B in la Chapelle (25 km)
Not to be missed!
Come and explore the Montagne
Bourbonnaise by “geocaching”!
Activity somewhere between hiking and
treasure hunting, which involves using
a GPS to search for caches hidden in the
area! More than 250 caches of all levels
are there to be found in this new kind of
treasure hunt. If you’re careful, you’re
bound to find some of them on this hike!
Find out more...
La Montagne Bourbonnaise tourist office:
+33 (0) 470 593 840
www.tourisme-montagne-bourbonnaise.com
Au bonheur du parc,
B&B in Le Breuil (25 km)
www.aubonheurduparc.com
This circuit “Le roc du vacher” is taken from the hiking guide “La Montagne Bourbonnaise... à pied”, on sale at the tourist office.
You can find all the information you may need about hiking routes, accommodation and activities in Allier at www.allier-tourisme.com
13 /
Idea n° 11 / Sologne and the 7 listed oak trees
Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais ...Allier ...Auvergne
6 and 7.5 km
easy
2 hrs and 2½ hrs
20 m and 70 m
yellow
LurcyLévis
Ainayle-Château
St-BonnetTronçais
D
Etang de
St-Bonnet
Urçay
e
al d
Can
Meaulne
N
Etang
de Pirot
Etang
de Tronçais
Couleuvre
D95
3
Cerilly
Etang
de Saloup
Forêt
de Tronçais
D3
y
Berr
To Moulins
T
hese two family-friendly, rural
round trips in the heart of
the Forêt de Tronçais, which also
form one single, large loop, are
an opportunity to discover threehundred year old trees, lakes and
legends surrounding Europe’s finest
oak grove.
You’ll be passing
alongside the
lake of SaintBonnet, a great
place for bathing
and other water
activities.
You’ll also pass
through the
Futaie Colbert,
an amazing area with all sorts of
fantastic, listed oak trees, 300 years
old and 40 metres in height.
You’ll also pass by the ancient
ironworks, reminding us of the
forestry activity, which played
a crucial role in the region’s
development, and which afford
lovely views of the Bourbonnais
farmland and the lakes of the forest.
These routes can easily be done on
foot, with a pushchair, by bike or on
horseback!
Three-hundred
year old trees,
lakes and
legends of the
Forêt de
Tronçais
Accessing the point
of departure
Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais is in the north
of the Allier department, 58 km from
Moulins.
/ 14
Europe’s finest oak grove and its three-hundred year old trees
Stopovers…
Hôtel Le Tronçais
in Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais
www.letroncais.com
La Ferme de l’Étang, hiking gîte
www.campingstroncais.com
La Grange Floriejean, B&B and
table d’hôtes in Braize (4 km)
www.grangefloriejean.net
À Fontarabier, B&B and table
d’hôtes Le Brethon (11 km)
www.fontarabier.com
Le Manoir du Mortier, B&B and
table d’hôtes in Meaulne (13 km)
www.manoirdumortier.com
Not to be missed!
There are all sorts of things to do in
the Forêt de Tronçais. Whether you’re
travelling alone, with your family or
as part of a group, various activities
are available, including horse-drawn
carriage rides to hear the bellowing of
the stags, which are symbolic of this
type of countryside, guided mushroomgathering trips, rides on electric bicycles
to see the huge oak trees and lots more.
And why not stop off in the village of
Hérisson to visit the distillery of Monsieur
Balthazar, who makes the Bourbonnais
“Hedgehog” whisky, as well as various
other liqueurs? And finally, don’t miss
Forest Art, with monumental sculptures
at each of the entrances to the Forêt
Domaniale de Tronçais.
Find out more...
Aumance-Tronçais tourist office:
+33 (0) 470 675 589
www.pays-de-troncais.com
These round trips “Sologne et les 7 chênes” are taken from the hiking guide “Pays de Tronçais” published by Chamina and on sale at the tourist
office. You can find al the information you may need about hiking routes, accommodation and activities in Allier at www.allier-tourisme.com
Idea n° 12 / Val de Sioule Country Tour (GR®)
Val de Sioule ...Allier ...Auvergne
Option of completing the circuit as two round trips in 2 days:
Charroux to Ébreuil (37 km) and Ébreuil to Lalizolle (32 km).
69 km
easy
4 days
206 m
yellow-red
St-Pourçainsur-Sioule
N
1
A7
Bouble
Chantelle
Sioule
Forêt des
Colettes
Bellenaves D
Charroux
Lalizolle
Chouvigny
Gorges de
la Sioule
La forêt des Colettes
Charroux
Ébreuil
Gannat
To ClermontFerrand
T
his GR® invites you on a
voyage of discovery through
the Sioule valley, with its authentic
architectural heritage. It begins in
Charroux, a
medieval town
recognised as
one of the “Plus
beaux villages
de France”,
boasting several Artisan workshops
and a maze of ancient streets.
The route follows the Sioule
upstream as far as Ébreuil, where
you will enjoy fantastic views over
the Gustave Eiffel viaduct and
the mountains of Auvergne and
the Combrailles. From there you
penetrate deep into the Gorges
de la Sioule, reaching the village
of Chouvigny with its remarkable
medieval castle perched on a rocky
outcrop. Then you leave behind the
banks of the Sioule and enter the
Forêt des Colettes, a high beech
forest that once belonged to the
House of Bourbon. From Bellenaves
until the end of the circuit, you will
be treated to wonderful panoramic
views of the volcanoes of Auvergne
and the surrounding plains.
An invitation
on a voyage of
discovery
Accessing the point
of departure
From Vichy, follow signs for Gannat and
then the D42 and D35 until you reach
Charroux (32 km). Depart from the
heart of the medieval town.
Gorges de Chouvigny
Stopovers…
Every town and village on this GRP®
circuit has suitable accommodation:
rural gîtes, hiking gîtes and B&Bs.
