Explore Saint-prejet-armandon, Auvergne's hidden gem

Élidie, a local shepherdess, was mortally wounded by the steward of the Seigneur de Poulargues, near the "Roumée" fountain. The chapel was built at its foot. If you have a pure soul, you'll be able to see three drops of blood in the fountain.

A trail following in the footsteps of Haute-Dore's industrial past, from the Vernet mill to the Piers mill and the former Aubapeyre quarry. Nature is omnipresent and has reclaimed the landscape, including some magnificent trees.

From the exceptional site of Notre-Dame-de-la-Roche, the Dore gorges, the magical lights and the chapel, this circuit passes from one side of the Dore to the other, with beautiful views over Mayres, the Dore valley and the Forez mountains.

A walk from Fayet-Ronaye (Romanesque church rebuilt in the 14th century) on steep, wooded slopes with views over the surrounding hills and forests. At Ronaye is a beautiful granite cross dating from the late 14th century.

You cross a dike overlooking the pond, where you can picnic or fish (day pass available on site). A stream, a small bridge, a wild beach where you can dip your feet in the water - this is a lovely, gentle walk for the whole family.

A panoramic walk to discover the Romanesque heritage of Dore-l'Église and its superb hamlets of dry-stone houses. Views of the Livradois and Forez mountains and the Arlanc plain.

From the top of a rocky spur, Issandolanges reveals 1,000 years of history. This medieval village offers a bread oven, a chapel, the fortified site of a castle and a mill abandoned by man 70 years ago.

After Saint-Bonnet-le-Chastel and its Gothic church, the trail alternates between woods and pastures. The winding La Dolore stream has long irrigated mills and continues to carve out gorges. Numerous viewpoints over the Dolore valley.

Lulled by the "glouglous" of the Dolore, you enter the wild and authentic Livradois countryside to reach the Chalas dam, which offers a beautiful view of the town of Arlanc and the Dore valley.

A circuit on the heights of Arlanc, with numerous viewpoints over the town, the plain and heritage sites such as the Château de Mons, the bridge over the Dolore and the Garden for the Earth, a 10-hectare reproduction of the 5 continents.

Discover this historic site in Arlanc, high above the town. The owner will take you into his home and reveal all its secrets: the stages of construction, the gardens, the prints, the collections, ... The owner's tour of the château de Mons, 11th-17th-19th centuries, takes you on a journey through French history: architectural evolution, key figures, garden history, the 1939-45 era, local history. The vast collection of printed images from the 15th to the 20th centuries is also an opportunity to discover the world of prints: art, caricatures, comic strips and the history of manga. Visualization of optical views with a zograscope and an optical box, pre-cinema. New: educational tour of the gardens, which have just been redesigned based on the only known painting of the château dating from 1690 and an important manuscript by the owner at the time: Italian garden, vegetable garden and orchard, with an educational tour, opening of the orangery devoted to the history of these gardens based on historical documents, and creation of a garden of 20 squares of simple plants with a presentation of their virtues, care for the body and care for the mind. Other new features: cultural season (readings in the gardens, lectures, concerts, etc.): see program on www.chateau-de-mons-arlanc.com

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. Welcome to Jardin pour la Terre: An Unforgettable Plant Escapade A World at Your Feet Imagine a place where the Earth is offered up to you like a giant map, verdant and alive. In the heart of the Livradois-Forez Natural Park, the Garden for the Earth is a unique creation, born in 1997 from the inspiration of landscape architect Laurence Médioni. Spanning 6.5 hectares, this contemporary garden is transformed into a vegetal planisphere: the plant beds trace the continents, while the lawns undulate like seas and oceans. From the 25-metre-high belvedere, you can dominate this exceptional landscape and contemplate the world, literally at your feet. An Ecological and Sensory Journey Le Jardin pour la Terre is more than just a garden: it's an adventure in plant life. Here, more than 2,000 varieties of plants - vegetables, flowers, trees and spices - are returned to their continent of origin, offering an experience that's both fun and educational. Every step is a discovery, every visit a lesson in biodiversity. Committed to the planet, the garden adopts exemplary ecological practices: watering is by underground drip to conserve water, grass clippings and shavings are reused as mulch to enrich the soil, and every gesture is designed to respect natural rhythms. A zero-phyto area, where nature reigns supreme and every visitor becomes an ambassador for the environment. A lively cultural stage Le Jardin pour la Terre is a lively, creative and festive place. Throughout the season, it comes alive with art exhibitions, shows, concerts and workshops for young and old. Guided tours reveal the secrets of biodiversity, while activities invite you to observe wildlife, taste edible plants or create your own natural products. Whether you're a botany enthusiast, a family looking for an original outing or simply a nature lover, this garden is a place where everyone can meet, learn and relax. An authentic souvenir to take away Before leaving this haven of peace, make a detour to the garden boutique. Here you'll discover artisan treasures: golden honey, fruity jams, scented soaps, precious saffron, and many other local products. You can also take home a plant from the garden, grown with respect for the environment. A way to prolong the experience and support local producers, while keeping a piece of this plant magic in your own home. Coming to the Jardin pour la Terre is an opportunity to travel across continents without leaving the Auvergne, to discover rare and unusual plants, and to spend an enriching day of wonder, learning and relaxation. Le Jardin pour la Terre is much more than a garden: it's an invitation to dream, learn and get involved. Come and discover it, and let yourself be surprised by its beauty and soul. ✨

