Discover Espalem, Haute-Loire, Auvergne

This trail winds its way through the heights of the Massiac region, taking in magnificent scenery and a remarkable heritage.

From Massiac, take the A75 "Route Vallée d'Alagnon" discovery trail to Blesle, one of France's most beautiful villages. At the Brèche de Giniol orientation table, you'll reach the canton's highest point at 1307 m.

Ce circuit nous fait remonter au temps des cultures en terrasses (palhàs) et des fonds de vallées (pré-vergers). Sans oublier la sentinelle du château d’Aurouze (XIVè siècle).

Partez à la découverte des villages pittoresques des hauts plateaux, et de Bonnac dans la vallée de l’Arcueil, sur les traces des romains chercheurs d’or.

Ce parcours vous mène à la célèbre chapelle Sainte Madeleine, cette ancienne chapelle castrale perchée sur son éperon rocheux. Découvrez ruelles et maisons à « estre », et arpentez les coteaux.

We plunge into the valleys of the Auze which offer pretty views of the Allagnon gorges, the lime of Caure (terraces) and the impressive fortress of Léotoing and a castle chapel and the castle of Torbiac. Starting point - From the starting point, follow the road to Féchal-haut, and continue straight ahead (view of Léotoing castle, Livradois mountains, Margeride, Cézallier). After the farm of Marmaissat, go down the first path on the right which joins the stream of Auze. Go along it for about 1.5 km to an intersection. 1 - Turn right at an acute angle, cross the stream and climb the hill. On the flat, follow to the right, and at the next fork, turn to the left (view on the Allagnon valley). Continue on the road and, at the intersection, turn left, until you reach the entrance of the village of Brugeilles. Turn right for a long climb up the hillside of the Bave valley. At the intersection, continue straight ahead, pass under the high voltage line and walk to a fork. 2 - Go up the path to the right (view of the village of Bousselargues). At the crossroads on the plateau, go opposite in the valley (view on the Auze valley). Leave a path on the right, continue until you reach a footbridge on the Auze, and climb up by a wide path that leads back to the beginning.

Lempdes-sur-Allagnon is interesting for its listed hall dating from 1835, crowned with a framework valued as an architectural masterpiece. We cross puys, volcanic plateaus… Many views over the Livradois, the peaks of Nonette and Usson. Starting point - From the starting sign, cross the bridge over the Béal, cross the public garden on the left, climb the stairs and take the footbridge over the Allagnon. Pass between the tennis court and the village hall; at the road, turn left and follow the campsite. At the three successive forks, turn right to join the D654. 1 - Take the track opposite; at the fork, stay to the left and to the next one. Before the road, turn right towards the water tower. At the intersection, turn right on the upward track that goes around puy Ferrat. At the top of the hill, continue to the right (view of the Montcelet tower). Go straight ahead in Scoularoux then, in the bread oven, go to the right. Ignore the path on the left and continue (view of the Nonette hill, the Livradois mountains) until you reach the reservoir. 2 - Take the right track and continue straight ahead until you reach Moriat. At the stone cross, go along the castle wall to the left. After a fountain, stay to the right (entrance of the castle); at the next crossroads (another fountain), take the rue de la Vizade opposite. At the end of the village (cross), continue straight ahead until you reach a curve on the left. Cross the stream, continue opposite until you reach the D654. 3 - Continue opposite by the rue Filiol which goes to the campsite, turn left to find the path taken on the way there; after the footbridge, turn right. Follow the path that runs along the wall, cross the bridge near the washhouse. Turn immediately to the left on the path along the Béal to reach the starting point (at 100 m in the town centre, church and listed hall).

Découvrez le charme de la végétation du Bois d’Anliac, de beaux points de vue sur la vallée de la Sianne et le hameau du Bouchet, à présent déserté par ses héros gallo-romains ou médiévaux.

Après le moulin où l’on fabriquait l’huile et la farine, et Auriac-haut, point fort architectural du circuit, les murets en pierres sèches vous escortent puis laissent place aux sentiers plus abrupts des gorges du ruisseau de l’Eglise.

Après s’être hissé au-dessus de Laurie, le randonneur appréciera le charme d’un parcours plat et reposant avec un panorama circulaire : Mont Journal, Brèche de Giniol, Suc de Védrines. Une halte au tumulus du Chouquet apporte une touche d’archéologie.

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.

Sound and light effects taking you through the gallery of pictures enabling you to relive moments from the resistance and the deportation, illustrating how some of the people of Murat survived in the concentration camp during the war. Not advised for the under twelve years old.

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.

Relaxation for all at the foot of Puy Mary. On your return from a hike, or after a breath of fresh air, come and enjoy the relaxing benefits of hot water!