La Maison du Prince de Condé,
B&B accommodation in Charroux
www.maison-conde.com
Chalets les Prenards in Chouvigny
www.lesprenards.com
Le Vert Plateau,
a holiday village in Bellenaves
www.vert-plateau.com
Chalets and campsite in Lalizolle
www.lalizolle.fr
Not to be missed!
Paléopolis, the dinosaur hill
in Gannat
A journey through time that will take
you to the era of polar dinosaurs in
the outer reaches of Siberia and then
from the time of the mammoth and the
woolly rhinoceros to the present day.
www.paleopolis-parc.com
Espace muséographique Wolframines
in Echassières : hiking trails to discover
the old quarries in the Forêt des Colettes.
http://museewolframines.free.fr
Find out more...
Tourist office for Sioule, Colettes and
Bouble: +33 (0) 470 907 755
www.tourisme-valdesioule.com
This circuit “GR® de Pays Val de Sioule” was taken from the hiking guide “Le val de Sioule... à pied”, on sale at the tourist office.
You will find everything you need to know about hiking routes, accommodation and activities in Allier at www.allier-tourisme.com
15 /
Idea n° 13 / Tartasses Valley
Marcillat-en-Combraille ...Allier ...Auvergne
N145
22 km
difficult
5 ½ hrs
650 m
MONTLUÇON
N
yellow
Montaigut
D
La Crouzille
Marcillaten-Combraille
Pionsat
Marcillat-en-Combraille
T
he shaded and undulating
Plateau de la Combraille
Bourbonnaise (between 400 and
800 m in altitude) is an authentic
and varied
landscape of
farmland, forests
and lakes.
Marcillat-enCombraille is
situated on a
steep hill that
dominates the
flanked Tartasse
and Bouron
valleys. Follow the winding path
of these two mountain streams,
from the wide valleys to the narrow
gorges, catching occasional glimpses
on the horizon of the Auvergne
mountains and their surroundings
along the way. This circuit takes
in no less than six hydraulic mills,
once used to support the agricultural
and textile industries, as well as the
significant remains of old lime kilns.
This relatively demanding route
is sure to delight outdoor hiking
enthusiasts. The bravest among
you might also consider doing it
by bicycle.
This relatively
demanding
circuit
will delight
outdoor hiking
enthusiasts.
Accessing the point
of departure
From Montluçon, take the D409 to
Marcillat-en-Combraille (23 km).
Depart from the church.
/ 16
Le plateau de la Combraille
Stopovers…
Les Osiers, a gîte in
Le Richardet, a gîte in
Le Grenier à Sel, a hotel and
restaurant in Montluçon (23 km)
www.legrenierasel.com
Not to be missed!
A wide range of activities in the Pays
de Montluçon
Start by taking in the panoramic views
from the esplanade of the Château
des Ducs de Bourbon in Montluçon,
including the town’s rich medieval and
architectural heritage.
The thermal spa in Néris-les-Bains is
well worth the detour. For an easy-going
and peaceful walk along the water’s
edge, you can follow the renovated
towpaths along the Canal du Berry.
The whole family can enjoy an excursion
on an electric boat. Hiking and culture
enthusiasts can take a donkey ride
along the trail of “Les Maîtres Sonneurs”
through the landscape once inhabited by
the writer George Sand.
Find out more...
Montluçon tourist office:
+33 (0) 963 578 636
www.tourismeenpaysdemontlucon.com
This circuit is taken from the hiking guide “L’Allier... à pied”, which details 45 marked trails and is on sale at the tourist office.
You will find everything you need to know about hiking routes, accommodation and activities in Allier at www.allier-tourisme.com
Idea n° 14 / Les Fours de Peyre-Arse in Cantal massif
Massif cantalien ...Cantal ...Auvergne
15.5 km
difficult
5 ½ hrs
600 m
green
Dienne
Massif
du Cantal
Col de
Serre
N
Lavigerie
D
Pas de
Peyrol
La Gravière
Puy de
Peyre-Arse
Puy Mary
0
D68
Brèche
Rolland
D122
Murat
Le Lioran
Puy Griou
T
his long round trip circuit takes
you through an exceptional
location surrounding the Peyre-Arse,
one of Cantal’s
highest summits
(1,806 m).
The first section
follows the
bottom of the
Impradine Valley.
Then you climb
to the Col de Serre (1,364 m) from
where you reach the Buron d’Eylac
and the north-east face of the Puy
Mary. The path then follows the
ridge to the foot of the Peyre-Arse.
From there you descend to the Col de
Cabre (1,528 m) and into the Santoire
Valley, where you might be lucky
enough to see some chamois!
The marked trail will bring you back
to the little hamlet of La Courbatière
and your point of departure.
Star-shaped
valleys
surrounding
the Puy Mary
Watch out for the tricky passage at the
Brèche de Rolland. An unforgettable trail
for experienced hikers.
Accessing the point
of departure
From Murat, take the D 680 towards
Riom-ès-Montagnes, then turn left
and descend into the Santoire Valley
(towards the Puy Mary - Col du Pas
de Peyrol). Pass through Dienne and
continue to Lavigerie. From there,
descend to the hamlet of La Gravière
where you will find the car park and
point of departure.
La Brèche de Rolland and the Puy Griou
Stopovers…
Gîte la Boudio, in Lavigerie
www.gite-laboudio.fr
Auberge d’Aijean, a hotel and
restaurant in Lavigerie
www.auberge-puy-mary.com
Alta Terra, B&B and gourmet café
in Lavigerie
www.altaterra-cantal.com
Buron d’Eylac, refuge-restaurant at
an altitude of 1,420 m on the way up
to the Puy Mary.
+33 (0) 471 208 141 or
+33 (0) 668 332 851
Not to be missed!
The Puy Mary and its glacial valleys
This iconic summit (1,787 m) of the
Cantal mountains is one of the region’s
most visited natural sites.
www.puymary.fr
Find out more...
