Discover the charms of Bansat, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne

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.

The old parish of Mailhat is a historic monument (1859) and its church built on a Gallo-Roman temple by the monks of Sauxillanges at the end of the 12th century in an elegant and ornate style that contrasts with the severity of the Romanesque style of the Auvergne region. Starting point - From the starting sign, join the D123, take it on the right and then go up on the left the Chemin de la Fontaine. At the fork, turn right and continue upwards, leaving a path on the left (view of Nonette, the Sancy massif, the Cézallier, the Livradois). At the top of the hill, take the left track for 100 m then turn right and continue towards the church of Mailhat. Go through the village to the 12th century Romanesque church, continue until you leave the village. 1 - At the intersection with the D123A, turn right on it for 350 m and then take a road on the left until you reach the road. Turn right to Lamontgie. Enter the village and go to the square. 2 - Take the direction of Auzat, pass in front of the church and 50 m after the town hall, turn into the first street on the right which turns into a path. At the crossroads after the power line, turn left. At the cross of Plantiers, turn right and continue straight ahead until you reach a crossroads. 3 - Go down to the left and at the first intersection turn right. Continue until you reach a crossroads of 5 paths, take the one on the right towards Orsonnette. At the next intersection, go left and then immediately right. After the cemetery, continue to the right to reach 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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonette is an old winegrowing village of 300 inhabitants with a rich historical past. It is perched on a volcanic promontory offering a 360-degree view. The peak summit rises to 578 m, or 170 m above the Allier. Starting point - From the starting point, go down towards the Place de l'Église, walk along it on the left and then take the first path on the left (chemin de ronde). After passing through the gate, cross the Parc des Horts, take the footbridge. Then keep going down to the left to pass under the footbridge. Follow the path to the last houses. 1 - Continue opposite on the grassy path, (rampart walk) (View on the Allier valley and the Puys chain) and go up to the model "Crues de l'Allier ". Continue to the road then turn left, 50 m before the starting point, under the porch. Go up the rue de France on the left and follow the "la butte" sign until the intersection after the water tower. 2 - Go up in front for a round trip by making a loop at the top (ruin of the castle and 360° view). Go down to point 2, turn left and go down the stairs to the ramparts. Take the door on the right and go back to the starting point.

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.

This itinerary located in the Val d'Allier highlights the traces of the daily life of the miners who extracted coal from the mineshafts to store it on large flat-bottomed boats sailing on the Allier and then on the Loire. Starting point - From the car park, cross the D710, go around the Communauté de Communes building on the right, go under the porch, cross the road of La Combelle and take the rue de Solignat opposite until you reach the avenue des Gueules-Noires. Take the dirt road on the left for 50 m, continue on the right and join the asphalt road, follow it on the right for 60 m and then turn left to go up on the plateau (view on the Nonette hill, the headframes and the Sancy) until a fork (leave the circuit Des Pas des Mineurs). 1 - At the cabin, go down on the left on La Combelle. At the houses, turn right until you reach the entrance of the old mine (Le puits des Graves, hot room, memorial), go down and turn left. After 80 m on the left, go up avenue du Puy-de-Dôme, turn left avenue d'Usson towards the orientation table, cross the plateau and join the road. Take the stairs on the right to the street below, turn left then 200 m (Galerie d'apprentissage des Mines. École Papillon) turn right onto rue Pelle-Fesse, leave the street on the left. At the stop sign, turn right, then turn left immediately towards the chapel, take the alley on the left, then right on avenue de la Poste. At the stop sign, cross over and leave rue de Petit-Puits on the right, take the 1st street on the right and in the housing estate turn right into rue des Grises then left into rue Descente des Grises. At the stop sign, turn right onto Avenue de Tansac and then left onto Rue du Bac towards Brassac. Continue to the left, pass under the railway and take rue de La Batellerie towards l'Allier (old footbridge). 2 - Go up on the left, turn off towards the houses, continue on the right ignoring the rue du 19 Mars 1962, turn left on rue de la Roche and follow the rue des Écoles. At the stop sign, turn right onto rue Germinal until you reach the crossroads (bus shelter) towards Bayard. Before the esplanade, go down the stairs on the right to the street below. Turn left and after the bend follow rue Marcel-Renesio until you reach the old pumping station, on the banks of the Allagnon river. 3 - Take the track to the left of the road, at the sports field, turn right, join the road and follow the Allagnon. Before the footbridge follow the path on the left along the river, continue on the wider path and join the D710, cross it. Turn right for 80 m then left and right on the road to the houses. Follow the rue des Chambettes, then the avenue d'Armois, take the first right, then the 2nd street on the left route de la Combelle. Go under the porch and get back to the starting point.

