Discover Virlet, Puy-de-Dôme: hidden gems of Auvergne

Departing from Virlet, this walk will take you to Perdechat castle, Gelines lake and Bellaigues abbey.

Starting from the Montroy lime tree, this walk will take you to a number of viewpoints in Pionsat and the surrounding area.

This route, starting from the village of La Crouzille, will take you through the Combraille bourbonnaise, the Bouron valley and its many crosses.

From Pionsat and its green setting, the route winds through woods, hedgerows and pastures. The Vialle pond and the Ganne valley, which add an aquatic note to the walk, can be found between the undulations of the landscape.

The loop follows a bumpy track known as the Roman road, lined with beautiful hundred-year-old chestnut trees. Through the Régheat woods and the Boron valley, you can enjoy views over the Plateau des Milles Vaches and the Combrailles: a refreshing walk.

Leaving from the village of Pionsat and its renovated château, this walk takes you through hedged farmland and forests, with views over the Combrailles.

This tour takes you through the Balaty national forest.

An easy walk through the national forest, with beautiful views over the bocage.

This route takes in the old Gouttières Montluçon railway line and the Cellette viaduct.

This walk in Saint Maigner will take you to the Etang du Vert lake and the St-Loup fountain.

A small cottage in a rustic setting, a renovated barn. South facing terrace with a fantastic view. Lovely lounge with kitchen and wood burner. Spacious bathroom with toilet. The 2-person gite is located on the south side, with its covered terrace and its garden furniture. For this cottage, we have transformed the old barn. The cottage has a pleasant living room with kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven, a 4-burner gas hob, a kettle, a coffee machine, a toaster, various kitchen utensils. The living room/kitchen is in the stable part, the bedroom in the barn, accessible by a small staircase. The bedroom has 2 single beds which can be pushed together or separated according to your wishes. In addition, we have a child's bed with sheets and blankets, as well as a chair. There is a large bathroom. For a cooler period, firewood is available.

La Cadanise, charming luxury suites, terraces with views, spa in summer, free wifi, private parking and garage. Independent, quiet, discreet entrances. Walking distance to town center. Continental breakfast, dinner by prior arrangement. Ideal for business travelers - tourists, events, couples with babies.

A pretty cottage typical Auvergne countryside for authentic family holidays and conducive to relaxation. It can accommodate a family of 3 and has a well thought out and efficient layout. Completely restored, our gîte in Auvergne consists of : First floor: - 1 living room with sofa bed for 2 people and flat-screen TV. - Kitchenette with ceramic hob, dishwasher, microwave, large oven... - Bathroom with walk-in shower. First floor: - Cosy sleeping area with 160cm bed (high-comfort mattress), 90cm bed, large storage space and desk area. - Beds made on arrival, sheets provided. The house has an enclosed courtyard and a south-facing terrace with garden furniture, Weber barbecue and parasol. A very natural area with many activities awaiting you: - Way-marked walks from the gite and in the surrounding area (hiking, mountain biking) - Swimming (Gour de Tazenat, Etang Philippe...) - Canoeing on the Sioule river. - Fly fishing or pond fishing 200 m from the gite... Nearby, discover the electric Vélorail, accrobranche, Via Ferrata or enjoy a moment of relaxation at the Spa des thermes de Châteauneuf-les-Bains. Take advantage of your stay to explore the Sioule gorges and their heritage, the Auvergne Volcanoes, and don't forget to see the famous Gouttières cats! Numerous small restaurants and local markets will delight your taste buds with fine Auvergne produce. This house is the ideal place to spend a family vacation and recharge your batteries.

In the heart of the Combrailles with uninterupted views and a large garden, this semi detached cottage (next to the owners) offers you a very comfortable stay. Fenced garden, 2 terraces, private parking, shops and services at Menat 7km and at Saint Gervais d'Auvergne 9km. On the ground floor: entrance, living room, kitchen area, laundry room, wc. On the 1st floor: TV lounge on the mezzanine, 1 bedr. (1 double bed 130, 1 single bed), 1 bedroom. (1 double bed), 1 bedr. (1 double bed 160), bathroom and toilet. Baby kit available. Electric heating according to consumption and wood stove.

