Discover the wonders of Orleat, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne

An easy walk with three main themes Pont-du-Château and its rich heritage, proudly overlooking the Allier, the Cortal plateau with its sweeping views over the Chaîne des Puys, the Limagne, the Comté and finally, the wild, mysterious Allier river, where you'll discover the remains of an ancient water mill, the Machal cliffs and the traces of an ancient port at Pont-du-Château. Departure point : - Aux Palisses", under the Pont d'Allier: take the bridge to cross the town.

A day on the banks of the Allier and Auzon rivers, for an unusual discovery of an environment full of surprises. The renewed pleasure of strolling along the water's edge, whether on a fine summer's day to enjoy the freshness of the river, or in autumn for the hushed ambience of a natural setting decked out in fiery colors. Departure: SNCF Pont-du-Château stop, follow signs for "Rive d'Allier" / Le Cendre station, follow signs for "Pont-de-Cournon". The easiest way to take this tour is to leave your car at Clermont station, then take the train in the direction of Thiers to the "Pont-du-Château" stop. Return from Le Cendre station, direction Clermont. The reverse is also possible.

Nestling at the foot of the mountains, Mariol is crossed by the Darot, a stream that flows from the heights to the east. Progress through the forest is pleasant, although sometimes steep. The more open spaces offer lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Crosses, wells and ovens can be seen along the way before descending from the plateau to Mariol, following the Darot.

Plateaux, puys, the Allier river: a condensed version of nature just a stone's throw from the big city. A half-day tour, or longer if you opt for the "hors circuits", with access to the puy d'Anzelle and puy de Bane, for a broad overview of the town and its extraordinary volcanic environment. Departure : Departure from Lempdes, parking lot near the town hall. Recommended off-route routes: puy d'Anzelle (2 km round trip), puy de Bane.

A route with a variety of landscapes, the upper part of which, at an altitude of 700m, is very airy and offers views as far as the Puys range. The Rocher des Cheirs rises 789 meters above the Theux and Terrasson valleys. Here you'll find two streams that are tributaries of the Sichon, as well as a huge coniferous forest that is home to numerous bird species, including the Tengmalm's owl.

A special tour for beginners to discover the Bois Noirs surrounding the village of La Guillermie. Departing from the village of La Guillermie, at an altitude of over 1000 m, this lovely family trail through the Bois du Four takes in the village's surroundings. Don't miss a short break at the Bechemore mill, guardian of the traditions of the past.

Leaving from La Guillermie, discover this lovely forest trail with its beautiful viewpoints. Starting from the village of La Guillermie, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, this forest trail takes in the surroundings of the village and the Cheirs rock, from which you can see the Terrasson valley and the Auvergne mountains.

Discover the villages of La Guillermie and Ferrières sur Sichon. Starting from the village of La Guillermie, at an altitude of over 1000 m, follow the path down into the valley as far as Ferrières-sur-Sichon, where there used to be lime kilns. Turning left at the hamlet of Cheval Rigon, a short detour takes you to the ruins of Château de Montgilbert, a must-see in the Montagne Bourbonnaise!

Leaving from the Montoncel or Guillermie hostel, join Lavoine and discover its forest heritage. After crossing the valley, the Saint-Vincent rock rises up in front of you, offering one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Montagne Bourbonnaise. A few kilometers further on, the Beau Louis cycle pass takes you to the mythical and mysterious Bois Noirs forest and the hidden Nélie peat bog.

Discover the villages of La Guillermie and Ferrières sur Sichon. Starting from the village of La Guillermie, at an altitude of over 1,000 m, you'll follow the path plunging down into the valley to Ferrières-sur-Sichon, where there used to be lime kilns. A few kilometers further on, you'll come to Chappes castle, built in the 15th century. Turning left at the hamlet of Cheval Rigon, a short detour takes you to the ruins of Château de Montgilbert, a must-see in the Montagne Bourbonnaise!

The Contemporary Arts Centre in the Creux de l’enfer is located in the Valley of the Factories. This place promotes contemporary artistic creativity and promotes the meeting between arts and audiences.

