Discover Aydat, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne

We are following the footsteps of the templars who took refuge at the Olloix commandery at the time when Auvergne was one of the main territories of the Order of Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. Superb views, crosses, bridges, megaliths.... Starting point - From the starting sign, go down towards the village of Chaynat. At the first fork, continue to the right. On the village square, turn right towards the rue du Four à pain until you reach the fountain. 1 - Turn left onto Chemin de Gourdon and continue up about 500 m to an intersection. 2 - Take the right track. At the T-junction, turn left. At a new T-junction on the flat, turn right and continue for 50 m (menhir des Deux territoires), until you reach a fork. 3 - Turn right. At the next road, turn left for 300 m, turn left again and continue until a crossing 300 m further on. 4 - Go up to the right on the wide grassy path for a round trip to the top of the Puy de Gourdon (from the top, distant circular view). Back to point 4, continue the path to the right. On the descent, the oblique path to the left before reaching a T-junction, near an agricultural building. Turn left and follow this main road back to point 3, continue to the right and keep east-west for 500 m. The path then turns largely to the left. Continue straight ahead, reach point 2 and continue until you reach the fountain in Chaynat. Follow the road on the right (D74, route de Ludesse) to pass below the church (church and commandery, 15th century). Stay on the road towards Saint-Saturnin. At the end of the village, turn left into rue des Avats, which runs alongside the castle park before going straight up to the starting point of the circuit.

In this small paradise full of plants, the path runs along the couze Pavin and climbs towards the lime of Verrières, wrapping itself around the Puy des Plattes and Bourgeassou. The beautiful viewpoints invite you to join the Roche Longue (volcanic “dyke”). Starting point - From the starting sign, cross the bridge over the Couze-Chambon and turn right into rue de Charbonnière. At the end of the village continue straight ahead. Leave paths to the right and left, continue until you reach a crossroads. 1 - Go up the grassy path on the left, ignoring two paths on the right. At the asphalt road go up to the right. In the bend take the 2nd track to the left. After the wood (view of the Sancy massif), stay on the main path until you reach the big farm at the entrance of the village of Fontenille. 2 - Turn left, pass in front of a stable and go down to the woods. Continue along a steep path to Couze-Chambon, then follow it on a wide path to Verrières. At the first houses, turn right and reach the starting point.

A nice tour via the Quinsat stream (footbridges) that leads to the Ravine of Quinsat and then to the Tour de Rognon, remains of the lords of Montaigut. At the top, the landscape opens up with views of Montaigut-Le-Blanc and the Livradois-Forez mountains. Starting point - At the bridge of Rognon, take the D640 towards Grandeyrolles for 30 m, and go down the road to stream of Quinsat. At the small stone bridge stay on the right bank, and continue upstream across four footbridges. After the fourth footbridge, turn right, cross the brook of Combres, and follow the path that rises in bends to the plateau. 1 - At the crossing on the plateau, take the rightmost path, which goes down slightly at first, before going up to a large path on the left (view on the Forez mountains, the Couzes country and the Sancy massif). Continue until the crossroads in Thone-le-Vieux. 2 - Cross the bridge on the left, then turn right towards Thone-le-Jeune. At the fork, stay to the right and cross Thone-le-Jeune by going down on the left. At the exit, turn right (view of the Sancy river), and continue until you reach Grandeyrolles. 3 - Go through the village (Romanesque church). Continue straight ahead, leaving the puy de Grandeyrolles on the left (view of Livradois-Forez), and then take the winding path down the path that passes under the Rognon tower and reaches the starting point.

The pleasant valley of La Rodde leads to Gourdon from where you can enjoy a vast panoramic view of the western plateaus, the Limagne plain and the volcanoes. A path between broom and undergrowth leads back to the medieval heights of Montaigut-le-Blanc. 1 - Follow it to the right for 100 m. After the bend, take the road to the right (several cellars and a well) until you reach the entrance of Gourdon (washhouse below). Go through the village, go up on the right until you reach the farm, keep going on the right. On the plateau, at the sign "Puy de la Rodde 747 m", take the right track (view on the Cézallier and the Sancy massif). Continue on the plateau, (view of the Forez and the Limagne plain). At the T-junction, turn right. At the next fork, take the right track (long and delicate descent). Follow a path on the right until the T-junction (opposite Saint Julien). 2 - Turn right then left (view on the castle, the church and the village of Montaigut). Pass in front of the "white monks" (light rocks that evoke monks on the left). At the bridge, go up to the right rue de l'Eglise. Before the gate of the castle enclosure, take the track to the left. Go down to the D996 road. Follow it to the left until you reach the car park. Cross it on the right and take the grating on the left to return to the starting point.