Pays de Murat tourist office:
+33 (0) 471 200 947
www.officedetourismepaysdemurat.com
Maison de site de Dienne :
+33 (0) 471 203 161
www.puymary.fr
This circuit is taken from the hiking guide “Volcan Cantalien”, published by Chamina, and the GR®400 guide “Pays de la Pinatelle et de la HauteSantoire” on sale at the tourist office. You will find everything you need to know about hiking routes in Cantal at www.rando.cantal.fr and www.cantaltourisme.fr
17 /
Idea n° 15 / GR®400: Around the Cantal Volcano
N
difficult
170 km
2 to 8 days
5 ,750 m
Le Claux
Le Falgoux
GR red and white
0
D68
D6
80
®
Lavigerie
Massif
du Cantal
Laveissière
Eylac
N122
Le Fau
Station du
Lioran
Mandailles
Albepierre
Bredons
Col de
Legal
Saint-Jacquesdes-Blats
To Aurillac
T
he iconic GR 400, 170 km
long, works its way around the
Cantal Massif along ridges, over
summits and through valleys. It
is situated at the heart of the site
of Europe’s
largest
volcano, the
Parc Naturel
Régional
des Volcans
d’Auvergne
and the Puy Mary, and is a
mid-altitude circuit ranging from
750 m to 1,855 m with some
steep sections, which explains its
difficulty rating. It is accessible to
all hikers accustomed to walking
in mountainous terrain with a
rucksack.
Feasible from mid-May to
mid-November
®
Col de Prat
de Bouc
Thièzac
To Aurillac
Hiking around
the Cantal
Massif
Accessing the point
of departure
Several round trips are possible from
the Col de Prat de Bouc, AlbepierreBredons, Murat, Laveissière, Le Lioran,
Le Claux, the Col d’Eylac, Le Falgoux,
Le Fau, Mandailles and Thiézac.
Access by rail from Le Lioran or Murat.
Along the GR®400
Stopovers…
Le Refuge de Zoan, a gîte at the Col de
Prat de Bouc www.gite-pratdebouc.com
La Belle Arverne, a gîte in AlbepierreBredons www.labellearverne.fr
La Porte du Barry, a gîte in Murat
www.porte-du-barry.fr
La maison de Justine,
B&B in Murat
www.hôtes-cantal-justine.fr
Meije Costes: old cheese-making
unit now a manned refuge at the resort
of Le Lioran www.refuge-meijecoste.com
Le Bufadou, a gîte at Le Lioran
www.lebufadou.com
Puy Mary hiking gîte at Le Claux
www.giteetapedupuymary.fr
Hiking gîte at Le Falgoux
+33 (0) 471 695 128
/ 18
Murat
Hiking gîte at Le Fau +33 (0) 471 407 311
Hiking gîte at the Col de Légal
www.coldelegal.com
Le vert Azur, a gîte in Mandailles
www.gite-vert-azur.fr
Gîte de Lafon in Thiézac
www.gitedelafon.free.fr
Ferme de Trielle in Thiézac
www.trielle.fr
Not to be missed!
After a long hike, there’s no resisting
the pleasures of Cantal cuisine: truffade,
pounti, cheeses, Cornet de Murat or
a Carré de Salers, not to mention the
aperitif Gentiane, made from summer
pastoral flowers!
Find out more...
Le Massif cantalien
www.massifcantalien.fr
This hike “GR®400 Tour du Volcan du Cantal” is taken from the GR®400 Volcan du Cantal guide entitled “Pays de Saint-Flour et de Ruynes-en-Margeride”,
on sale at the tourist office. You will find everything you need to know about hiking routes in Cantal at www.rando.cantal.fr and www.cantaltourisme.fr
Idea n° 16 / Via Arverna
170 km
difficult
6 to 8 days
Way of St James (Cantal section)
yellow shell on blue background
3,750 m
Blesle
N
Massiac
Molompize
Chalinargues
Massif
du Cantal
Camps
Saint-Mathurin
Laveissière
Murat
Ferrières-Saint-Mary
Joursac
Neussargues
Station du Lioran
Saint-Jacques-des-Blats
Thiézac
Laroquebrou
Vic-sur-Cère
Saint-EtienneCantalès
Polminhac
Ytrac
Aurillac
C
antal is a unique, open
landscape ideal to let your gaze
wander – a delight for the soul.
This vast area is best appreciated
in a good pair of walking shoes.
Pilgrims following
the Way of St
James have left
their trace over the
years, enriching its
heritage without
diminishing
its wilderness.
Between Auvergne
and Quercy, one of the sections on
the pilgrimage route crosses the
Cantal department from BlesleMassiac to Laroquebrou and the
Gorges de la Cère, allowing walkers
to discover a wide diversity of
landscapes.
Feasible from mid-May
to mid-November
Cantal:
let your gaze
wander –
a delight for
the soul
Accessing the point
of departure
Departure possible from Blesle,
Massiac, Molompize, Ferrières-SaintMary, Joursac, Neussargues-Moissac,
Chalinargues, Murat, Laveissière,
Le Lioran, Saint-Jacques-des-Blats,
Thiézac, Vic-sur-Cère, Polminhac,
Aurillac, Ytrac, Saint-Etiennne-Cantalès
and Laroquebrou.
Access by rail from Massiac,
Neussargues-Moissac, Murat, Le Lioran,
Vic-sur-Cère, Aurillac and Laroquebrou.
On the Way of St James
Stopovers…
La ferme de Vazerat, B&B and table
d’hôtes in Massiac
www.ferme-de-vazerat.com
Maison de La pinatelle, a gîte
in Chalinargues gite-cantal-aft.com
La Porte du Barry, gîte in Murat
www.porte-du-barry.fr
Meije Costes: old cheese-making unit
now a manned refuge at Le Lioran
www.refuge-meijecoste.com
Le Bufadou, a gîte at Le Lioran
www.lebufadou.com
Le Clou, B&B and table d’hôtes
in Thiézac - +33 (0) 471 470 145
La Prade, B&B in Vic-sur-Cère
+33 (0) 471 475 164
Massigoux, B&B in Aurillac
www.massigoux.fr
Hôtel Le Pradel**
in Saint-Etienne-Cantalès
www.hotel-restaurant-lepradel.com
Not to be missed!