The Auberge de l'Allagnonette welcomes you to a building full of character. The chef prepares delicious dishes: millefeuille of black pudding with foie gras, duck breast with red fruit, etc. Regional dishes: cantal tart, pounti, truffade, tripoux.

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.

"Try a fabulous treetop adventure in the heart of the Haut Forez mountains. The park proposes high-flying activities such as the zipwire, pirate trail, trampolines and tarzan jumps, all in a safe setting with a warm and friendly atmosphere." Conditions : Minimum size : 1m for 3-6 years old and 1m35 for adults. Minors have to be with an adult. Sport shoes mandatory as well as adapted outfit for an outdoor activity.

From wine tasting to vineyard walks, come and spend a convivial moment at Domaine Sauvat. Annie, an artisan winemaker, will share her expertise and passion for wine with you in a unique and intimate setting. In the heart of the volcanic landscapes of the Auvergne, I welcome every visitor to Domaine Sauvat as a privileged guest. I'm Annie, and I'm passionate about sharing my terroir and my love of Pinot Noir. I like to take the time to talk, tell and share, whether it's during a free wine tasting all year round at the domaine or a walk through my vineyards. I grow three cuvées of Pinot Noir from our volcanic soil: Anthocyane, a delicate, fruity red, Nymphéa, a more intense, structured red, and Eolia, an airy, gourmet rosé. Each of these cuvées tells a part of my story and that of this unique terroir. In 2026, I've come up with new ways for you to experience the estate. You'll be able to take part in yoga sessions in the vineyards, listen to storytelling walks, learn the art of dowsing, enjoy a romantic starlit evening in the heart of the vineyard or come to an aperitif concert... I want every moment spent here to be an authentic, simple and memorable interlude. I'm also proud that the estate has been awarded the Qualidog, Vignobles & Découvertes and Bienvenue à la Ferme labels, recognizing the value of our welcome, our commitment and the quality of our experiences. I invite you to find me on Facebook and Instagram to follow the life of the estate and discover our upcoming events. I look forward to sharing a warm moment with you.

A place for cultural experimentation in the region. Le Bief puts on a program of shows and visual arts (printmaking, engraving). It is an association that works to disseminate culture to as wide an audience as possible. Experimentation and cultural action: From its headquarters in the heart of Ambert, the company offers a wide range of activities: home shows, intergenerational projects, artistic immersions in institutions, school projects, and workshops for young and old (dance, theater, plastic arts, singing, music). Support for local and international artists: Le Bief stimulates artistic creation in the region through artist residencies and support initiatives (training, residencies). Its artistic production space, dedicated to printmaking and micro-publishing, is linked to the region's paper-making tradition. Its gallery hosts temporary exhibitions and a boutique selling the work of local and international visual artists. Highlights at the crossroads of the visual and performing arts: Two major events organized by the Bief take place every year, bringing together the two poles of the Bief's activities (performing arts and graphic arts). The Festival de la Bonne Impression and Les Vitrines qui Parlent (in partnership with other associations). Le Bief HQ is located right in the center of town, and comprises our offices, workshops and public reception area. Come and meet us, visit the store and the exhibition gallery. Free admission. 2025: exhibition of Japanese prints from June 7 to August 30 during the opening hours of the Centre culturel du Bief. The team : Ben Quêne: Director in charge of the Graphic Arts division Dorothée Machet: Director in charge of Performing Arts Adrien Givois: Accounting / Administration Montaine Sanchez: Graphic Arts Project Manager Fred Bernard: Stage Manager (intermittent)