The hike begins in Champeix, a village overlooked by its Marchidial and its pretty alleys. The hiker explores the old Saint-Nectaire maturing cellars dug into the rock. This tour is punctuated by panoramic views.

The path rises between vineyards and rocky outcrops to Aubary lime and the menhir of Pierre-Fichade, proof of a human presence of more than 4,000 years. We go down to the red tiles of Champeix and the couze Chambon. Starting point - From the starting sign on the right of the town hall, go towards the schools. Leave the D978 on the right, cross the D28 (route de Ludesse), then the school car park. Turn right just after the post office. Take a stone path on the left. At the crossing, turn right on the road (view of Champeix and Le Marchidial). Pass the houses and continue until you reach a T-junction. Turn left, go up between the vines (view of the Pardines plateau, the 12th century Anciat chapel and the Couze Chambon valley), then turn right at the next intersection. At the fork, turn left. At the crossroads, turn left (circular view of the County, the Allier valley, the Ysson peak and the Sancy massif) until you reach the fork. 1 - Keep on your left until the next crossing in T. Go down and, at the T-intersection, turn left onto the wide road until you reach the D28. 2 - Cross the road and take the first road on the left. Walk past the menhir of the Stone Fichade and continue straight ahead. At Beauregard, leave the right path and go down into Champeix. Turn left into "Petite rue de Beauregard". At the D996, turn left and reach the car park.

From Champeix, we then discover, in Saint-Julien, the old Saint-Nectaire maturing cellars dug into the rock. Back through the site of the Marchidial de Champeix, one can only succumb to the temptation to infiltrate its pretty alleys. Starting point - Starting sign on the square, rue des Halles, near the town hall. Go past the town hall, towards the bridge without crossing it, turn right and go up the Petite Rue Beauregard until you reach the road on the plateau. 1 - Turn left twice. Follow a wide path (view on the top of Champeix). We reach a sign (point of view on the Marchidial district). Continue, leaving two paths on the right (view of the castle of Montaigut-le-Blanc and the Sancy) and go down to a transverse path. Turn left and continue down to Saint-Julien by a hollow ochre path. Cross the stream and go up to the entrance of the village of Saint-Julien. 2 - In front of the municipal school turn left. Cross the Place de la Chapelle. Continue along rue des Granges and chemin des Caves (the entrances to the Saint-Julien cellars). Turn right on the road until the crossing with the D631. Turn left for 30 m and go down a small road towards the Montaigut-le-Blanc cemetery. Cross the bridge and go up rue de l'Église then turn left before the monumental gate (panoramic view from the church square) to go down to the D996. 3 - Cross the road and take the bridge over the Couze Chambon. Immediately turn left and walk along the right bank of the river for a long time. Then turn right until you reach the first houses. Turn left and go to the porch of the castle of Marchidial (gardens). 4 - Go down to the center of Champeix. Turn left to cross the metal bridge that leads back to the car park.

The Region of Issoire and the South-Allier valley offer rich history and architectural diversity. Indeed, the history marked the territory, especially by building fortified villages to protect them from the Hundred Years’ War. You’ll also discover others defensive sites such as fortified castles, but also recreational castles.

