Explore Saint-germain-l'herm: Puy-de-Dôme's Hidden Gem

From the mounts of Livradois to the sides and hills of Allier, this tour offers a rich and varied discovery. Human beings have known how to control these territories in order to adapt them to the traditional mixed farming (sheep and cattle breeding, cereal production). Along this tour, you will discover local know-how such as fishing, farming and ancient works. You will also enjoy scents and flavours of this territory by taking a walk in botanical gardens and by tasting specialties. Finally, go discover the authenticity and the character of this territory marked by volcanic landscapes and its geology through the amethyst, but also through recreational castles.

A beautiful hike with 500 m of height difference which offers many panoramas on the mountains of Auvergne and a variety of landscapes of meadows, forests, streams, valleys and where you can discover the typical rural architecture of Auvergne in Champagnat-Le-Jeune. Starting point - From the starting sign go down a small street below and to the right of the D24. Turn right immediately on a grassy path between 2 low walls. Continue the descent and at the 1st T-junction, turn right and at the 2nd left. At the place called "Le Cerf" cross a stone bridge. Go up in the undergrowth, leaving the path on the right. Continue the ascent to the D24. 1 - Go up for 20 m and take the track on the left. Continue by ignoring two paths on the left until you reach the hamlet "Le Ceilloux". At the exit join the D33, take it to the left until Peslières (near the church, a German cannon from the First World War). At the end of the village, go up the asphalt road on the right until Lospeux. Pass in front of the cross on the right, continue to climb on the path. Cross several hamlets to the D702. 2 - Cross it, go on the asphalt road to the left of the sawmill. Then at the granite cross, take the middle path and walk through the woods. At the T-junction, turn left into the forest alley. Leave 2 paths on the right. Drive up to the D33 (leaving the woods, view of the Cézallier mountains, the Monts Dore and the Chaîne des Puys; orientation table on the D33 on the left at 200 m). 3 - Go down a wide path opposite. At the D132E turn left. 400 m after leaving Edmesse's hamlet, turn right onto a dirt road. At the crossing, continue straight ahead until you reach the D266E. 4 - Take the asphalt road opposite. Continue straight ahead. At the first house on the right of the hamlet of La Voissière, go down to the right on a road. Cross a first stream on a granite slab, turn left, enter a bridge that crosses the stream of Chateauneuf. After the bridge, turn left and go straight up, ignoring the right path. At an intersection, continue to the right until the crossroads after the hamlet of Rodel. 5 - Turn left. At the fork stay on the left. 500 m after the place called Charbonne go up to the right in the forest. At a crossroads, continue in front. At the next crossroads of 5 paths (storage area), go down a wide path to the left. Continue straight ahead. At the cross turn left on the road to reach the starting point.

In the Middle Ages, the village community was built around the chapel. Clinging to a volcanic peak facing the Puys chain, the Dore mountains and the Cézallier plateau, Usson is classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France". Starting point - Take the direction of Coupe-Gorge and then turn left towards Solignat. In Solignat leave the asphalt road and go down to the left to reach a crossroads planted with a chestnut tree in La Chapelle-sur-Usson (Romanesque church Saint-Julien; panorama on the Cézallier mountains). 1 - Continue straight ahead to reach the washhouse at the crossroads at the entrance to Perrier. 2 - Take in the center to enter the village. 10 m before the water point on the left, go down to the right by a tarred road. At the treatment plant, continue to turn right and follow over Ruisseau des Pendillières; cross the Ruisseau des Mines by a bridge to go up to the D703. 3 - Turn right for about 800 m. Go up on the left a path that joins a paved road. Turn right for 100 m. 4 - Cross the D703 again and go down a grassy path opposite. In front of an old well go up on the left. In Les Martres, cross a tarred road to take opposite (old fountain from 1889). At the end of the village, turn right on a track below the D75 road. In Solignat, go up on the left the road previously used to reach Coupe-Gorge and the car park.