This circuit culminates at the 1,700 m
Bec de l’Aigle, making the Via Arverna
the highest section of the Way of St
James. Here you will find one of the
most beautiful views over the mountains
of Cantal!
Find out more...
La Via Arverna
www.via-arverna.com
This circuit is taken from the hiking guide “Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle de l’Auvergne au Quercy”, on sale at the tourist office.
You will find everything you need to know about hiking routes in Cantal at www.rando.cantal.fr and www.cantaltourisme.fr
19 /
6
D90
Idea n° 17 / MTB circuit around Le Livradois Forez
Parc naturel Livradois-Forez ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
234 km in 21 sections
difficult
2 to 7 days
1,300 m
Courpière
Aubussond'Auvergne
D
Olliergues
St-Dierd'Auvergne
red
N
Cunlhat
Ambert
St-Anthème
Vernet-laVarenne
St-Germainl'Herm
Arlanc
La ChaiseDieu
Viverols
Craponnesur-Arzon
T
he diversity of its landscape, the
number of circuits, the standard
of its facilities and the warm welcome
make the Livradois-Forez a veritable
Mecca for MTB enthusiasts, whatever
their level. There
is highly varied
terrain on offer,
with wide forest
tracks where you
can build up speed, narrow and
stony paths, high-altitude pastures
and some spectacular downhills...
which of course means tough climbs!
If you’re never quite satisfied with
a single outing, the Parc Naturel
Régional Livradois-Forez, in
collaboration with 4 MTB centres
and Chamina publications, offer 2
to 7 day packages in this part of
Auvergne. With something for both
uphill and downhill aficionados, this
MTB trail around the Parc Naturel
offers 21 highly varied sections
between Hautes-Chaumes du Forez,
the heart of the Livradois forest and
the shady Dore Valley.
Get those
calves ready!
Accessing the point
of departure
From Clermont-Ferrand, follow the A89
towards Lyon, exit at Thiers Ouest and
take the D906 towards Ambert.
In Courpière turn left towards Aubussond’Auvergne. Depart from Les 4 Vents
cycling centre.
/ 20
On the ridges of Le Forez
Stopovers…
Not to be missed!
Les 4 Vents cycling centre
in Aubusson-d’Auvergne
The Livradois-Forez park’s main
attractions:
www.ffct.org/4vents.htm
Thiers (knife manufacture)
Several accommodation options along
the circuit: gîtes, hotels, etc.
www.vtt-auvergne-livradois-forez.com
La Ô, a holiday village
in Le Brugeron
www.sejourslao.com
www.thiers-tourisme.fr
Ambert (paper manufacture)
www.ambert-tourisme.fr
Find out more...
Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez
www.vacances-livradois-forez.com
You’ll find everything you need to know in the Chamina MTB guide “Tour du Parc naturel Livradois Forez à VTT”
and at www.vtt-auvergne-livradois-forez.com - More info at www.planetepuydedome.com
Idea n° 18 / Desges Valley
Chanteuges ...Haute-Loire ...Auvergne
31 km
difficult
3 hrs
700 m
red
Circuit No. 9 of the “Espace VTT-FFC”
Gorges de l’Allier
To Clermont-Ferrand
RN102
N
Langeac
D
Chanteuges
St-Arçonsd'Allier
St-Juliendes-Chazes
Pébrac
To Le Puyen-Velay
Prades
Gorges de
l'Allier
T
his MTB circuit will take you
to the heart of the Gorges
de l’Allier, into a dedicated MTB
zone accredited by the Fédération
Française de Cyclisme. 280 km of
marked trails on offer.
This site exudes beauty through the
variation of its light and colours,
its near-vertical
walls, its array of
rocks reaching high
into the sky, its
panoramic views,
its Romanesque
chapels at the
water’s edge, and the diversity and
vitality of its flora and fauna. The
route boasts a wide variety of trails,
from wide paths to single-wheel
tracks and more.
When you finish, you can avail
yourself of two specially designed
MTB cleaning stations, one at the
Pradeau campsite in Langeac and
one at Place Lafayette in SiauguesSaint-Romain.
A blooming
beautiful
location
Accessing the point
of departure
From Clermont-Ferrand, take the A75,
exit at Brioude and follow the RN102
then Langeac and Chanteuges (103
km). From Le Puy-en-Velay, take the
RN102 then follow signs for Langeac
and Chanteuges (49 km).
Depart from Place Cantheugeols.
MTB in the Gorges de l’Allier
Stopovers…
Auberge de Chanteuges,
hotel-restaurant in Chanteuges
www.auberge-chanteuges.fr
Hôtel Les Deux Abbesses, a hotel and
restaurant in Saint-Arcons-d’Allier (1.6 km)
www.lesdeuxabbesses.com
Ferme Auberge Le Moulin
in Saint-Arcons-d’Allier
http://gite-aubergedumoulin.com
Hôtel Entre Nous, a hotel and
restaurant in Langeac (4.5 km)
www.restaurantentrenous.fr
Gorges de l’Allier campsite
in Langeac www.campinglangeac.com
Not to be missed!
Far from the road network, you can
travel on the Haut-Allier tourist train.
Zigzagging and snaking its way along
the river between Langeac and Langogne
(Lozère), this unique train, in places
skirting the flank of the mountain, offers
unrivalled views of the spectacular
gorges that have been carved out by
the tumultuous waters of the Allier
department.
www.gorges-allier.com
Find out more...