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.

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.

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.

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.

.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.

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.

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

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.

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

Take the direction of Saint-Martin des Plains on the road D123, and then the road D24 in direction of Bansat. This church and its priory (today disappeared) depended on the abbey-church of La Chaise-Dieu in the end of the 11th century. However, the actual building doesn’t seem to be before to the first third of the 13th century. Located at the centre of the fortified village of Bansat, the building has in all probability been fortified in the 15th century. The church, in a gothic style, is composed of a polygonal choir of the 13th century and a nave covered with a vault divided with cross-springers. She might have been constructed secondly in the 13th century-early 14th century. The nave presents capitals sculpted with vegetables, contrasting with the choir decorated with faces or masks, and with crowned people. We notice the transition between Romanesque and Gothic sculptures which slides from an imaginary world to a more realistic representation.

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.

Come back on the road D722 and take the road D123 in direction of Orsonette – Lamontgie, and then the direction of Mailhat. This church (classified Historical Monument since 1859) is located on the way to Compostella and on the clunisian, cultural European itinerary. It is an old parish which depends today on the municipality of Lamontgie. Situated on a old place of worship, then on a little Gallo-roman temple became church (1900: cartulary of Sauxillanges). The actual church has been reconstructed by the monks of Sauxillanges (end of the 12th century) in an elegant and decorated style which contrasts with the regular severity of the Romanesque in Auvergne. From the original temple remain only six small columns that are used in the south porch and in the choir. The capitals and the modillions are full of flair and originality. But, if we know that some of them tell with shells that Mailhat was a step on the way to Compostella, others keep staying a mystery to solve.

This is a beautiful church famous for the quality and diversity of its sculptures on the porch, the apse and the choir. The church, built mainly in arkose, was built in the last third of the 12th century; preceded by a sanctuary given to the Cluny Abbey of Sauxillanges in the 11th century, it was fortified and raised in the late Middle Ages, and enlarged with side chapels in the 15th century. Classified as a Historical Monument in 1859, ND de Mailhat has a single nave plan and a half-timbered apse. An abundant decoration is found outside with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic heads on capitals and modillions. A man holding a purse, a fish, a woman nursing snakes frame the south door, adorned with Romanesque paintings and Gothic decoration. Inside, the motifs of the mermaid, eagles and griffins remind us of the influence of Antiquity during this Roman period. Dating from the 15th century, the bases of the south chapel, whose execution is remarkable, represent the angels who carry the instruments of passion.

Perched on a volcanic mound and overlooked by a Virgin statue, the village of Usson offers a 360° panorama on the chain of Puy, the Sancy Mountain, the Cézallier, the Cantal mounts and those of Livradois-Forez. This village keeps the memory of Queen Margot, who has been exiled in her fortress, one of the most important of the kingdom, for 19 years. Following the salamander path, you will discover the village, and be charmed by the greatness of its basalt columns, the power of its old ramparts, the charm of its streets climbing to the church, which is surrounded by old houses, a recreated forge, wine-making houses and artists workshops. All these elements help it being listed “Most beautiful village of France”.