Welcome to Auberge de Charron This establishment has a Bar and a Restaurant. Open every day except Thursday and Friday. Benjamin & Valérie welcome you in a friendly atmosphere and offer you traditional French cuisine. LUNCH from 11:30am to 1:30pm - EVENING from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

I propose you to stay in a pleasant apartment, on the first floor of a house. Ideally located in the heart of Evaux-les-Bains, the only spa town in the Limousin region. You'll find all the comforts you need, with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, living room and adjoining bedroom with bathroom and toilet. A washing machine is available (shared by the 2 apartments).

High-quality, fully-renovated apartment, ideal for spa guests, located close to the spa. Managed by Happy House concierge service.

This is the story of a family home that has become the Chaba d'entra gîte, entirely restored to our delight so that we can offer you a stay in the best possible conditions. in the Creuse. - 1 master bedroom (bed 140x190) with shower room - 1 bedroom 2 beds 90x190 with bathroom - 1 mezzanine with shower room wc - living-dining room, fireplace, TV, free WiFi - fully-equipped kitchen with gas cooker and electricity - outdoor terrace with garden furniture Linen (sheets, towels...) not supplied. Weekly rental only, Saturday to Saturday, May to August. (non-contractual photos)

Menat Abbey is one the the most famous in the Auvergne. Built in the 5th century it has been revamped thoughout the ages. The church contains beautiful carved capitals. A small detour through the cloisters allows you to appreciate the ancient living environment of the monks. The buildings bear the traces of different construction periods: Romanesque (lower parts of the church), 14th-15th centuries (upper parts and fortifications of the church, west gallery of the cloister and abbey castle). They were deeply reworked in the 19th century. The ground level of the old buildings is marked by paving stones. The church contains very beautiful sculpted capitals, including lions. A small detour through the cloister allows you to appreciate the monks' living environment. A heritage guide is available for €3 in our four tourist information offices: Saint-Gervais-d’Auvergne, Châteauneuf-les-Bains, Pontgibaud and Les Ancizes-Comps, as well as on our online shop. It accompanies the discovery of Saint-Ménélée Abbey and the Romanesque bridge, a medieval humpback bridge spanning the Sioule.

Camping in the heart of nature on a 2-hectare site: 5 tents and a caravan, luxuriously furnished. With no onlookers (total capacity 20 people, max. 5 people, with the possibility of adding a 2-bed mini tent per pitch): enjoy all the comforts of nature! Fully equipped, they all have an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace/barbecue, as well as a private shower room and individual toilet for the duration of your stay. Large communal barn with reception room and summer kitchen, pizza oven for theme evenings, games room and outdoor games, free WiFi. 20-seat marquee for convivial evenings. On-site swimming pool with all outdoor equipment. Possibility of privatizing the entire site at a preferential rate

This 12th-century abbey houses several buildings, restored in the 18th century following a fire. It has a Cistercian Romanesque style. The building is characterized by its 14th century porter: there are very few in France. The abbey house is distributed on two levels, the ground floor where we can distinguish the refectory and the boiler room and the first floor where the prior room and cells are located. This abbey has been listed as a historic monument since 1922. Benedictine monks have settled there since 2000. The abbey, which houses the tombs of Archambault VIII and his wife Beatrix de Montluçon, can be visited (proper dress required). Only the church can be visited for free. A small shop offers bee products from the monastery. It is possible to stay in the monastery as part of a retreat. All contact is by phone or mail.

This church dates from the 18th century. It has a remarkable imposing western facade, flanked with solid butresses and a bell tower with double bells. The interior boasts modern frescoes by Louis Dussour.