Gorges de l’Allier tourist office:
+33 (0) 471 770 541
All the MTB circuits can be downloaded free of charge at www.langeadois.com
You will find everything you need to know about trails in Haute-Loire at www.respirando.fr and www.auvergnevacances.com
21 /
Idea n° 19 / The source of the Loire river up close
Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille ...Haute-Loire ...Auvergne
41.5 km
very difficult
3 hrs 50 mins
1,082 m
black
Circuit No. 1 of the “Espace VTT FFC”
Mézenc and La Loire Sauvage
N
Le Puyen-Velay
St-JulienChapteuil
Solignacsur-Loire
Le Monastiersur-Gazeille
D
Loire
Les Estables
F
rom the banks of the Loire to
the vast Mézenc plateaux, soak
in the wild beauty of this massif.
This 41.5 km circuit takes you to
the most beautiful
landscape of La Loire
Sauvage and brings
you to high plateaux
at an altitude of more
than 1,000 m where
you can enjoy the
fresh mountain air
before descending
to Le Monastier-surGazeille. It is part of the Mézenc
– Loire Sauvage “Espace VTT
FFC”, which boasts a wide range
of facilities and services. There
are 13 trails allowing you to crisscross a preserved area of natural
beauty. This is a vast playground
for children, offering 2 superb green
circuits, but is also suitable for more
serious riders with a total itinerary
of 140 km. Ideal for a prolonged
stay!
The most
beautiful
landscape
of La Loire
Sauvage
Accessing the point
of departure
From Le Puy-en-Velay, follow signs
for Brives-Charensac and Valence,
then enter Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
(23 km).
The Massif du Mézenc
Stopovers…
Auberge des Acacias in Le Monastiersur-Gazeille - +33 (0) 471 083 811
Camping Rock’n camp
in Le Goudet (14 km)
www.campingauborddeleau.com
Gîte la Redonde
in Saint Front (21 km)
www.gitelaredonde.com
Le Francillon, B&B
in Les Estables (18 km)
http://lefrancillon.com
Le Moulinou, B&B
in Moudeyres (14 km)
http://lemoulinou.free.fr
Not to be missed!
Mont Mézenc, the “giant of the
Cévennes”, is the third highest summit
in the Massif Central (1,754 m) and
boasts exceptional views over the Alps
and a series of volcanoes that are unique
in Europe, including the Mont Gerbier
de Jonc! After a long day in the saddle
the village resort of Les Estables is an
unmissable destination for lovers of
gourmet cuisine: cured meats and local
cheeses, honey, whortleberry tart, and
lentil tart.
Find out more...
Mézenc–Loire Sauvage tourist office:
+33 (0) 471 083 108
www.mezencloiresauvage.com
/ 22
All MTB trails can be downloaded free of charge at www.tracegps.com
You will find everything you need to know about hiking routes in Haute-Loire at www.respirando.fr and www.auvergnevacances.com
Idea n° 20 / Limagne plaine villages and châteaux by bike
Maringues ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
Effiat
52 km
easy
3½ hrs
380 m
Randan
road signs
1
A7
D210
N
D
SaintIgniat
Maringues
Riom
Allier
CLERMONTFERRAND
Pigeon loft on stilts
T
his route begins in Maringues,
a pretty little town along the
Morge river and home to 19thcentury tanneries. From there you
head for the
undulating
woodlands of the
north-eastern
section of the
department
and onto the
Pays d’Adélaïde
d’Orléans, whose vast, royal
landscaped parklands open up at
the heart of Randan. Back in the
saddle, you head for Effiat, where
a remarkable chateau awaits.
Then you head back towards the
south to complete the round trip
via Saint-Ignat, a village with
beautiful loam and lava stone
residences, traditional pigeon
lofts, and huge farmhouses with
enclosed courtyards. A relaxing
bike ride allowing you to take in the
panoramic views of the volcanoes
and mountains of Livradois-Forez.
An easy
circuit on the
minor roads
of Limagne
Accessing the point
of departure
From Clermont-Ferrand, take the A71,
exit at Gerzat and follow the D210 to
Maringues (32 km).
Domaine Royal de Randan
Stopovers…
Le Clos Fleuri, a hotel and restaurant
in Maringues www.leclosfleuri.net
Les gîtes Moanos in Saint-Ignat and
Maringues - www.moanos.com
Le gîte aux tourterelles in Randan
(14 km) - www.giteauxtourterelles.fr
Château La Canière, a hotel and
restaurant in Thuret (11 km)
www.chateau-la-caniere.com
Les Dryades du Bois de Randan,
a B&B in Bas-et-Lezat (15 km)
Château de Maulmont, a hotel in
Saint-Priest-Bramefant (20 km)
www.chateau-maulmont.com
Not to be missed!
Riom, recognised as a “land of art
and history”, was the historic capital of
Auvergne until the French Revolution.
This is a preserved area with several
protected townhouses and fountains:
Musée Mandet, Musée régional
d’Auvergne and la Sainte-Chapelle.
Loisirs Nature, a map of 25 hiking,
MTB and cycling circuits in the Pays
de Riom-Limagne, is on sale at the
tourist office.
Find out more...
Riom-Limagne tourist office:
+33 (0) 473 385 945
www.tourisme-riomlimagne.com
This circuit “Villages et châteaux à vélo en Limagne” appears in the cycling guide “Le Puy-de-Dôme à vélo” (12 detailed routes) and on the map
“Découverte à vélo”, which can be downloaded free of charge at www.planetepuydedome.com
23 /
Idea n° 21 / From Le Caldaguès to the Aubrac plateaux
Chaudes-Aigues ...Cantal ...Auvergne
70 km
easy
5 hrs 50 mins
N
620 m
Gorges de la Truyère
D
ChaudesAigues
21
D9
Plateau
de l'Aubrac
St-Urcize
C
haudes-Aigues is home to several
natural springs. The Source
du Par, which reaches the surface
at 82°C, is Europe’s hottest. This
circuit begins
with a short
climb up to the
plateau. From
the summit you
will be able to
see the Truyère
Valley against
the backdrop of
the mountains
of Cantal. From there you head due
south to Saint-Urcize in Aubrac, a
charming village whose church is
a jewel in the crown of Auvergne’s
Romanesque heritage. On the small
road that brings you back to your
starting point, the valley descends
into deep gorges containing the ruins
of the Château d’Arzenc-d’Apcher.