Do you love climbing? Then come and discover this 1800m² bouldering park in Vétraz-Monthoux. Large, bright spaces to discover or rediscover bouldering. For experienced climbers, try out Europe's largest indoor "psychobloc". Detailed description

A visit to l'Aventure Michelin is astonishing, fun and friendly, and opens the doors to an exceptional world. L'Aventure Michelin is a scenographic journey of 2000m². Thanks to an interactive scenography, you will discover the history, the present and the future of the Michelin group. From the very first detachable tyre to the MICHELIN Visionary Concept not forgetting the famous maps and guides - or the good old Michelin Man - a whole world of excitement awaits you ! The museum exhibition is bilingual (French/English). You can also take a tour in German or Spanish, thanks to the audioguide available at the site reception, or in German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch by downloading the free l'Aventure Michelin mobile application.

Come and relax in this beautiful wooden chalet with a 35 m2 terrace with jacuzzi and an incredible view of the surrounding countryside. Situated at less than 4km from the motorway exit ‘’Les Salles’’ (42), between the historic village of Cervierres and the village of Noiretable with its Casino game, lac and all shops near by The chalet is made using only the local wood and built by an artisan from the area who uses old methods with a respect for modern architecture The chalet is build on poles which provide an amazing view. There is 20m2 inside with all the necessary comfort, fully equipped kitchen, also made by a local manufacture and a bathroom with a shower and toilets with a modern design. You will also find a very comfortable sofa bed which you can fold during the day to optimise the space A large 3m door window will allow you to wake up in front of this incredible view. Also giving access to a 35m2 terrace which was thought to maximise your own comfort in the country side The 24 jet SPA is placed in the center, there is 2 laying space and 1 seat. Still looking at the view you will be able to get a relaxing water or air massage hoping to maybe spot some wild animal passing through the land across On one side of the terrace you will find and outdoor living area where you can relax, read a book or simply listen the birds singing. On the other side you will find a dinning space where you can enjoy your breakfast and try the local specialities while looking at the forest in this beautiful part of France This Chalet is suitable for 2 adult only

Magali offers you a serenity break in this former dairy, which she has put her heart into renovating. It guest room is located in a preserved environment just a stone's throw from the historic village of Cervières.

In the heart of Cervières, come visit a unique museum in France : the Museum-workshop of goldwork embroidery. You will discover the history and the technique of the embroiderers called "Grenadières" specific to the Haut-Forez. The goldwork embroidery has existed in the Haut-Forez territory since the 19th century. Women worked mainly for military industry and made the grenade of policemen and firemen, so they took the name of "grenadières". The industry peaked in the 50's. The embroiderers worked on embroideries for military uniform as well as civil suits or the famous academician suit. In the museum, you can admire examples of those réalisations and discover the technique of goldwork embroidery and the transmission of this skill nowadays known as an artistic profession. Each visit finishes with a show that permits to you to talk with the embroiderer and to understand its technique. You can also try by yourself!!

.Located on the Gergovie plateau - a true natural belvedere over Auvergne, this new generation plunges young and old into the Gallic Wars between Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar. It combines archaeological objects and multimedia tools. More than a visit, the Archaeological Museum of the Battle of Gergovie offers a lively and interactive journey. The space combines graphics, models, archaeological objects and multimedia with the highlight of an audiovisual room plunging the visitor into the atmosphere of the Battle of Gergovie between Romans and Gauls. The route also allows you to discover the civilization of oppida arvernes, to discover the archaeological secrets of Gergovie and to understand the natural and geological history of the Plateau and the magnificent landscapes that surround it.

Close to Vichy, this 18-hole, PAR 72 (5,893 m) course lies in the heart of a forest of hundred-year-old oaks, and has a teaching structure suitable for all. Slightly undulating, enhanced by water features, the course will appeal to the most demanding golfers. Club House (bar; 7/7 lunchtime restaurant).

Heating: 0.17Euro/kW. Noirétable 13km, St-Etienne 87km. Self-contained house comprising 2 gîtes et 1 other dwelling. 36 sq. m on 1st floor. Living room, kitchen area, 1 bedroom, 1 alcove (beds: 2 single, 1 double, 1 double sofa). Shower room, electric heating. Shared washing machine et tumble drier. Car port. 300 sq. m parking space. 600 sq. m games space et tennis court shared between the gîtes.