The Château de Pionsat is unique in the Auvergne because it combines two different architectural styles: medieval and Renaissance. Each main building has been listed as a Monument Historique (Renaissance wing since 1920) and as a Monuments Historiques (medieval wing since 1962). Château de Pionsat is unique in the Auvergne region for its combination of two different architectural styles: medieval and Renaissance. A treasure trove of early Arvern coins, mostly gold, bearing the name of Vercingetorix, was found on this land. It was probably Humbert de Beaujeu, Constable of France, who built the first defensive keep in the 12th century to consolidate his power. Bernard de Ventadour subsequently inherited the lands of Pionsat and Montel-de-Gelat, before selling them to Guillaume Aubert (a wealthy financier) around 1345. On the border between the English (now Aquitaine) and French kingdoms, Pionsat and Les Combrailles were at the heart of tensions during the Hundred Years' War. The Auberts were therefore obliged to build a stone castle to protect the population and defend the surrounding territory from the many threats. In 1482, Gilbert Motier IV de La Fayette (a distant relative of the Auberts) sold Pionsat castle to Jacques II de Chazeron. This was the golden age of the Chazeron family, whose descendants served in the households of several kings of France, right up to Henri IV. The positions held by the family members with the kings of France brought them substantial income, enabling them to transform the medieval château and build a château in a style that was new at the time, that of the Renaissance. Few Renaissance castles were built in Auvergne, but many were transformed. In Pionsat, a new ensemble was created with large proportions and, for the Renaissance part, an original decorative style: "vermiculated bossing", of which Pionsat was the "exclusive" in Auvergne and perhaps beyond. Mullions, pediments, etc. can all be seen. In 1604, the property passed into the hands of the De Chabanne family until the French Revolution. Divided up and sold in the 19th century, it's only since the end of the 20th century that the buildings have benefited from renovation and protection work. The commune of Pionsat, current owner of the Renaissance section, is pursuing studies and investments to safeguard and enhance the cultural and tourist value of this château, a great testament to the audacity of the men of the Combrailles and an architectural jewel of the Auvergne. Partner of the Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne. A heritage guide is available for €3 in our four tourist information offices: Saint-Gervais-d’Auvergne, Châteauneuf-les-Bains, Pontgibaud and Les Ancizes-Comps, as well as on our online shop. It presents the history of Pionsat Castle, between its medieval section and Renaissance wing.

An old itinerant mill that has been stopped for 20 years. Visit by reservation.

The La Cellette viaduct is an impressive piece of railway heritage, surprising in the beauty of its forms and its integration into the landscape. 21m high and 122m long, its 8 harmonious arches have carried it since 1931. The railway line, which linked Gouttières to Montluçon, has been closed since 1969, but its remarkable heritage still marks the landscape of Les Combrailles. From the church car park, it takes 15 minutes on foot to reach the foot of the Viaduct and back. A short round trip on the old railway line is possible to take the path that crosses it (follow the signs in the village to reach the Viaduct from above).

This church dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, a period of transition between romanesque and gothic art. It was originally part of the castle compond which was destroyed by Louis 13th in the 17th century. It contains an interesting historiated pillar from the former Capuchin cemetery, as well as a 16th century gilded wooden Virgin, saved from the flames by a parishioner during the Revolution. The church was classified as a historical monument in 1926. Heritage sheet, Collection Trésors des Combrailles, on sale in the Tourist Offices of Combrailles.

This mining headstock is testimony to Youx of the mining past of the basin of Saint-Eloy-les-Mines. 22m high, firstly in wood then a metalic structure in 1909. This mine served as a pumping station for returned air and airation of the mines. Coal mine shaft jacking. Height: 22.20m. The deposit is part of the "grand sillon houiller du Massif Central" 270 km long from Noyant (Allier) to La Salvetat (Aveyron). The "Société des Mines de La Bouble" started drilling the N°2 Well on May 20, 1895. The headframe of the Well II was first made of wood in 1898. The metal structure, as it exists today, was built in 1909. This shaft was used as a pumping station, air return and ventilation of the galleries for coal exploration. It was connected to the other shafts of the Saint-Éloy-les-Mines mining basin. From 1898, Youx became the 2nd mining town in the Nord des Combrailles region, multiplying the population by three from 1883 to 1954. The coalmining company stopped mining in 1954.