Overhanging 927 m from Saurier and Courgoul, the volcanic peak of Brionnet offers hikers a panoramic view of the couzes and massifs with an orientation table and an access to a romanesque chapel built on basalt organs. Starting point - From the starting sign located in front of the Town Hall, go up the main street to the Place de la Porte Neuve (gate of the old fortified town). Turn left on the D146 towards Brionnet. At the exit of Saurier, in the bend, go up the path to the right until the road. 1 - Cross it and continue on the road opposite until you reach the hamlet of Rozier. 2 - Turn left, cross the hamlet (view of the Couze Pavin valley, the village of Creste and its ruined castle). After 800 m, take the first road on the right until you reach a paved road that leads to the road. 3 - Go up this road, then in the village of Brionnet take the first asphalt road on the right. At the top of the hamlet turn right into the sunken path and go to the road. Cross this road and take the courier that joins this same road. Continue to climb up to the pass. 4 - Turn right and follow the path then the trail to the top of the Pic du Brionnet (Notre-Dame du Mont Carmel chapel built on basalt columns, 360° panorama orientation table). 5 - Return to the pass (point 4), go down the hollow path to the right. Walk past the Lagouzoux farm (view of the Sancy massif). Continue up to the road (hairpin bend). 6 - Go down this one for 80 m. Take the first track on the left below and then turn left again 80 m further on. Join the road and go down the path on the left to continue the itinerary of the outward journey in the opposite direction until the starting point.

This plateau of summer pastures offers panoramic views of the points of the Massif Central. Its natural spaces conceal many treasures: peat bogs, lakes and waterfalls.... Starting point - From the Place du Marronnier, cross the Couze on the old bridge, (16th century Pède bridge, oratory housing a polychrome wooden virgin with a child), follow the D627 towards the church of Chastel, until the sign indicating the exit of Saint-Floret. Turn left at the cross. Go up to the road, follow it on the right, and then turn right again for 50 m. 1 - Turn left onto a wide track. At the fork, go up on the left, in the middle of the orchards. Take the road on the right, then the first track on the left. Follow it straight on, until you reach a new fork at the entrance to the village of Orphange. 2 - Leave the three drinking troughs on the left, cross the village. At the exit, continue straight on the road (view on Sancy and the peak of Brionnet). In the village of Le Montel, turn left. After the last houses, climb between hedges to a wide path. Take it to the right for 50 m (viewpoint), then turn left on the first path up to the Chaubasse plateau (at the top, very wide panorama). Always go down the same path (leave the transversal paths) to the hamlet of Chazeras. 3 - Turn left, pass in front of the water trough and the washhouse. Continue straight ahead on the hillside. At the fork, follow the right track, until you reach a T-junction. 4 - Go down to the right (view of the Couze valley and its various villages, as far as Issoire), pass under the high voltage line and take the first path on the left until you reach the road you cross. 5 - Possible return to the Chastel site (chapel, ossuary, necropolis). Go down to Saint-Floret by the grassy path, to the right of the hill (Way of the Cross and halfway down the hill, stone cross engraved with a heart, view over the village and the castle). At the road, turn right, cross the Couze on the footbridge, and follow the road on the left to reach the starting point.

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

Discover this magnificent 18ha estate with its waterfalls, forests, fountains, French gardens and its castle that crosses the centuries since the 13th century.

.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.

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

Want to discover the world of volcanoes and the natural phenomena of planet Earth? Go exploring in Vulcania in Auvergne, unique park in Europe on the theme of volcanoes and the Earth. You can enjoy a 3-hour outing to explore the interior of a totally natural volcano on foot or on a little train, with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. During this fun visit you’ll encounter some geological treasures and learn about man’s involveme

Located in Clermont-Ferrand, l'Aventure Michelin spreads over a 2000m2 area and displays over a century of fascinating history L'Aventure Michelin is a scenographic journey of 2000m². Thanks to an interactive scenography, you will discover the history, the present and the future of the Michelin group. From the very first detachable tyre to the MICHELIN Visionary Concept not forgetting the famous maps and guides - or the good old Michelin Man - a whole world of excitement awaits you !

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.

Understand at last the work of the bee, its role on the environment. Workshop to create breeding-cages for insects. Candle making. During a fun and educational visit, the facilitator first presents how the life of bees in the hive is organized. Then, you will discover the essential role of the bee in our environment with the help of the "theater of nature". Then, observe the bees in complete safety in the glass hives. Then comes the most spectacular moment, when the host opens a beehive behind glass. Thanks to a macro video system, we get inside the cells! At the honey house, you will attend a demonstration of honey extraction. And to end this journey well, we offer you a tasting of honey and homemade products. Duration of the visit: around 1h15 The Boutique is open all year round Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. and on the opening days of the museum. Discovery workshops during school holidays. Exhibition on edible insects and children's games.

Located in the heart of the Chaîne des Puys, the Maison du Parc offers a vast reception and information area...