A hike in the land of basalt columns on a wooded and varied course accessible to all. A bewitching and impressive stroll towards the cliffs of the Oulette valley (shepherd's crook) or in front of the waves of the Salient waterfall (nearby). Starting point - In front of the church go to the right then to the left by the rue d'Esteil, 80 m further on follow the rue de Cros on the right, then go up by the chemin des Montes. In front of the allotment turn left (view of the village of Jumeaux and the hillock of Nonette). Allow the roads to the right and at the end of the allotment go up to the left. Ignore the first path on the right and go up to the kennel. Continue the ascent without taking into account the paths on either side until the crossroads under the high voltage line. 1 - Continue straight ahead and take the first track on the left. Leave the path on the right and go down to the T-junction, continue to the left on a wide path. At the crossroads go straight ahead, ignoring the paths to the left and right until you reach the intersection (stele). Go down to the right until you reach the hamlet of Brenat. Go down to the right until you reach the road. 2 - Continue opposite on the unpaved road (on the right refuge for birds of prey) continue in the undergrowth until you reach the road. Go to the right and immediately to the left below the road. At the D132, continue to the right until the crossroads. 3 - Turn left, cross the 2 bridges "Moulin de Gourdine" and turn right. Go up to the hairpin bend and down the path to the right until you reach the road. Continue on the left until you reach the pond and after that go up on the left by the road. At the crossroads, continue to the right until Saint-Jean-Saint-Gervais (church and town hall). 4 - After going around the church go down the path (large cross). Continue the descent to the "Moulin de Saint-Jean" (respect private property). Go right, cross the stream on the footbridge. Turn right for 200 m and then go up the road to the left and after 50 m, turn left again (Roman road). Further up the hill, ignore the path on the left and continue until you reach the entrance of Serlandes. 5 - Turn left up to the road. Go left, then leave the road at the second road on the left (viewpoint on Jumeaux, the Puys chain, the puy de Dôme). At the fork turn right (beware 2 paths with green markings cross) go down to the village of Jumeaux. Turn right and continue straight ahead. Leave rue du Ruisseau on the left, continue rue des Aubettes, rue de la Liberté and then rue de l'Eglise to reach the starting point.

You will follow the footsteps of the “coal faces” that went down on the history of this territory. Indeed, the coal, gift from the old forests, made the richness of the coal mining area. Other local traditions as the cutlery industry and snail farming are to discover on this tour. Another mining activity was also important on the territory: the amethyst of Auvergne mining. This famous “bishop rock” belongs to the quartz family. Then, you will discover the deposit of Pégut, mined during several centuries for jewellery and ornamentation.

We discover the remains of a great clunisian priory where four popes stayed. The walk continues in the narrow gorges of the Chaméane valley with views of the puys mountain range, Sancy, Cézallier, Allier valley and Forez. Starting point - From the starting sign at the bottom of the car park, go down the main street. Turn left, cross the Place de l'Ancienne Poste, follow the rue des Coufferts. Cross the bridge (bief or "béal"), take opposite the Petite rue des Coufferts then turn left on the D214 for 200 m and then left again on the D144, go up the road on the left (view on Sauxillanges, Val d'Allier, puy de Dôme, massif du Sancy) and continue until the D144. 1 - Take the D144 to the right. After the transformer, turn left on a steep slope through the woods. At the T-junction, turn left. At the crossroads, turn right towards Ventre. Enter the hamlet from the left. Go down the first path on the left until you reach the fork of the pond. 2 - Turn to the right and then immediately to the left. At the bottom of the valley, cross the stream wading. Go up to the right in the woods. After the clearing, walk along a softwood forest. At the road, turn left towards Chabreyras (view of the Puys chain). Cross the hamlet while staying to the left, then turn left into a wide dirt road. Ignore the side roads up to the D144. 3 - Turn left for 200 m. Turn right into a forest road. At the fork, go left. Follow the path on a steep slope towards the Chaméane river. Cross the wooden bridge and the D49 at Civadoux. Walk between the hostel buildings (old oat mill) and up into the woods. At the intersection, turn right. Go along pastures (view of the Dômes mountains and the Sancy massif). At the exit of the hamlet of Bonnefont, go down the road on the left until you reach the D706. 4 - Go to the right and at the hairpin bend take the road on the left that leads to Saint-Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges. Cross the road and then the square, pass the church (Romanesque church with bell tower) and go straight ahead in the path below which runs along a surrounding wall, ignore the adjacent paths. At La Coierie, turn right on the D49 for 20 m, turn left, cross the footbridge over the Chaméane stream and follow the path on the right. Go down the wooden staircase on the right, cross the bridge downstream of the confluence of the streams of Astrou and Chaméane, continue following the Eau-Mère. In Sauxillanges continue straight on the same road and at the end of the dead end go to the right rue des Tanneries, find rue des Coufferts on the right and get back to the starting point.