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. Are you familiar with Fourme d'Ambert, the blue-veined cylinder cheese? A staple of the traditional family cheese platter, "fourme" has been produced in the Livradois-Forez region for centuries. The Maison de la Fourme d'Ambert et des fromages d'Auvergne is located in a 14th-century house in downtown Ambert. It showcases the making of Fourme d'Ambert cheese, a collection of dairy utensils and equipment, and items linked to life in the mountain pastures (jasseries, milking cows, rosaries, etc.). The maturing cellar showcases the five Auvergne PDO cheeses. Tasting and store selling local products. In summer, workshops and events: cheese and butter making...

The Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is a unique reserve for rare and endangered species, with a European reputation. Over a 45-hectare area, you can learn about biodiversity and discover almost 350 rare and endangered animals of 60 different species. Come and meet snow panthers, red pandas, wolverines, tigers, Amur panthers, takins, bears, Rothschild's giraffes, Hartmann's zebras, primates, two-toed sloths, dholes, pygmy hippos, cheetahs and, more generally, 350 rare and endangered animals! The Park is set in an exceptional natural site, where you can admire many incredible views over the Cézallier and discover the various actions put in place for animal welfare and species conservation, while visiting a site that is proving its difference on a European scale. Indeed, the Parc Animalier d'Auvergne stands out in many respects: it is the European park most involved in the conservation of rare and endangered species, with over 80% of the species it hosts being part of a European breeding program. The first park to house Thorold's deer, it also boasts Europe's largest enclosure for Amur panthers. The park was also behind the creation of Science Nature, an association dedicated to ethology, and Biodiv'Educ, another association dedicated to learning about biodiversity through new technologies. Unique mixed-use enclosures and a wide range of immersive activities enable visitors to familiarize themselves with the animals (family safaris, special encounters, vacation courses, etc.). A must-see!

The Hôtel d'Aureilhe (old château de Villeneuve), residence of the Aureilhe de Villeneuve family in the 15th and 16th centuries, is a fortified medieval perimeter that bears architectural witness to the rise of the nobility in feudal Lembron. It features : - An early 11th-century keep, a square tower surrounded by a first enclosure, of which fine remains have been found, and from the top of which you can admire an exceptional panorama. - The mansion itself, a 15th-century seigniorial palace. - The second enclosure and the 16th-century main buildings currently being restored. The building is listed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. The renovations were carried out with the help of the French government, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the Puy de Dôme department.

History: Known since the 10th century, in the 11th century this church became the seat of a small priory dependent on La Chaise-Dieu. Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it came under the patronage of Saint Blaise. At the end of the 15th century, rib-vaulted aisles were added to the classical Romanesque structure dating from the end of the 12th century. Outstanding features: the portal is set beneath a series of ornate voussoirs resting on colonettes with sculpted capitals. The doors have retained their wrought-iron hinges in the 14th-century Romanesque tradition. Inside, the nave and choir feature a fine collection of gilded and painted wooden capitals and statues.

Built in the 12th century, the church was a simple chapel serving the castle overlooking the village. This castral chapel was built inside the bailey adjacent to the château, of which only a few fortification remains. The exterior of the building was extensively remodeled in the 19th century. For a long time, Saint-Pierre church was a treasure trove. But it was only in 1965 that a rare collection of wall frescoes was discovered in the choir. In Romanesque style, although executed late in the early 14th century, these paintings present a grandiose - almost life-size - scene of Christ in majesty, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists and the twelve apostles. The frescoes cover the barrel vault and the walls, including the splaying of the three narrow Romanesque bays illuminating the apse. Ideally placed for the contemplation of the faithful during services, they radiated their almighty beauty to deliver biblical precepts to parishioners.

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. This museum offers visitors an immersive experience into the little-known yet extraordinary world of lace-making. Hand-Lace Museum. A journey into the heart of our heritage, where the history of lace is brought to life. Four exhibition halls, an audiovisual documentary, and guided tours invite visitors to discover the techniques of bobbin and needle lace, a specialty of Arlan. The Lace Museum has partnered with several other sites related to lace and textiles to create a tourist circuit called “The Lace Route.” Discover the various lace-related crafts, visit the Hôtel de la Dentelle or Couleurs Dentelle in Brioude, the National Lace Conservatory Workshop in Le Puy-en-Velay and the Bobbin Lace Teaching Center in Le Puy-en-Velay, the Headdress Museum in Bresle, and the Lace Manufactories Museum in Retournac. Show your map at the reception desk of each location, and you’ll receive a little surprise!