When you arrive, treat yourself to
a moment of true relaxation at the
thermal spa centre, Caleden.
www.caleden.com
Saint-Urcize
church: a
Romanesque
jewel in
Auvergne
Accessing the point
of departure
From the A75, head for Saint-Flour
and then follow signs for ChaudesAigues (28 km).
Parking is available in front of the spa,
where the route begins.
/ 24
The Cirque de Mallet in the Gorges de la Truyère
Stopovers…
Arev’Hôtel, a hotel and restaurant in
Chaudes-Aigues www.arev-hotel.com
Hôtel du Ban Caleden,
in Chaudes-Aigues www.caleden.com
Maison Vieira, a hotel and
restaurant in Chaudes-Aigues
www.sergevieira.com
Marinette Guilbot, B&B and table
d’hôtes in Fridefont (14 km)
www.ferme-guilbot.fr
Ferme des deux vallées, B&B and
table d’hôtes in Fridefont
www.deuxvallees.com
La Fontaine de Grégoire,
B&B in Saint-Urcize (22 km)
+33 (0) 471 232 002
Not to be missed!
Garabit and the Gorges de la Truyère
The Garabit viaduct (122 m high),
a majestic iron structure designed by
Eiffel, links the two banks of the Truyère.
The roads that criss-cross the valley
provide good views of the Garabit before
plunging into the Gorges de la Truyère,
where you will find a natural landscape
of breathtaking beauty.
Find out more...
Pays de Saint-Flour tourist office:
+33 (0) 471 602 250
www.saint-flour.com
Chaudes-Aigues tourist office:
+33 (0) 471 235 275
www.chaudesaigues.com
This circuit “Du Caldaguès aux plateaux de l’Aubrac” appears in the cycling guide “Le Cantal à vélo” (25 detailed routes), on sale in tourist offices
throughout the department. More information is available at www.rando.cantal.fr and www.cantaltourisme.fr
Idea n° 22 / Traversing the Cantal volcano by bike
Les monts du Cantal ...Cantal ...Auvergne
150 km
medium
2 to 4 days
2,369 m
cycling road signs and green paths
N
Massif
du Cantal
Blesle
Allanche
Dienne
Col de Serre
Pas de Peyrol
Puy Mary
Fortuniès
Lavigerie
Mandailles
Velzic
Lascelle
Saint-Simon
Aurillac
Arpajonsur-Cère
RoannesSaint-Mary
Maurs
T
raverse the Cantal mountains
from the Val d’Allier to the Vallée
du Lot! Over a distance of more than
150 km, this cycling route snakes its
way through gorges, high plateaux
and volcanoes in
a natural setting
of exceptional
beauty.
This specially
adapted circuit
encourages
cyclists to explore the nooks
and crannies of the surrounding
landscape.
Feasible from mid-May
to mid-November
Saint-Santinde-Maurs
Saint-Constantsur-Célé
Port d'Agrès
Traverse the
Cantal
mountains!
Accessing the point
of departure
Possible departure from Port-d’Agrès
(Aveyron), Saint-Santin-de-Maurs, SaintConstant, Maurs, Roannes-Saint-Mary,
Arpajon-sur-Cère, Aurillac, Saint-Simon,
Velzic, Lascelle, Saint-Cirgues-deJordanne, Mandailles, Lavigerie, Dienne,
Fortuniès, Allanche and Blesle (HauteLoire).
Access by rail from Massiac, Aurillac
and Maurs.
Climbing the Pas-de-Peyrol
Stopovers…
Hôtel des Remparts in Allanche
www.relaisdesremparts.com
Ailleurs est ici, a hiking gîte
in Dienne
www.ailleurs-est-ici.fr
Alta Terra, a hiking gîte
in Lavigerie
www.altaterra-cantal.com
La Boudio, a hiking gîte
in Lavigerie
www.gite-laboudio.fr
Hôtel Aux Genêts d’Or in Mandailles
www.hotelauxgenetsdor.com
Vert Azur, a hiking gîte
in Mandailles
www.gite-vert-azur.fr
Domaine de Prat Niau in Lascelle
www.pratniau.com
L’Hermitage, a B&B in Aurillac
www.cantalaurillac.monsite-orange.fr
Hôtel le Périgord in Maurs
www.hotel-restaurant-le-perigord.com
Find out more...
Everything you need to know about
the route, accommodation and advice
is contained in the guide “la Grande
Traversée du Volcan à Vélo”, which can
be downloaded free of charge at
www.rando.cantal.fr
You will find everything you need to know about hiking routes in Cantal at www.rando.cantal.fr and www.cantaltourisme.fr
25 /
Idea n° 23 / Les Gorges de la Sioule river by canoe
Gorges de la Sioule ...Puy-de-Dôme ...Auvergne
To Paris
N
3 half days
Si
Ébreuil
le
ou
Gor
ge
sd
el
Menat
a
easy to medium
A71
32 km (can be divided into 3 sections)
A71
Châteauneufles-Bains
D
Méandre
de Queuille
Combronde
SIOULE
Manzat
Gour de
Tazenat
Méandre de Queuille
ll along the Sioule, which takes
A
you from Châteauneuf-les-Bains
to Ébreuil, you will discover the
natural wealth of this river. Choose
your own route:
through the
valley, a rustic
and relaxing
journey drifting
gently along, ideal
for families, or in
the gorges where
the water flows
with a bit more pace. Whether you
want a full or half day’s outing, as
the skipper, you decide!