The Parc des Volcans, in the heart of Auvergne, is made up of remarkable landscapes, flora and fauna. But it also owes its singularity to an entire rural community that has been able to retain its know-how and culture. The area encompassed by the Parc des Volcans has 4 national nature reserves: the Réserve de la Vallée de Chaudefour, the Réserve des Sagnes de la Godivelle, the Réserve du Rocher de la Jacquette and the Réserve Chastreix Sancy. Through its valleys, on the high plateaux and ridges, alongside the rivers and lakes, in the forests and through the fields, the park provides all outdoor enthusiasts with some fantastic trips along the trails, which are marked GR or PR.

The Puy de la Vache reaches a height of 1,167 metres. Its main lava flow, together with that of the Puy de Lassolas, is known as the Cheire d'Aydat. By blocking off valleys, it created various lakes including the Etang de la Cassière to the north and the Lac d'Aydat to the south in the Veyre valley. These 8,000 year old volcanoes are the most recently-formed of their kind in the Chaîne des Puys.

Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption de Nadaillat dates back to the 19th century. It was built thanks to the efforts of the inhabitants. Under the Ancien-Régime, the territory of Nadaillat was under the control of the parish of Chanonat, whose communalist priests came to celebrate mass and administer the sacraments. Pastoral visits confirmed that the building was in good condition and indicated that it was vaulted. After the French Revolution and the Concordat in 1801, the Église de Nadaillat became attached to the Église Saint-Genès at Saint-Genès-Champanelle. Mass was celebrated there only sporadically on certain religious holidays. In 1838, the inhabitants fought tooth and nail to have their church one again part of the parish, as a chapel of ease to Église Saint-Genès in Saint-Genès-Champanelle. A new building was put up to replace the former church. The parishioners financed the project and helped with the work. The church was consecrated in 1842 by Monseigneur Féron, bishop of Clermont, and dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. The bell tower completed the church after 1852. The church’s architect is not known, and its style is neo-Gothic with bay frames, buttresses and a bell tower made from Volvic stone. The façade is set off by two buttresses framing the entrance and two niches. Above the niches, partly erased inscriptions give the date of 1842 on the right and “Hoc potuit pietas vici” (Here piety triumphed). A triangular pediment crowns the façade, providing a hint of neo-Classicism.

Église Notre-Dame de la Visitation was the site of a very popular pilgrimage. In the 12th century, Beaune and Pardon formed a small manor that was a fiefdom of the Dauphin d’Auvergne and under the control of the manor of Montrognon (Ceyrat). It then passed under the control of the manors of Châteaugay, Les Giac and Les Laqueuille until the French Revolution. The village had a small chapel where a statue of the Virgin Mary attracted many pilgrims. Stillborn babies were taken there to be brought back to life and baptised. In 1727, the bishop forbade this practice and a manuscript from 1747 mentions that the statue was moved to the château’s chapel. After the Concordat, the small chapel in the village was bought by the inhabitants who repaired it and placed the preserved statue there. During the 19th century, the Notre-Dame-de-Beaune pilgrimage underwent a revival. Travellers going from Clermont to Mont-Dore paid homage to Notre-Dame-de-Beaune as they passed. Today, Notre-Dame-de-Beaune is still celebrated each year on the first Sunday of July. The church was restored and extended in 1863 according to plans by the architect Ledru.

Founded in 1968 in the wild site of the Gorges de la Monne, the construction of the Benedictine monastery of Randol was completed in 1985, giving the complex a remarkable architectural unity.

Laschamps retains a 12th century Romanesque-style church, Église Saint-Nicolas, close to the remains of a public space. Prior to the French Revolution, the parish of Laschamps was under the control of the Abbaye de Beaumont, whose abbess appointed the priest. After the Revolution, when the parishes were being rearranged by the Concordat, the Prefect wanted to eliminate the Laschamps chapel of ease in 1806 but the Bishop had it maintained as an independent parish of Saint-Genès-Champanelle. Built from arkose in Romanesque style, Église Saint-Nicolas dates from the 12th century. With a Latin cross floor plan, it features a single smooth barrel-vaulted nave. The entire transept is also barrel-vaulted, including on its crossing, which makes a very original combination. The choir apse features a decor with five arches with columns and capital with leaf designs. On the western façade, the rose window dates back to the 19th century. Today the church serves as a departure point for the walk to Notre-Name d’Orcival, an important pilgrimage site. The remains of a public space can be seen downhill from the church: an area in the village centre with a bakehouse, wash house, drinking fountain, well and blacksmith’s shop. Today only the bakehouse, the wash house and the drinking fountain remain. Opposite the church, a monument with an unusual form, which gave its name to the “place du Bonnet”, was built to commemorate the great fire of 17 September 1865, which ravaged multiple residences, killing 4 people and injuring 3.