Discover this historic site in Arlanc, high above the town. The owner will take you into his home and reveal all its secrets: the stages of construction, the gardens, the prints, the collections, ... The owner's tour of the château de Mons, 11th-17th-19th centuries, takes you on a journey through French history: architectural evolution, key figures, garden history, the 1939-45 era, local history. The vast collection of printed images from the 15th to the 20th centuries is also an opportunity to discover the world of prints: art, caricatures, comic strips and the history of manga. Visualization of optical views with a zograscope and an optical box, pre-cinema. New: educational tour of the gardens, which have just been redesigned based on the only known painting of the château dating from 1690 and an important manuscript by the owner at the time: Italian garden, vegetable garden and orchard, with an educational tour, opening of the orangery devoted to the history of these gardens based on historical documents, and creation of a garden of 20 squares of simple plants with a presentation of their virtues, care for the body and care for the mind. Other new features: cultural season (readings in the gardens, lectures, concerts, etc.): see program on www.chateau-de-mons-arlanc.com

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. Welcome to Jardin pour la Terre: An Unforgettable Plant Escapade A World at Your Feet Imagine a place where the Earth is offered up to you like a giant map, verdant and alive. In the heart of the Livradois-Forez Natural Park, the Garden for the Earth is a unique creation, born in 1997 from the inspiration of landscape architect Laurence Médioni. Spanning 6.5 hectares, this contemporary garden is transformed into a vegetal planisphere: the plant beds trace the continents, while the lawns undulate like seas and oceans. From the 25-metre-high belvedere, you can dominate this exceptional landscape and contemplate the world, literally at your feet. An Ecological and Sensory Journey Le Jardin pour la Terre is more than just a garden: it's an adventure in plant life. Here, more than 2,000 varieties of plants - vegetables, flowers, trees and spices - are returned to their continent of origin, offering an experience that's both fun and educational. Every step is a discovery, every visit a lesson in biodiversity. Committed to the planet, the garden adopts exemplary ecological practices: watering is by underground drip to conserve water, grass clippings and shavings are reused as mulch to enrich the soil, and every gesture is designed to respect natural rhythms. A zero-phyto area, where nature reigns supreme and every visitor becomes an ambassador for the environment. A lively cultural stage Le Jardin pour la Terre is a lively, creative and festive place. Throughout the season, it comes alive with art exhibitions, shows, concerts and workshops for young and old. Guided tours reveal the secrets of biodiversity, while activities invite you to observe wildlife, taste edible plants or create your own natural products. Whether you're a botany enthusiast, a family looking for an original outing or simply a nature lover, this garden is a place where everyone can meet, learn and relax. An authentic souvenir to take away Before leaving this haven of peace, make a detour to the garden boutique. Here you'll discover artisan treasures: golden honey, fruity jams, scented soaps, precious saffron, and many other local products. You can also take home a plant from the garden, grown with respect for the environment. A way to prolong the experience and support local producers, while keeping a piece of this plant magic in your own home. Coming to the Jardin pour la Terre is an opportunity to travel across continents without leaving the Auvergne, to discover rare and unusual plants, and to spend an enriching day of wonder, learning and relaxation. Le Jardin pour la Terre is much more than a garden: it's an invitation to dream, learn and get involved. Come and discover it, and let yourself be surprised by its beauty and soul. ✨

The site of a priory belonging to the Abbey of Saint Michel de Cluse in Piedmont, Saint Pierre church was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries. In later centuries, the outer walls were opened to accommodate rib-vaulted side chapels, forming a second aisle. Highlights: Inside, several capitals from a local workshop. Numerous statues, including a 16th-century stone Virgin of Pity. In the belfry, the oldest bell in the diocese. Near the chevet, an 11th-century sarcophagus in local granite.

The district of Brassaget was known until the 16th century, only for its ferry, which allowed connecting the two sides of the Allier River. Its importance increased in the 17th century, with the joint development of the transportation by waterway and the mining. In 1795, almost 300 bargemen and other men working in relation with the water lived from the fluvial activity of the Allier River, and lived, for the majority, in the Brassaget district. The ferryboat of Brassaget was used until 1950.