Presentation of the story of Usson, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and his emblematic character: Queen Margot. The history of Usson from the volcanic period with the appearance of the Butte d'Usson to the present day is presented in a scenography with a model of the village in the 15th century and the ghost of Queen Margot recounting her life and in particular the period when she was exiled to Usson for 19 years, between 1585 and 1605. Widely involved in the religious and political quarrels of her time, Queen Margot was exiled to Usson by order of her brother Henri III for 19 years. Granddaughter of François 1er (whose emblem was the salamander found in Usson), daughter of Henri II and Catherine de Médicis, sister of Charles IX, wife of Henri de Navarre, future Henri IV, Marguerite de Valois, known as Queen Margot, was born in 1553. Imprisoned in the fortress of Usson in 1585 on the orders of her brother Henri III, after getting rid of her jailer the Marquis de Montboissier-Canillac, she refurbished and decorated the château and held a brilliant and spiritual court attended by the best minds of her time, welcoming writers, poets, singers and musicians, inaugurating a literary genre by writing her memoirs, giving charity to the poor (Donnerie d'Usson), and leading a pious life without neglecting her love life. After her well-negotiated marriage to Henri IV, she was able to return to Paris in 1605, where she died 10 years later.

The scenographic area : from volcanism to nowadays, discover the main events of Usson’s history, its rich heritage, its actual life, with a model of the village and the castle in the 15th century. Located at the tourist office of Usson. Phone number : 06.22.88.56.77. Complete your discovery with an enjoyable walk called “the path of Queen Margot” by following the salamander. Tour available on our website www.sejours-issoire.com section “Activities and adventure” (activités et aventures)

A hilltop village classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (France’s Most Beautiful Villages), offering a gorgeous panoramic view of the Dore and Puys mountain ranges, which served as a place of exile for Marguerite de Valois, known as Queen Margot, the wife of King Henry IV of France. At the highest point of the village, you'll find the unusual remains of a powerful fortress that disappeared in the 17th century. At the end of the 16th century, Queen Margot was imprisoned in the fortress of Usson, which was renowned as "the strongest square in the kingdom" with its 20 towers and 3 enclosures. During your visit, follow the salamander, it will take you to the volcanic organs and at the very top of the peak from where you can admire a magnificent view of the Puys chain, the Sancy, the Cézallier and the Livradois mountains ( Route with 7 reading tables "on the steps of Queen Margot")

After a short ascent beyond the church, the puy d'Usson overlooks this village, which is classified among the most beautiful in France. The views over the Cézallier, the Allier valley, the Dore mountains, Chaîne des Puys and Livradois-Forez are remarkable. On the remains of the former castle was erected in 1893 a statue 7 m high on a pedestal forming a chapel. In the village, to the right of the cemetery, follow the signs "montée à la vierge".

Keep driving on the road D127, and then take the D48 and D909 in direction of Saint-Germain-Lembron, the D214 in direction of Auzat-sur-Allier and the D123 in direction of Nonette. This church, mid-Romanesque, mid-gothic was at the origin the headquarters of a priory of La Chaise-Dieu, which was under the patronage of Saint-Nicolas since the second part of the 11th century. The big building adjoining it would be the work of the Benedictines. The armorial of Revel, dating back to the middle of the 15th century, shows a quite different image of the actual building, especially on the representation of the bell tower. The nave still have Romanesque sculptures (on the baskets figured), completing the bestiary of the Western portal. In the choir, the sculptures correspond more to the gothic style that place itself more in the gothic tradition of the Bourbonnais and the Ile-de-France. The chapel called “chapel of the kings”, orientated at the North, is also marked by the gothic style, but later (gothic flamboyant) because it dates back to the 15th century. The name of this chapel is related to the altarpiece extremely rare in Auvergne. It has unfortunately been burned during the French Revolution in 1793. It has been rediscovered only in 1976. The frame keeps features of the gothic style but the pilasters Renaissance allowed to date this altarpiece between the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. *Remarkable furniture in the Northern chapel: “Le Beau Dieu”. It is a chest in marble dating back to the 14th century (Historical Monument in 1903). It would come from the chapel of the castle constructed by the Duc de Berry. The sculpture would be attributed to André Beauneveu, sculptor from Valencienne who had worked for the Duc in Nonette in 1387.

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.

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

In the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, 20 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, the restaurant is ideally located on the beach of Lake Aydat. The chef offers traditional cuisine and a range of pizza, burger, salad and snack.

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.

"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!"

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

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.

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.

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

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

Opening 20/03/2020 > 01/11/2020 Stay in the Volcano region of the Auvergne! In the spa town of Royat, Huttopia Royat campsite welcomes you at the foot of the Puy de Dôme in a peaceful, natural setting.

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

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

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

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