The body of water has a beach of fine sand, grassy stretches and games for children. You can view the bathing water quality map on the webbaignades.sante.gouv.fr/baignades/homemap.do#a Other activities on site: picnic area, fishing, fitness trail, walks. Electric bikes and pedalos are available for hire.

Picnic area at the edge of the lake of Saint-Eloy-les-Mines, place suitable for swimming (unsupervised beach), for walking. Other activities on site: children's playground, fishing, fitness trail...

Access on foot from the village. Unusual, the tiny chapel, built in 1959 on the Montagard mound, offers a magnificent view of the Combrailles and Volcanoes of Auvergne, with an unobstructed panorama of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts Dore. A newly installed enamelled lava orientation table makes it easier to read this grandiose landscape.

Welcome to Auberge de Charron This establishment has a Bar and a Restaurant. Open every day except Thursday and Friday. Benjamin & Valérie welcome you in a friendly atmosphere and offer you traditional French cuisine. LUNCH from 11:30am to 1:30pm - EVENING from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Small restaurant suitable for intimate dinners, soft, warm and calm atmosphere. Establishment located 6 km from the only spa resort in Limousin, Evaux les Bains. Neat traditional cuisine based on local products. Catering activity, take-out meals.

An unusual casino at the crossroads of the Auvergne, Centre and Limousin regions, located in the spa town of Evaux-les-Bains, appreciated for its bucolic surroundings conducive to relaxation, leisure and dreams. 53 slot machines (13 vintage machines, 38 modern machines, 2 poker machines), which operate with tickets and player cards plus There are also 8 electronic roulette and blackjack stations, and traditional games: 1 English roulette table and 1 blackjack table. Our establishment also organizes concerts and theme evenings, and major sporting events are broadcast on our 4 giant screens. If you'd like a drink with friends or a bite to eat, we welcome you to our lounge and restaurant "l'Essentiel".

Michel and Laurence welcome you in a warm mountain decor for you to discover a wide selection of crepes , pancakes and many mountain specialties.

Large selection of teas, chocolates and gift ideas.

Grand Hotel Restaurant has a stylish Belle Epoque atmosphere. Our tasty seasonal cuisine is made with local ingredients. Try our saffron specialties.

Pizzas to take away or eat in, ice cream. From €6

Two rooms, two atmospheres: modern and warm, for a peaceful lunch in our dining room or in total immersion, in the heart of the slot machines, on the mezzanine. We offer traditional, modernized and elegant cuisine, with our three formulas and our essentials, there is something for everyone!

Theme restaurant, traditional cuisine and snacks open all year. Reservation required for meals on plate, on tray or take away. Service at all hours. From September to June, the restaurant is open every day for lunch, with a workers' menu and a buffet on Sunday evenings! In July and August, the restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner. The menu includes burgers, fish, meat, snacks and vegetarian dishes.

Hostel located in a privileged setting in the heart of nature. Room rustic restaurant with exposed stone and beams . Terrace by the Tardes

A small cottage in a rustic setting, a renovated barn. South facing terrace with a fantastic view. Lovely lounge with kitchen and wood burner. Spacious bathroom with toilet. The 2-person gite is located on the south side, with its covered terrace and its garden furniture. For this cottage, we have transformed the old barn. The cottage has a pleasant living room with kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven, a 4-burner gas hob, a kettle, a coffee machine, a toaster, various kitchen utensils. The living room/kitchen is in the stable part, the bedroom in the barn, accessible by a small staircase. The bedroom has 2 single beds which can be pushed together or separated according to your wishes. In addition, we have a child's bed with sheets and blankets, as well as a chair. There is a large bathroom. For a cooler period, firewood is available.

La Cadanise, charming luxury suites, terraces with views, spa in summer, free wifi, private parking and garage. Independent, quiet, discreet entrances. Walking distance to town center. Continental breakfast, dinner by prior arrangement. Ideal for business travelers - tourists, events, couples with babies.