This tour oscillates between abandoned vineyards, valleys and hills of Livradois-Forez with splendid views over all the mountains of Auvergne. We walk on the old coal mining lands of Brassac-les-Mines (12th to 19th century). Starting point - From the starting sign, walk along the square in the direction of the Saut du Loup. Turn right into rue de la Poste and then right into rue du Ruisseau. In the square, (church of the 11th-15th centuries, with Piétà) go right up the rue de la Bonne Vierge to the exit of the village. 1 - The dirt road climbs on the plateau (view on the hillock and the village of Nonette, the Cézallier, the Sancy massif and the Puys chain). Ignore the small paths on the left and right to reach and cross the D214. A small asphalt road leads up to the entrance to Aubiat. Continue straight ahead along the Esteil road until you leave the village. 2 - The path then rises, on the right, on the hillside (view on the valley of the Allier, La Combelle and the Lembron). We join a path in a clearing. Go up to the right, ignore the small paths on the left and right to lead to a flat area (view on the first foothills of the Livradois). At the intersection, at the entrance to Esteil, continue straight ahead, turn left and then right. Walk past the church (former priory and remains of the cloister), continue under a porch and join the road to Jumeaux. Leave this road before leaving the village by a street on the right leading back to the intersection at the entrance of the village. Continue on the left until you reach the Croix d'Auzat. 3 - Make a 5-minute round trip to a small building at the top of the hill (view of the hills of the County, the Puys mountain range, the Issoire basin, the Sancy massif and the Cantal mountains). From the Croix d'Auzat, go down the path and at the next fork, turn right and then turn left. Go down ignoring the small paths to the left and right until you reach the D34. Follow it on the right for a few meters, then take the path on the left which passes next to the stadium of Auzat-sur-Allier to reach the starting point.

Usson, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, was strongly influenced by Queen Margot, who stayed there for a long time. From the summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Puys mountain range, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez mountains. Starting point - Facing the starting sign, go to the right. Climb a few steps, take the path in the park, then the stairs. In the village, facing a wall, turn left (direction historical centre) and go down the rue des Condamines. Pass the Tourist Information Point and turn right into rue de la Mairie. Continue straight ahead and turn left into rue de l'Église Saint Maurice. Go to the square in front of it. 1 - Turn right, go past the War Memorial and then go up immediately to the left (chicane and stone steps). Continue on this landscaped path up to the top of the hill (statue of the Virgin Mary, 360° view: Livradois-Forez, Margeride, Chaîne du Sancy et des Dômes). 2 - Go down on the other side of the hill by the path that starts with basalt stones until you reach the path used for the ascent. Go to the right and, at the stone chicane, go opposite towards a grassy area. Walk past large organs and a water tower to reach the asphalt road. 3 - Go to the left ("Tour de la butte, remparts "), go down between the houses. At the bend, take the path to the left, go up on the road (view on the Monts du Forez and Sauxillanges) and pass between the remains of the feudal castle. Go up the rue de l'Église St Maurice, go down to the right of the porch and cross the grassy square (place de Jaude). Continue opposite, turn right then left on rue de l'Echanson. Turn right and go down to the left to reach the starting point.