The prosperous time of the inland water shipping of Auvergne is indivisible of the success of wine-growing and mining exploitation. Until the arrival of the railway in the middle of the 19th century, flat-bottomed boats were constructed in Jumeaux with pine from Livradois and Margeride, hence their name of “sapinière” (plantation). Then, they went down the Allier River on a one-way trip and transported to Paris the cargoes of coal, wine, fruits, etc. In Jumeaux, there was a time in which construction sites spread along the Allier River for more than one kilometre, and they employed in 1795 almost 260 carpenters, apportioned in 80 workshops (there is no more remains of this today). Between Jumeaux and Coudes were staggered on the Allier River about ten “ports” where goods were embarked over the descent. Along the river, several elements discreetly remind of this closed chapter of the navigation of the Allier River: old ramps or quays in Brassaget and Coudes, or storage caves (old port of Perthus in Orbeil).

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

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.

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

Menu based on fresh seasonal produce. Licence IV.

Specialties include grilled meats and regional dishes: pounti, truffade, Auvergne platters and tasting platters, all served in a bright, open-plan dining room, under a covered terrace or in the open air.

The Auberge de l'Allagnonette welcomes you to a building full of character. The chef prepares delicious dishes: millefeuille of black pudding with foie gras, duck breast with red fruit, etc. Regional dishes: cantal tart, pounti, truffade, tripoux.

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 ...

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.

Cuisine based on local, natural products. Spicy, mild and deliciously flavoured dishes. Local, regional products and traditional beverages.

In a setting where heritage mixes with nature, Les Temps Nouveaux suggests a traditional cooking. Several options available : banquets, groups and family meals. Only on request. We welcome walkers, families, groups. We offer 3 different menus, the menu of the day. The chef works and promotes local products in his dishes.

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).

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.

Quiet and wooded campsite facing the Leignecq waterbody. Ideal for fishing and hiking to discover nature. Caravan rental. Mobile homes. Possible motorhome reception (emptying area).

Véronique welcomes you in a rural setting, inside an old building completely renovated. The first traces of the house date from 1299 in the hare (cadastre) of Estivareilles. The traces of the mill can be found in the Napoleonian cadastral plane of 1826. The mill (always existing) was in operation until 1930, and a sawmill was installed to replace the mill shutdown. Located at an altitude of 900 m, come and refresh yourself in this greenery. You will find the grain mill for animal meal, in the center of the house, adjoining the guest rooms; the sawmill dating from the beginning of the 20th century and which stopped in 1985. The Andrable River passes through the house and runs along the rooms. In one of the rooms you will have the pleasure of hearing the sound of the water if you sleep the open window. Three rooms are at your disposal so that you can have a pleasant stay. The “Charbon” room of 20 m2, spacious and clean, will seduce you with its comfortable king size bedding and its modern and functional bathroom. The “Panah” room of 20 m2 will seduce you with its breathtaking view of the Andrable River and its modern and functional bathroom. The “Babet” room of 18 m2 will seduce you with its modern and functional bathroom and warm colors. Each room gives access to a relaxation area and shared kitchen, with the possibility of eating (hotplates, refrigerator, coffee maker). Sweet and/or savoury breakfast (depending on your desires) is served in the kitchen area from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. If necessary, we can agree on specific timetables.

Perched in a unique setting 850 metres above sea level, the Auberge de Marols is open all year round. The Auberge has 4 guestrooms available 7 days a week.

Fully renovated late 19th century stone-built farmhouse. This gîte is situated near the village of Gumières, offering a real belvedere over the Mounts and plain of Forez, at the entrance to Auvergne. Gîte is near village of Gumières with great views over the Forez mountains et plain, bordering the Auvergne. St-Anthème et Prabouret ski resort 10 min. Livradois Forez national park, ideal area for nature-lovers. St Etienne 40km.

Charmful and characteful 17 century house fully restored, in the Forez mounts, perched 900 metres high. Many marked trails will please hikers and nature lovers. Located at the heart of a tipically "alti-forézien" hamlet with a beautiful view on the Forez plain, La Bastide B&B assure you quietness, rest and peacefulness. The house was restored with taste and respect of traditions: apparent stones, warmful tones... Bought in 2005, this house was restored until 2010, year of the opening of the B&B.

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