Two rooms in a renovated long house (dating back to the second half of the 19th century) renovated with modern comforts and private bathrooms. Situated in the the peaceful countryside with hiking close by. Close to Montmarault and Combronde tolls on the A71 motorway. Fishing and lake, Sioule valley, canoe kayak and vélorail nearby. Panoramic train from Puy de Dôme and Vulcania, both one hour away.

At the foot of Château du Ligondès, pretty outbuilding for 2 to 8 people. An ideal location for discovering green tourism, cycling and hiking.

A pretty cottage typical Auvergne countryside for authentic family holidays and conducive to relaxation. It can accommodate a family of 3 and has a well thought out and efficient layout. Completely restored, our gîte in Auvergne consists of : First floor: - 1 living room with sofa bed for 2 people and flat-screen TV. - Kitchenette with ceramic hob, dishwasher, microwave, large oven... - Bathroom with walk-in shower. First floor: - Cosy sleeping area with 160cm bed (high-comfort mattress), 90cm bed, large storage space and desk area. - Beds made on arrival, sheets provided. The house has an enclosed courtyard and a south-facing terrace with garden furniture, Weber barbecue and parasol. A very natural area with many activities awaiting you: - Way-marked walks from the gite and in the surrounding area (hiking, mountain biking) - Swimming (Gour de Tazenat, Etang Philippe...) - Canoeing on the Sioule river. - Fly fishing or pond fishing 200 m from the gite... Nearby, discover the electric Vélorail, accrobranche, Via Ferrata or enjoy a moment of relaxation at the Spa des thermes de Châteauneuf-les-Bains. Take advantage of your stay to explore the Sioule gorges and their heritage, the Auvergne Volcanoes, and don't forget to see the famous Gouttières cats! Numerous small restaurants and local markets will delight your taste buds with fine Auvergne produce. This house is the ideal place to spend a family vacation and recharge your batteries.

Ideal for nature lovers, a relaxing stay in a bungalow with shop close by. Hiking and mountain biking. Volcanoes of the Auvergne, Vulcania and Lemptegy 1h by car. Castles at Pionsat, Pontgibaud and Chazeron. Close to various spa resorts: Evaux Les Bains, Chateauneuf Les Nains, Néris Les Bains ... Closed courtyard, games for children, garden furniture, garage, accepts small animals.

A furnished 2 * for 2 people - 1 bedroom . Property situated 6 km from the center of Evaux-les- Bains , 11 minutes from the Spa

At the edge of the lake, for a peaceful vacation or for fishing enthusiasts. The village mini-market is within walking distance. A playground is on site. A mobile snack bar is open in summer. The campsite offers a simple, friendly setting, ideal for a stay close to nature. For a short period in the summer, a snack bar can be opened from time to time, adding a pleasant diversification to your stay and a gourmet touch to your day. The site can accommodate up to five vehicle pitches (motorhomes, caravans and converted vans). There is no strict quota for tents, and several different areas are available, particularly around the trees, so that everyone can set up in a shady, natural environment. A sanitary chalet is available to all campers. It includes two toilets, as well as a shared area equipped with showers, washbasins and sinks. In addition, a PMR cubicle is available. It is fully equipped with a shower, toilet and sink, guaranteeing a welcome adapted to people with reduced mobility.

In the heart of the Combrailles with uninterupted views and a large garden, this semi detached cottage (next to the owners) offers you a very comfortable stay. Fenced garden, 2 terraces, private parking, shops and services at Menat 7km and at Saint Gervais d'Auvergne 9km. On the ground floor: entrance, living room, kitchen area, laundry room, wc. On the 1st floor: TV lounge on the mezzanine, 1 bedr. (1 double bed 130, 1 single bed), 1 bedroom. (1 double bed), 1 bedr. (1 double bed 160), bathroom and toilet. Baby kit available. Electric heating according to consumption and wood stove.

House in a quiet hamlet at 2 km of Evaux les Bains. Semi detached house on 2 storeys. ground floor : dining room with kitchen (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave), sitting room (TV), shower room and WC. 1st floor : 2 bedrooms (1 bed 55" and 1 bed 35"). Central heating. Non enclosed exterior area with garden furniture. Holiday renting suit to the children. Visit of the farm.