A charming hike that starts from Saint-Martin-des-Plains to meander through cereal plains dotted with small hills. We enjoy beautiful views of the Livradois-Forez and the foothills of the Cézallier. Starting point - In front of the starting sign, turn left following the brook of Les Parcelles. At the road bridge continue opposite until you reach a crow's feet. 1 - Continue on the upward path (old building with dovecote), stay on this wide path (view on the Livradois) until you reach Bethel castle. 2 - In front of the Castle, turn left, follow a power line. On the ridge (panorama on the Cézallier, the Sancy massif and the puy de Dôme) at the first road turn right and go down. At the road, turn left for 150 m until you reach the entrance of a road. 3 - Take it and at the stop sign, continue on the right by a long descent. At the entrance of a bend, leave the road for the right path, climb to reach a road, follow it from the left on a grassy shoulder (220 m). After the property of Grange-Fort cut the road, turn right, continue straight ahead forgetting the paths on either side. Pass near a village (Les Pradeaux). Cut a tarred path, continue until you reach a road. Cross it, take the first bridge on the left, walk along the picnic area and take the first road on the left. At the power line, turn right, cut the road and continue straight ahead until you reach (the old tile factory). 4 - Go up to the right on the plateau (360° panoramic view). At a T-intersection, turn left (reedbeds). At the next crossroads, go to the right, progress on the balcony path, cut a small asphalt road, turn left and go down to the right on the wide path that leads to the village. Back to the starting point.

Usson, a perched village, its church, its basalt columns and its peak feed the curiosity of hikers. The panoramas of the Mont Dore and the Puys chain are no less remarkable. Starting point - From the starting sign, at the bus shelter after the Town Hall, turn right towards the fairground. Go on rue H. Pourrat on the right. At the next intersection turn left, then take the second street on the right, rue des vignerons. Turn right at the first street (at the bottom of the stairs), then turn left at the next street, rue au Chanvre. Continue to the left across the Place de l'Ormeau and then take the Varennes road. Turn right into rue de la Forge. Go around the church on the right by the rue de la Reine Margot, 100 m further on the right, then on the left until the crossroads with the D123. 1 - Cross this crossing towards Usson, go up the first grassy road on the right. At the T-junction, go to the right, take the path along a coppice forest, then go up between fields, facing the peak of Usson, to a first house (view on the Cézallier and the Sancy massif). 2 - Go to the right, cross the hamlet; at the end of the street, go to the left. At the exit, go around a hangar and turn right onto a balcony path. At the first fork, continue to the left. In front of the castle turn right and then walk along a property (Bois Rigaud, 17th century). Turn left three times and reach a road. 3 - Cross the road and pass in front of the transformer and head towards the village of Usson. Facing the cross and the fountain, go to the right. At the perimeter wall, go under the porch, then left (picnic area). Follow the small road passing between the houses. At the sight of the cross, take the path to the right and reach the top of the village of Usson (at the water tower, beautiful basalt organs). Go to the Romanesque church (panorama on the Sancy massif and the Cézallier). 4 - From the church - educational signage in enamelled lava, historical on Queen Margot - (possibility to go back and forth to the top of the site of the Virgin of Usson, 360° view), go down into the village. At the exit of Usson, turn right by the road. At the last house, continue to the left. At the crossroads turn left. In a curve, take to the left a wide stony and then grassy path to a vineyard. 5 - Go to the right on the dirt road along a very old clay wall for about 700 m, then turn right. Cut the road, go in front. At the entrance of the castle (château de la Vernède, mill), continue to the left. Back to the mill, go opposite on a grassy path to the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Chargnat.

A guided tour through the history of France, the gardens and local history. A vast collection of prints discover etching (workshops available during the visit). Italian and French gardens, vegetables garden and orchard.

This garden has the shape of a planisphere which will guide you along the paths of history, botany and the smart relationship between men and nature.

An artistic space dedicated to engraving and micropublishing linked to the tradition of paper making in the region. Workshops of typography and screen-printing and linocut.

La Maison de la Fourme d’Ambert gives information of the historical and present-day production of Fourme, AOP cheese of Auvergne. Summer workshops: cheese-making, butter production, Fourme hamburger.

In 14th century, paper replaced parchment and Ambert mills began making paper from cloth. Today, the mill continues this ancestral trade. Thought to have been invented in China around 105 AD, paper's journey to the west was a long one. Paper, which was first used in France in the 14th century, replaced parchment. There were around 400 mills operating around Ambert, making paper sheet-by-sheet using rag paper. Today, the mill continues this ancient process. Highest-quality paper used for publishing the encyclopaedia of Diderot and Alembert, it is still used for restoring artwork, watercolours, lithographs and more. Educational paper manufacturing workshop: you make and keep your own paper. Exhibitions. Shop. Botanical garden.