Self-contained house comprising 2 gîtes et 1 other dwelling. 20 sq. m. on 1st floor. Living room/kitchen area, alcove (1 double bed). Shower room. Electric heating. Shared washing m/c et tumble drier. 100 sq. m. shared unfenced garden, car port. Noirétable 13km, St-Etienne 87km.

The museum retraces the 600-year history of knife-making heritage. Workshops, knife-making demonstration, sound and light, shop. The museum and its manufacturing workshops tell of 6 centuries of knife making, with a wonderful collection of knives dating from the 16th century to the present day. Workshops, knife manufacturing demonstration, sound and light shows, shop. You can continue finding out about knifemaking on the paths of the VallÈe des Rouets and along the Durolle River (guided tour of the last remaining knife-sharpening mill, operational machinery).

The Contemporary Arts Centre in the Creux de l’enfer is located in the Valley of the Factories. This place promotes contemporary artistic creativity and promotes the meeting between arts and audiences.

The May factory is a former knife making factory. A dedicated space for cooperatives ensuring sustainable development of the Factory Valley, it opens its doors to the public for exhibitions, shows and other cultural events. A dedicated space for cooperatives ensuring sustainable development of the Valley des Usines, it opens its doors to the public for exhibitions, shows and other cultural events.

At Pont-du-Château, several different bridges have crossed the river Allier, but did not withstand the river floods. The present-day bridge is from the 18th century. Criss-crossed by a multitude of waterways, the Clermont Auvergne metropolitan area retains many bridges, some of them dating back to Antiquity, such as the Beneilh bridge at Aubière. At Pont-du-Château, it is said that Caesar’s troops crossed the Allier river on foot to reach the Sarliève plain and the Gergovie plateau in the year 52 BCE. Over the centuries, several bridges were built but none survived the river floods. A wooden bridge existed in 1566 when Charles IX took it with his mother Catherine de Medici after dining at the château with Charlotte de Vienne, lady-in-waiting and governess to the royal children. The bridge disappeared in 1586 in the flood that also destroyed the Chapelle de la Recluse. After the bridge was destroyed, the Allier river had to be crossed by boat. The present-day bridge was built at the request of Monsieur de Regemortes, the King’s engineer and designer of the bridge bearing his name at Moulins. He gave the plans to architect François-Charles Dijon (1705-1785), who built it between 1765 and 1773. The bridges were preceded by a wooden dam that cut across the river to bring up its level, supply the mills and facilitate fishing, over which the King had a monopoly. Colbert, Louis XIV’s Secretary of State, ordered that the river Allier be navigable from Brioude to Pont-du-Château, with the need to open the dyke for boats to pass. The dyke was finally destroyed in 1792. Two fish passes allowing salmon in the Allier to pass were built in 2013 at the foot of the bridge.

The Port d’Amont is the last port to have been built that is still visible at Pont-du-Château. It bears witness to the former importance of river trade on the Allier. The source of the River Allier (425 km) is in Lozère, and it flows into the River Loire at the Bec d’Allier near Nevers. The River Allier provided a route to Nantes and later to Paris via the Briare Canal (1642). From the early modern period until the 19th century, Pont-du-Château was a major river trading town on the Allier, with its sailors’ neighbourhood known as 'Little Marseille'. The town boasted five ports: la Vortille, les Palisses, des Bouères, la Borde Saint-Aventin and d’Amont. The last of these, built between 1835 and 1838, is the only one still standing. River traffic was intense, with 1,334 boats recorded in 1749 and 1,694 in 1750. Two types of vessel were used: rafts made from 5 to 15 fir trees, and 'sapinières' — small, disposable boats measuring 17 to 23 metres in length, built from around 10 fir trees. They could carry up to 20 tonnes of goods, including coal, wine, Volvic stone, paper, wood and hemp to Paris or Nantes. Once they reached their destination, the sapinières were dismantled and sold as timber for heating or construction. The sailors would return on foot, their anchor on their shoulder, while the wealthier among them settled in Paris as 'bougnats', Auvergne specialists in 'wine, wood and coal'. By the late 19th century, the arrival of the railway marked the end of waterborne trade. Today the river is used by leisure boats, and its banks have been redeveloped with greenways and parks. The Musée de la Batellerie, on Place de l’Aire, retraces this history.