The canoe rental agent will take you
to your starting point and provide all
the necessary equipment, as well as
valuable advice on the best way to
paddle. Take your time and admire
the landscape: natural beauty
abounds as you drift along the
river: Château Rocher perched on a
cliff top, the Gorges de Chouvigny,
the Vierge du Rocher de Lisseuil,
the thermal park in Châteauneuf
and more... but above all you will
appreciate the gentle light sparkling
on the surface of the water,
surrounded by greenery.
Natural beauty
abounds as
you drift along
the river
Accessing the point
of departure
From Clermont-Ferrand, take the A71
towards Paris, then the A89 towards
Bordeaux. Take exit 27 (Manzat) and
continue on the D227 to Châteauneufles-Bains (57 km). Join the river at the
Pont de Braynand..
/ 26
Le pont de Menat
Stopovers…
Castel hôtel
in Saint-Gervais-d’Auvergne (8.5 km)
www.castel-hotel-1904.com
Les Cabanes des Combrailles
in Saint-Gervais-d’Auvergne (8.5 km)
www.cabanesdescombrailles.fr
Les Gîtes du Berger
in Saint-Georges-de-Mons (19 km)
www.lesgitesduberger.com
Auvergogne, B&B
in Espinasse (19 km)
Not to be missed!
Le Méandre de Queuille
Aptly referred to as “Paradise”, this
viewpoint provides panoramic views of
this sublime meander, an immense bend
in the River Sioule. Leave your car at the
church in Queuille and continue on foot
to the viewpoint.
Find out more...
Les Combrailles tourist office:
+33 (0) 473 858 094
www.tourisme-combrailles.fr
www.auvergogne.com
This circuit “Gorges de la Sioule en canoe” appears in the guide “Rivières d’Auvergne”, published by Chamina and available for purchase
at www.chamina.com - All you need to know can be found at www.planetepuydedome.com
Idea n° 24 / Les Gorges de l’Allier river by canoe
Gorges de l’Allier ...Haute-Loire ...Auvergne
13 km
easy to medium
To Clermont-Fd
2½ hrs minimum
N
RN102
Langeac
Chanteuges
To Le Puyen-Velay
St-Arçonsd'Allier
St-Juliendes-Chazes
D Lieu-dit Le Pradel
Prades
Gorges de
l'Allier
T
his is unarguably the best
white-water site in the whole
of Auvergne. The Allier, among
Europe’s last wild rivers, is one of
the most appealing to navigate in a
canoe or kayak.
Whether you’re
a beginner or
an experienced
canoeist, you
can follow the
iconic Allier
salmon and explore several whitewater sections of the river.
The route between Prades and
Langeac is considered the classic
route along the Gorges de l’Allier.
It offers unrivalled landscape,
combining preserved natural beauty
with a remarkable cultural heritage
along a succession of small rapids
and calm zones, which make for a
highly enjoyable river trip.
The best whitewater site in
Auvergne
Accessing the point
of departure
From Clermont-Ferrand take the
A75 and exit at Brioude. Follow the
RN102, then Langeac and Chanteuges
(103 km). From Le Puy-en-Velay, take
the RN102 then head for Langeac and
Chanteuges (49 km). Join the river at
Le Pradel, upstream of the village of
Prades.
Exhilarating!
Stopovers…
Gîte de Prades
http://gite-prades-43.monsite-orange.fr/
Hôtel Les Deux Abbesses, a hotel and
restaurant in Saint-Arcons-d’Allier (7,5 km)
www.lesdeuxabbesses.com
Ferme Auberge Le Moulin
in Saint-Arcons-d’Allier
http://gite-aubergedumoulin.com
Auberge de Chanteuges, a hotel and
restaurant in Chanteuges (9 km)
www.auberge-chanteuges.fr
Hôtel Entre Nous, a hotel and
restaurant in Langeac (14 km)
www.restaurantentrenous.fr
Camping des Gorges de l’Allier
in Langeac www.campinglangeac.com
Le Clos des pierres rouges, B&B
in Saint-Privat-d’Allier (15 km)
Not to be missed!
The Conservatoire national
du Saumon Sauvage
The Atlantic salmon, aptly named the
“King of all fish”, can still be found in
the Allier, although its very existence is
threatened each year. In order to preserve
this invaluable heritage, the territory is
now home to the country’s largest wild
salmon conservatory in Chanteuges.
www.saumon-sauvage.org
Find out more...
Gorges de l’Allier tourist office:
+33 (0) 471 770 541
http://lespierresrouges.free.fr
This route “Canoë dans les gorges de l’Allier” appears in the guide “Rivières d’Auvergne”, published by Chamina and available for purchase
at www.chamina.com - All you need to know is available at www.respirando.fr and www.auvergnevacances.com
27 /
Idea n° 25 / Canoeing on the river Lot
Vieillevie ...Cantal ...Auvergne
10 to 20 km
easy
2 to 6 hrs
To Aurillac
N
D9
20
Montsalvy
La Châtaigneraie
re
Truyè
Cassaniouze
Vieillevie
I
n the south of Auvergne, Cantal
offers canoeing and kayaking
trips on the river Lot. At the heart
of the valley, you can enjoy river
trips suited to families, with several
exciting rapids and calmer sections
allowing you to relax and soak up
the surrounding beauty and typical
Châtaigneraie
villages in an
exceptionally
well-preserved
natural setting.
There are plenty of riverside
beaches if you fancy a picnic
or a dip. From age 5 upwards,
children can start kayaking in an
enjoyable atmosphere under the
supervision of a trained instructor.
Fun sessions are organised to help
them familiarise themselves with
the aquatic environment. From 11
years of age, kids can join Yak’ados
and experience a different sort of
kayaking by surfing on the riverside
waves! And from 10 years and
upwards, they can try a half-day
outing downstream in a canoe,
accompanied by an adult.
A well-preserved
natural setting
Accessing the point
of departure
From Aurillac, follow signs for Montsalvy
on the D920, then follow the D341 to
Vieillevie. Join the river at the Asv’Olt
canoeing centre.