Discover life in the jasseries, the summer farms of the Hautes Chaumes: how they worked, traditional fourme cheese making, the history of summer pastures and the changing landscapes.

Welcome in a completely renovated farm barn that privileges wood, for a friendly and warm stay in the countryside at a few kilometres from the village. Ideal for a quiet stay with many hikes.

From the woods of La Comté to the villages of Livradois, this route is dedicated to Queen Margot. On the way, superb panoramas and discovery of beautiful villages like Usson. The itinerary begins in Parent. Villages crossed: Yronde-et-Buron / St-Babel / Manglieu / Sugères / Sauxillanges / Usson / Brenat / Orbeil / Yronde-et-Buron / Parent.

"Le Myrtille is a luxury chalets located within the holiday park, near the lake and the village of Usson-en-Forez. Le Genêt is suitable for wheelchair users."

5 chalets each accommodating 6 guests at “Les Chalets du Haut-Forez”, a holiday park near the lake and not far from the village of Usson-en-Forez.

The museum “Le petit monde des automates”, created by Miss Giraud that makes live the ancient works, in a magical village of moving crib figures in printed clay, with sound and light. Located in the village. Phone number : 04.73.71.27.71

Constructed in the 15th century, this castle is the property of the municipality of Le Vernet-la-Varenne. On the ground floor, you can visit the amethyst museum to discover the history and the nature of this violet rock, also called “bishop’s rock”. Greeks said that it protected from drunkenness and allowed the elevation of the spirit. The museum presents this mineral and its history through a commented exposition, fun activities and accompanied walks. Phone number : 04.73.71.31.32

This artificial lake of 3 hectares is the unique artificial lake where you can swim in the Issoire Area. On site: fast food with thematic parties. In family, enjoy a pedalo ride, picnic…

The lake of Le Vernet-la-Varenne. Lifeguard on duty in July and August from 11 o’clock to 12, and then from 14 o’clock to 18. Phone number : 04.73.71.31.21

The amethyst, with its brilliant violet colour, was exploited for more than 5 centuries in the park of Livradois-Forez, for jewellery and ornamentation. Go looking for it with passionate miners that dig by hand in their deposit in Pégut. Information and reservation “Amethysts of Auvergne” at the 06.78.85.65.44.

A guided tour through the history of France, the gardens and local history. A vast collection of prints discover etching (workshops available during the visit). Italian and French gardens, vegetables garden and orchard.

Discover the Museum of the Pénitents Blancs, installed in a 12 th century Roman chapel, via a collection of procession regalia and religious objects unique in France

This garden has the shape of a planisphere which will guide you along the paths of history, botany and the smart relationship between men and nature.

Handmade lace museum: a visit at the heart of our heritage where the history of lace is told. Discover the techniques of bobbin lacemaking and needle lace-making. An exhibition and classes are organized during the season.

In the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, the church of Bansat is part of a village fort. Its originality lies in the fact that it was fortified, probably in the 15th century. The current building is Gothic and dates back to the 13th century for its oldest parts. The nave opens to the west by a doorway whose broken arches fall back on discreetly figured capitals. The church was raised at the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century to house a large upper chamber flanked by defensive elements, probably more dissuasive than active. On the main façade, the fortification is shown by the presence of a bretèche and the bases of two watchtowers that defended the access. The south facade of the nave can be seen from a slightly elevated position that occupies the site of the former cemetery.

Nathalie welcomes you to her restaurant located in the heart of the green resort of Usson. Young and old alike will be able to enjoy a traditional cuisine of quality based on fresh products. Former Rival restaurant. Specialties: foie gras, ice verbena, fresh meat and fish. The menu changes according to seasonal products. Ideal for family meals: 2 dining rooms, 1 room for children and 1 terrace. Near the museum of the Forez mountains and outdoor activities: water, mountain bike rides, adventure park ...