The château will not be open to individual visitors this season Château de Batisse invites you on a fascinating journey through the centuries. Originally a medieval fortress, the Château has been transformed into a prestigious residence, bearing witness to the architectural savoir-faire of each era it has passed through. An exceptional estate is revealed step by step: waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers, pools with silvery reflections, sumptuous parks and formal gardens, a rose garden of a thousand colors and bewitching fragrances.

Family-hotel and restaurant near Lake La Cassière. The inn "Between Lakes and Volcanoes" offers a nature stop for a meal or a stay.

.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.

This 12th-century Romanesque chapel was once part of the enclosure of a castle that no longer exists. Overlooking Massiac, it offers a magnificent view of the town and the Allagnon valley... A l’intérieur, découvrez la légende de ce lieu emblématique du pays de Massiac… Document de visite disponible auprès du bureau de tourisme de Massiac.

On the course of the Zauze river, a few km from the village of Apchat, the Gour d'appat waterfall is accessible by a pretty shaded path. The particularity of this site lies in the curious way in which the water smoothed the granitic rock. Geological origin: the world “gour” is an old world referring to deep hollows full of water, formed along rivers. The particularity of this site is the curious way that water hollowed out the granitic rock. The walls are hollowed out, smoothed, curved, and forming a kind of “raised” chapel where water springs in a waterfall. Beforehand, the river is punctuated with “witch pots”, “giant pots” (kind of holes in the rock). Origin of the name: before, people used to fish in these holes, dropping bundle of sticks into the water, with baits in the middle. Pulling them out, crayfishes were trapped, hence maybe the name “gour d’appat” because of “gour des appâts” (baits hole).

Located at the South of Ardes-sur-Couze, Apchat has a spring called “Chassolle”, or “Gour d’Appât”. The place has been fitted out at the suggestion of the Protective association of the Areas and Landscapes of Auvergne. This small spring has a weak flow and is not a lot mineralized. In the past, it was called “Eyes spring” because it was visited by the local population who suffered eye disease. For several years, it was the headquarters of a small commercial company, but it was soon abandoned because of its weak flow and its isolation.

The exploitation of coal went down on the local history from the 15th to the 20th century. By the way, we can find in the village signals of this flourishing past. It’s in 1910 that the Northern city, called “Germinal city”, was constructed. In 1926, the Coal Board decided to continue the construction of housing in the Southern city, the city of Laquets. The Saint-Bonnet’s church was constructed in 1876, further to the crumbling of the old church. This building, culminating at 400m, is a neo-Romanesque construction. A stained glass is devoted to Sainte-Barbe, patron saint of the miners. In 1372, the commander of the Knight Hospitallers entered into an agreement with the inhabitants regarding the construction of a fortified castle.

The Montcelet is a basaltic peak culminating at 138m. This is the culminating point of the Lembron area. The Tower of Montcelet, only remains of a 11th century fortress at 3 walls, of which only remains few vestiges. You will possibly discover this site dominating all the plains with a really beautiful walk. In the shade of the Tour du Montcelet, it is easy to observe the town of Issoire, the quiet course of the Allier, the Monts Dore, the Monts Dômes as well as the Monts du Velay and du Forez. An ideal observation post, the Tour du Montcelet is the only remains of an 11th century fortress with three walls, of which only traces remain. A very nice walk will allow you to discover this site which dominates the whole plain.

The village is dominated by the Tower of Montcelet, only vestige of a fortress dating back to the 11th century, with 3 surrounding walls, which only remain vestiges. A beautiful stroll will make you discover this site, dominating the whole plains at 738m high (about 30 minutes walking). Vichel’s richness is also presents outside the village, with faunistic and floristic species protected at the European level. This natural heritage, recorded on the whole of whitewash, is part of the xerothermical area of valleys and hills (hottest and driest areas) of Couzes and Limagne areas, classified in Natura 2000 Area.

From St Germain-Lembron, follow the mountain route. Ardes is at 12 km away on the edge of a valley. To visit : in the lower part of the town is the church, and in upper part of the town is the main street, further on from there is the zoo. It is a bit like a bridge between the golden plains of the Lembron and the grasslands of the high volcanic plateaus of the Cézallier. Home to a priory and then a large community of priests until the 18th century, the lower district had both religious and artisanal functions. It is easy to spot the church of Saint-Dizaint, a tall pinkish brown tuff vessel. Founded in the 13th century, the "upper" or "new" city of Ardes is the expression of a seigneurial will. The Lords of Mercoeur imposed themselves in the 12th-13th centuries until they became one of the largest estates in Auvergne. The regular plan of Ardes is characteristic of medieval urban creations. On either side of the Grande-Rue are distributed narrow and deep parcels called "strips". You will see them as you walk through passages that are sometimes covered.