Vallée du Lot
Stopovers…
Hôtel-restaurant La Terrasse
in Vieillevie
www.hotel-terrasse.com
Gîte de France, Mr Raymond Gratio
in Vieillevie - +33 (0) 471 499 456
L’Auberge fleurie,
a hotel and restaurant in Montsalvy
(16 km)
www.auberge-fleurie.com
Domaine du Puech Fleury,
4 gîtes in Cassaniouze (16 km)
www.dompuech.fr
Not to be missed!
Trekking in La Châtaigneraie
Cantalienne
With varied landscape and terrain,
all hikers are sure to love the trails in
La Châtaigneraie!
From the Gorges de la Cère to the Lot
valley in the Pays de Maurs, not to
mention the dammed lakes, there’s
something for everyone to enjoy this
area at their own pace!
Explore La Châtaigneraie via no less
than 54 hikes and walks.
www.rando-chataigneraie.fr
Find out more...
La Châtaigneraie Cantalienne tourist
office: +33 (0) 471 469 482
www.chataigneraie-cantal.com
/ 28
All you need to know is available at www.rando.cantal.fr and www.cantaltourisme.fr
©Gîte la Redonde
The art of travel is knowing where to stay
©Les Eydieux
WELCOME TO A WORLD WHERE THE ACCOMODATION
www.auvergne-nattitude.com
IS INSPIRED BY NATURE
How to get there
All about Auvergne
A website that will help you plan your
trip: practical info, addresses, customer
reviews, etc...
Lille
A1
Paris
www.auvergne-snow.com
A71
Lyon
CLERMONT-FERRAND
A89
A89
Bordeaux
AURILLAC
LE PUY-EN-VELAY
A75
Montpellier
What’s new, snow cover updates and
more: a special website dedicated to
winter sports - all you need to know
about the resorts.
www.auvergne-bike.com
Itineraries, holiday breaks, and
accommodation suitable for your needs.
Discover the magnificent landscape of
Auvergne by bike!
www.auvergne-motorbike.com
A website dedicated to visiting
Auvergne by motorbike. Road books
to download free of charge, as well as
accommodation and inside info.
Get a taste of Auvergne
By car
- Motorway A71
Share the best of Auvergne with our supporters:
- Motorway A89
www.facebook.com/auvergnetourisme
- Motorway A75
(Free between Clermont-Ferrand and
Béziers via the Millau Viaduct)
http://twitter.com/auvergne
www.youtube.com/auvergnetourisme
www.vimeo.com/auvergne
By train
www.voyages-sncf.com
By plane
- Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne airport
www.clermont-aeroport.com
- Aurillac airport
www.aeroport.fr/les-aeroportsde-l-uaf/aurillac.php
- Le Puy-en-Velay airport
www.aeroportlepuyenvelay.com
Nattitude Accomodation
More than just a name, a state of mind.
Nattitude is a selection of unusual and ecologically responsible
hotels, gites, guesthouses and campsites.
Remarkable locations, high-quality accomodation and a host
of activities on offer: The Nattitude network is the finest way
to immerse yourself in Auvergne.
www.auvergne-nattitude.fr
This guide is printed on paper in compliance with environmental standards by Colorteam: +33 (0) 473 902 917 - www.colorteam.fr
Published by: Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d’Auvergne - 7, allée Pierre-de-Fermat - CS 50 502 - 63178 Aubière cedex FRANCE
+33 (0) 473 294 999 / Fax : +33 (0) 473 341 111 - www.auvergne-tourisme.info - [email protected]
Design and creation: Claire Monard - [email protected]
Cover photo: Ludovic Combe
Photo credits (inside pages): CRDTA : J. Mondière ; P. Soisson ; J. Damase ; L. Combe ; D. Frobert ; G. Cavailles ; ADDT63 /D. Robin ; ADDT63/J. Damase ; Office de
tourisme du massif du Sancy ; Office de tourisme des Combrailles/J. Damase ; Office de tourisme de Riom-Limagne/ J. Damase ; B. Barrès ; A. Pons ; C. Hornero ; L. Olivier/
Maison du tourisme de la Haute-Loire ; Office de tourisme des gorges de l’Allier/J. Damase ; J. Damase/CDT03 ; R. Lacroix/CDT03 ; L. OLivier/CDT03 ; F. Lechenet/CDT03 ;
SMAT Montagne bourbonnaise ; SMAT Val de Sioule ; CG 15 ; Office de tourisme de la Châtaigneraie cantalienne ; As’Volt ; Offices de tourisme de l’ALT des pays de SaintFlour ; CEPA
This brochure was made possible with the cooperation and support of:
- the tourism service of the Conseil Général du Cantal and Cantal Tourisme,
- the Mission Départementale de Développement Touristique de Haute-Loire,
- the Agence Départementale de Développement Touristique du Puy-de-Dôme,
- the Comité Départemental du Tourisme de l’Allier,
- the local tourism agencies of Pays d’Issoire Val d’Allier, Sancy-Volcans, Pays de Saint-Flour, Massif cantalien, and the Gorges de l’Allier.
The partial or total reproduction of the articles, photos or illustrations appearing in this guide is prohibited without written permission from Comité Régional de Développement
Touristique d’Auvergne, which disclaims any responsibility concerning the accuracy of the information in this document. Photos are non-contractual. Copyright september 2012. The
Auvergne Regional Tourism Development Board may later send you tourist information about Auvergne. It agrees to comply with the law on “Information Technology and Freedom”. Its
files have been declared with the C.N.I.L. Every physical person is entitled to access to the information recorded and to correct it. The Auvergne Regional Tourism Development Board
may rent or sell your contact details unless you file an objection in writing (art. 27 of law no. 78-17 of 6 January 1978).
31 /
Paris
ClermontFerrand
Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d’Auvergne
7, allée Pierre de Fermat - CS 50502
63178 Aubière cedex - France
+33 (0) 473 294 999
[email protected]

Discover 25 of Auvergne`s best routes

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