Since the earthquakes in the 15th century, timber-framed houses have become rare in the metropolitan area of Clermont Auvergne. In Pont-du-Château, three of these houses can still be seen and are protected as Historic Monuments. Timber-framed houses are rare in the Clermont Auvergne metropolitan area. Most of them did not survive the earthquakes of 1477 and 1490. Following this destruction, it became common from the early 16th century onwards to build houses using Volvic stone. At numbers 2 and 14 rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, and 1 place de la Liberté, three of these houses can still be seen. They are three storeys high. The ground floor, made from Volvic stone, provides a solid base for the building and houses the boutique, which features a basket-handle arch. The upper floors, separated by plate beams, include a framework of vertical timber beams arranged in the form of a Saint Andrew’s cross, with windows set into them. The spaces between the timber beams are filled with either hollow-core slab (light masonry made from stone, brick and limestone) or wattle and daub (earth and straw). The floors are built with a corbelled structure, overhanging the street to save space in the tight confines of medieval towns. At 14 rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, the timber-framed house has retained its fire-resistant stone wall, located to the right of its façade, which provides protection from fire spreading from the neighbouring house. These houses have been listed as Historic Monuments since 1962 and 1963. A few other timber-framed houses can be seen in Montferrand, such as the monumental apothecary's house at the corner of rue Jules Guesde and rue de la Rodade.

Museum closed in 2025 for renovation. Museum retracing the history of river navigation on the Allier around the town of Pont-du-Château from the 15th to the 19th century. The Musée de la Batellerie Pierre-Mondanel recounts Pont-du-Château's fluvial past. It bears the name of a local historian, author of L'Ancienne batellerie de l'Allier et de la Dore, a landmark in the history of navigation. The museum's collection began with a donation of objects and documents amassed over nearly 15 years by Pierre Mondanel. The donation was made by his daughter to the local association "Amis du vieux Pont-du-Château". The collection has grown over time, with the addition of personal objects from local residents. The museum features an exhibition of objects and tools used by bargemen on a daily basis, as well as models of boats, art objects related to the river world and other curios. An area is dedicated to the history of bituminous limestone mining in the commune, notably thanks to the bitumen factory, which was an important economic source in the history of Pont-du-Château. The museum is open in summer and during the European Heritage Days.

Located at an altitude of 1100m, the restaurant of Notre Dame de l'Hermitage welcomes you to a peaceful and mystical place. After enjoying a cuisine with Malagasy origins, you can enjoy the surroundings which offer panoramas and walks.

Local and traditional restoration in the exceptional historical site of Gergovie. This restaurant offres a panoramic setting 15 minutes from Clermont-Fd.

In a friendly setting, the inn offers you a traditional cuisine based on local products and mainly organic, pizza as well as a weekday menu. All dishes can be taken away.

Artisanal pizzas. This pizzeria offers diverse pizzas, fresh pasta, salads, desserts and ice creams. On site or to take away.

Catering: work menu at lunchtime from Monday to Friday, delicatessen/cheese boards and takeaway sales, rooms (hotel/gite) and every day for groups on request. Organization of events (concerts, theme nights...)

Welcome, Sharing and Discovery are the key words that Marjorie and Edouard offer you to experience at the Auberge de la Source. Here you can recharge your batteries and have an experience to create and tell memories. L’Auberge de la Source is a place to “be well and be well”. Also, we offer you: - The cottage with comfortable double, triple and family rooms with a total of 8 rooms and 24 beds ; - The table with family, authentic and multi-traditional cuisine made from local products allows you to discover local recipes but also go on a culinary journey. We work on unique menus per fortnight with reservations required 48 hours in advance; - A friendly space composed of a bar, darts, table football, and a mezzanine with sofa and billiards. - A grocery store selling local products promoting, among other things, our local partners; - Additional activities to discover: o Marjorie takes you to discover Japanese Raku ceramics, clay modeling and specific cooking techniques. Several workshops possible on request (jewelry, pieces). o Edouard takes you to discover deep relaxation through sound massage with Tibetan bowls and vibrational acupuncture with therapeutic tuning forks (by reservation).