"Come and enjoy Dajmila’s cuisine in the heart of the village. Chez l’Hôte is a café and restaurant serving family dishes, traditional French cuisine, and eastern specialities such as couscous and kebab."

From the simple, the real, the authentic terroir, in a warm, family and friendly atmosphere. A very popular inn where quality and quantity are essential. The restaurant room is integrated into a typical summer jasserie. High altitude inn on summer pastures offering fresh local produce from surrounding farms (ATDR label). Booking strictly needed as no mains electricity. Hautes Chaumes (High Pastures) specialities: -local cured meats -local cheeses -thresher's pâté, bilberry or walnut tarts according to season -patia (potatoe with cream cooked slowly over 5 hours). Group rate (minimum 20 people)

"For a hot lunch, the restaurant Les Epilobes proposes a brand new menu, with a daily special, meal deals and snacks. Fast, practical and economical, with a range of dishes to choose from (starters, mains and desserts), to suit all tastes!"

Located next to the waterbody, le Cabanon welcomes you for lunch and in the evening but also for a small gourmet break in the afternoon.

Just a few steps from the station of Chalmazel, the Auberge des Granges offers you farmhouse specialities : delicatessen , patia (potates baked in cream), chicken liver cake, sausage rolls, bilberry tarte, Montbrison cheese raclette, Forez hotpot... booking necessary.

Restaurant suggesting a traditional cooking. Located at the entrance of La Chapelle en Lafaye in an old restored farm. Terrace, take-away meals (on request).

Refrigerated gourmet racks with specialties from Auvergne and other regions. Sweet gourmet racks. Open 24 hours a day.

Welcome in a completely renovated farm barn that privileges wood, for a friendly and warm stay in the countryside at a few kilometres from the village. Ideal for a quiet stay with many hikes.

Lovely stone farm recently restored on edge of Auvergne, 20km from spectacular lava flows of Bouriannes. 4 guest rooms with private facilities (twin beds) (double bed, twin beds on mezzanine) (double bed) (160cm bed) (double bed, twin beds). Superb dining room, 80 sq. m sitting room with beamed ceiling et fireplace. Individual décor featuring wood et stone. Breakfast et table d'hôte meals use home-made et home-grown produce. Enjoy the bracing air, the peace et quiet of this easily accessible hamlet in heart of countryside. Garage nearby. Le Puy-en-Velay 50km, La Chaise-Dieu 35km.

La Loge de la morte has been rehabilitated for the self-service reception of all publics, including the disabled public.

Franck welcomes you all year long at the heart of the Livradois-Forez, in his 1788 house. Week-end, longer stay, relaxation break... On site, you will find, horse riding, spa, sauna, table tennis, badminton... Dormitory with 8 simple beds.

Charming little wooden chalet in the village of Usson-en-Forez, a few steps from the shops and enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. With a large bedroom with separate sanitary facilities, it is an ideal place for hikers or a couple with children.

Welcome to Sayed & Anne! Whether you are a pilgrim or on holiday, the three guest rooms will meet your expectations. They are located in the center of the green station, close to the shops and the water body that offers various activities.

Apartment located on the 2nd floor of the restaurant. In the heart of Usson-en-Forez, labelled Famille Plus Nature. Close to all shops and services, activities in the heart of nature (water, bike rental, adventure park...). Possibility to rent by the night. The furnished flat has a lounge(show) with sofa bed, an open-plan kitchen, a mezzannine for 1 to 2 children, a room(chamber) with a bed 140, a bathroom and of one toilets.

Apartment located on the first floor of the Rival-Renaud restaurant. In the heart of Usson-en-Forez, labelled Famille Plus Nature. Close to all shops and services, activities in the heart of nature. Possibility to rent by night. The furnished flat has a lounge(show) with sofa bed, an open-plan kitchen, a room(chamber) with a bed 140, a bathroom and of one toilets.

Familial hotel located at the heart of the village. Ideal if you enjoy pedestrian or horse hikes or simply looking for fresh air. Nathalie and Nicolas will give you a warm welcome. 4 bedrooms on the first floor with TV, bathroom and toilets. 2 bedrooms on the second floor.