Built on a basalt mound, Saint-Saturnin, formerly the residence of the barons of la Tour d'Auvergne, is listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, and owes its appeal to the use of arkose and volcanic stone in its buildings. Down its steep and narrow alleyways are homes dating back to the Renaissance alongside winemakers’ homes, wash-houses, fountains and little, shady squares. We recommend that you should go down the Chemin des Lavoirs to see the Gorges de la Monne below the village. And in the holiday season, there are theme-based guided tours and “Les énigmes au clair de lune” moonlight tours.

Discover this magnificent 18ha estate with its waterfalls, forests, fountains, French gardens and its castle that crosses the centuries since the 13th century.

Feodal castle, beautified in the Renaissance and became a royal residence. Park, gardens and panorama on the Romanesque church and the village of Saint-Saturnin.

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.

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

Creole and traditional meals.

This restaurant is located close to Lastioulles water sports centre and to the municipal campground. Tourist area for fishing, hunting and mushrooms gathering. Bar - tobacconist’s - restaurant - catering delivered Menu during high season - closed on Mondays during low season

Traditional cuisine using local produce.

Annie and Pascal Delpeuch offer you the best welcome in their establishment Le Chavanon and propose to treat you to good regional dishes.

Traditional restaurant with terrace in a friendly, quiet setting. The place seats 30 people in a nice environment. Friendly welcome and fresh products. Homemade meals with local and regional products. Themed nights.

Located in Champs-sur-Tarentaine-Marchal, Le Saint Rémi offers authentic and generous cuisine. Open from Sunday to Friday, for lunch all year round, and for lunch and dinner in August, the restaurant offers: a daily menu at €17, served at lunchtime. A menu featuring burgers, regional dishes and our specialty: frog legs. Come and discover local flavors in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Brasserie on the water's edge with a breathtaking view of the Château de Val. The Relais Valcastel and its team offer a varied, high-quality menu. Showcasing regional products and dishes. Drinks, ice creams, pancakes, waffles.

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

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.

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.

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

At an altitude of 850 m, between high plateaux and volcanoes, this renovated former barn offers self-catering accommodation for 15 people. Hammam, natural swimming pool, large landscaped outdoor area, terraces, petanque area... Large detached stone house close to the owners' home. You have access to the entire building for a total capacity of 15 people in 6 bedrooms, each with its own shower room and private bathroom. Spread over 3 floors, you'll appreciate the space and be able to enjoy good times with friends or family. On the ground floor, you can share your meals around the large dining room table. The owners will provide you with everything you need to prepare your meals. There are 2 lounges where you can relax by the fire or enjoy a TV break. A Hammam is available for a truly relaxing moment (extra charge). For total comfort, beds are made on arrival, and cleaning and heating are included. Washing machine. Terrace, garden furniture, children's play area, private car park. Motorbike shelter. Biological swimming pool. Petanque pitch Shops and services at La Goutelle 6 km, Pontaumur 10 km. Access to A89 Bromont Lamothe exit.

In this old hay barn, 4 lovely, cozy and spacious bedrooms await you, peaceful nights guaranteed ! The balconies have a magnificant view of the Puy Chain. Small, antique furniture is set alongside the large cupboerds of yesteryear. The floors are made of local oak. All the woodwork is treated with natural products.

Exceptional setting in the heart of the Artense lakes, with panoramic views of the Sancy massif, the Cantal mountains and the Tact reservoir. Tastefully renovated 5-bedroom gîte. At 900 m altitude, close to GR30 and mountain bike trails, 4 km from Lastioulles water sports center. Recommended by Routard, Guide Vert, Lonely Planet, Petit futé, Cantal Destination. Fishing label.