Bar-restaurant offering workers' menus. General food, FDJ and themed evenings at weekends. Wednesday: frogs' legs; Thursday: calf's head; Friday: chips and prawns flambéed in whisky.

Auberge specialised in festive weekends, weddings, birthdays up to 110 covers. Beautiful covered terrace for aperitifs and large wooded park for receptions.

Traditionnal meals with a touch of finess and delicacy. Country inn the weekdays (calf's head, pork trotter, pâté...) and restaurant for the week end.

A cosy bar-restaurant where homemade food is king, right down to the charcuterie. Chef Benoît trained as a pork butcher and caterer.

Notre Dame de l'Hermitage seems to stay up the canton. Its privileged position offers a rare panorama, of numerous paths and invite you to practice hiking. . Collective accommodation at an altitude of 1110 m, a place of conviviality and serenity.

Do you love climbing? Then come and discover this 1800m² bouldering park in Vétraz-Monthoux. Large, bright spaces to discover or rediscover bouldering. For experienced climbers, try out Europe's largest indoor "psychobloc". Detailed description

The gîte features a lounge and living room with fitted kitchen. Separate entrance. Patio and access to the garden, not overlooked. Parking space outside the gîte.

Come and relax in this beautiful wooden chalet with a 35 m2 terrace with jacuzzi and an incredible view of the surrounding countryside. Situated at less than 4km from the motorway exit ‘’Les Salles’’ (42), between the historic village of Cervierres and the village of Noiretable with its Casino game, lac and all shops near by The chalet is made using only the local wood and built by an artisan from the area who uses old methods with a respect for modern architecture The chalet is build on poles which provide an amazing view. There is 20m2 inside with all the necessary comfort, fully equipped kitchen, also made by a local manufacture and a bathroom with a shower and toilets with a modern design. You will also find a very comfortable sofa bed which you can fold during the day to optimise the space A large 3m door window will allow you to wake up in front of this incredible view. Also giving access to a 35m2 terrace which was thought to maximise your own comfort in the country side The 24 jet SPA is placed in the center, there is 2 laying space and 1 seat. Still looking at the view you will be able to get a relaxing water or air massage hoping to maybe spot some wild animal passing through the land across On one side of the terrace you will find and outdoor living area where you can relax, read a book or simply listen the birds singing. On the other side you will find a dinning space where you can enjoy your breakfast and try the local specialities while looking at the forest in this beautiful part of France This Chalet is suitable for 2 adult only

Magali offers you a serenity break in this former dairy, which she has put her heart into renovating. It guest room is located in a preserved environment just a stone's throw from the historic village of Cervières.

Charming stone house in a garden with trees, located in the mountains (elevation 900 metres) above a historic village.

Semi-detached cottage. In the Hauts Monts du Forez, independent house with 2 family gîtes and 1 collective gîte. At your disposal, 600 m² of playground and tennis area shared by the gîtes, carport, 300 m² car park. Noirétable 13 km - St-Etienne 87 km.

At an altitude of 1100 m, in the Hauts Monts du Forez, independent house with 2 cottages and 1 apartment with a common open ground of 100 m². Noirétable 13 km.

Heating: 0.17Euro/kW. Noirétable 13km, St-Etienne 87km. Self-contained house comprising 2 gîtes et 1 other dwelling. 36 sq. m on 1st floor. Living room, kitchen area, 1 bedroom, 1 alcove (beds: 2 single, 1 double, 1 double sofa). Shower room, electric heating. Shared washing machine et tumble drier. Car port. 300 sq. m parking space. 600 sq. m games space et tennis court shared between the gîtes.

Self-contained house comprising 2 gîtes et 1 other dwelling. 20 sq. m. on 1st floor. Living room/kitchen area, alcove (1 double bed). Shower room. Electric heating. Shared washing m/c et tumble drier. 100 sq. m. shared unfenced garden, car port. Noirétable 13km, St-Etienne 87km.