This charming village is located on a basaltic headland and has kept several testimonies of its medieval past. The part at the bottom of the city, crossed by the Couze of Ardes, doubled up religious and handmade functions. The upper part of the village was created in the 13th century. Its History is linked to the one of the powerful family of Mercoeur. Ardes-sur-Couze is famous for the bottling and commercialization of the gaseous natural and mineral water Ardesy by the Company of waters of Cezallier. The “hill” and “cherry tree” springs, located in Augnat near Ardes-sur-Couze, belong to the same category of springs that the Chabetout one. They are known for their richness in lithium, and are used since 1995. The deepest spring is used to supply the bottling factory, and the other one is kept in reserve. A discovery path of the springs has been developed by the Arvie Company and by the Protective association of the Areas and Landscapes of Auvergne. The Couze of Ardes has its origins in the Cezallier mounts, and ends up in the Allier River, near the city of Breuil-sur-Couze. It is long of 39,5 km and well-known for trout fishing, that is regulated. Enjoy a walk along the Couze Pavin, near the “Robert Dupré’s stadium”. The Chabetout spring is collected in Ardes-sur-Couze. This natural mineral gaseous water is bottled and commercialized by the Waters of the Cezallier Company. Discovered in the Gallo-Roman period, it was first known under the name of Chabetout in the 19th century, and then under Arvie from 1995 to 2008, to end under the name of Ardésy since 2012. In 1858, a channelling and bottling building was established, and a thermal centre with 2 pools and 15 baths were constructed. Further to the lack of interest of the visitors taking the waters there, and to the First World War, the establishments closed. We have to wait until 1988 to see other drillings, and the 1990’s to observe the new commercialization of this water under the name of Arvie. Nowadays, the production, known as Ardésy, is mainly designed to the exportation towards Asian countries, but you can find it in supermarkets in Auvergne.

The Museum Peynet recounts the memory of Raymond Peynet, creator of the famous eponymous “Amoureux”. Located 2, avenue Jean Moulin. Phone number: 04.73.55.18.31.

The Mining museum was constructed in memory of the generations of workers who left strength and courage into the guts of earth. 160m of galleries were recreated identically. You will discover the daily work and the real conditions of miners and you will also observe the headframe of Bayard, near the museum. Located on the road to La Combelle. Phone number: 04.73.54.35.82.

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.

In the heart of the Cézallier, magnificent, fully restored buron. Home cooking, local produce, local meat, quality and tradition.

The simple pleasure of dining by the lake... a creative cuisine that draws its influences from both land and lake, using the resources of the greenhouse, kitchen garden and forest to create recipes that revisit local produce with the seasons.

The "Les Volcans" restaurant offers "home-made" local cuisine based on fresh produce selected from local producers and suppliers and carefully prepared by the chef.

Ecolodge in mountain village in Cournols. Construction with ecological materials and feng-shui intervention and geobiology. Fully equipped. Parking and private outdoor space. Rent by week or by night.

Self-contained gîte with garden and views of the Monts du Cantal and Sancy. Just 5km from Lake Lastioulles and its water sports center. Fully-equipped kitchen, living room with dining area and sitting area with fireplace. 3 bedrooms, shower room and separate WC.

Luxury gîte for 8 to 10 people. All comforts on 1 hectare of land surrounded by forests and set in the owner's Auvergne farmhouse. This tastefully renovated gîte is located in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, with a magical panoramic view of the Sancy massif and close to Lac de Lastioulles, which has been awarded the "Pavillon bleu" label (equipped beach, supervised swimming in July and August). Living room with fully-equipped kitchen, dining room, sitting area with TV, WIFI, library, board games. -2 bedrooms, each with 2 boxspring beds, shower and washbasin. -2 bedrooms with 2 boxspring beds each, using the large bathroom with oval bathtub, shower and two washbasins. This room has 4 additional beds and a cot. -Washrooms and two toilets. -3 terraces equipped with outdoor furniture. -Heated swimming pool surrounded by a deck and adapted furniture as well as changing room, heated shower, washbasin, WC and heated outdoor shower. -Washing machine, dryer and barbecue on request. -private parking Minimum stay 7 days from Saturday to Saturday (less than 7 days on request).

Located in the heart of a 5-hectare natural site, near the Lastioulles and La Crégut lakes. Unlimited pitches with or without shade, electric hook-ups, communal washing machine and tumble dryer, children's games, table tennis, peace and relaxation guaranteed. Groups welcome except from 01/07 to 31/08.

6 cottages in a self-catering village near Lac de Lastioulles. 3 bedrooms, one on the mezzanine (1 double bed - 5 single beds), shower room, shared washing machine and dryer (summer), terrace. Peace and quiet with mountain views. Groups welcome.