AU FIL DE L'EAU: Discover Chilhac and Its Surroundings

Partez sur le chemin des écoliers et plongez-vous dans le passé de ce charmant petit village.

The village of Celoux, the old railroad line and the windmill are all signs of the past that punctuate this circuit and make it a real heritage pilgrimage.

Un joli parcours pour découvrir l’église de Rageade, le Cros, un four. Une halte à la confluence des ruisseaux vous rafraîchira, le retour par de magnifiques chemins en sous-bois ou bordés de buissons en fleurs au printemps, se fait sans effort.

Ce parcours vous emmène sur un lieu de miracles : pas de source, pas de grotte mais un havre de paix dans une verte vallée, où une naissance inopinée donne son nom au pont du Saint. Puits couverts et fours banaux sont autant de point d’arrêts.

Bâtie sur un piton volcanique, isolée par les vallées profondes, véritables douves naturelles, la forteresse seigneuriale de Loubarcet était imprenable. De la pierre de couleur chaude aux pâturages ou sous-bois, découvrez les panoramas du Pays de Massiac.

Une randonnée qui sera riche de découvertes, entre l'eglise romane de Saint-Poncy, le vieux pont de catzara et les paysages de pâtures agricoles.

A la découverte du Moulin à vent restauré avec du chêne et du bois exotique. Panorama à 360° sur les plateaux vallonnés. A voir également un long abreuvoir en pierres, et fontaine couverte.

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.

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.

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 Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is a unique reserve for rare and endangered species, with a European reputation. Over a 45-hectare area, you can learn about biodiversity and discover almost 350 rare and endangered animals of 60 different species. Come and meet snow panthers, red pandas, wolverines, tigers, Amur panthers, takins, Tibetan black bears, Rothschild's giraffes, Hartmann's zebras, primates, two-toed sloths, dholes, pygmy hippos, cheetahs and, more generally, 350 rare and endangered animals! The Park is set in an exceptional natural site, where you can admire many incredible views over the Cézallier and discover the various actions put in place for animal welfare and species conservation, while visiting a site that is proving its difference on a European scale. Indeed, the Parc Animalier d'Auvergne stands out in many respects: Europe's largest enclosure for Amur panthers and, new for 2024, the first park to house Thorold deer, the integration of an animal nutritionist and an educational manager into the team, the creation of an association dedicated to ethology and another to learning about biodiversity through new technologies, the offer of novel mixed-use enclosures and a wide variety of immersive activities to familiarize visitors with the animals (family safaris, special encounters, vacation courses, etc.)...). A must-see! Enjoy spectacular enclosures where you can walk right up close to the animals: chamois/bouquetins, lemurs or sika deer, and numerous walkways allowing you to get up close to the animals (red pandas, bears, wolves, giraffes). The Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is deeply involved in the conservation of endangered species around the world, including in Auvergne, notably through the Play for Nature endowment fund, and participates in numerous international breeding programs for endangered species. Located in Ardes-sur-Couze in the Puy-de-Dôme region, the park is just 45 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand and Besse/St Nectaire/Murol, and 15 minutes from exits 15 and 17 of the A75, near Issoire. For the 4th year running, it has been awarded the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence. It has also been awarded the Qualité Tourisme label, and is starred in both the Michelin Auvergne guide and Le Petit Futé. A company with a mission, it received two trophies for its concrete commitment to the environment in 2023, and joined the "Entreprise engagée pour la nature" program.

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.

"For holidays a 100% into nature, at the heart of the Forez mounts, we offer three different types of hosting : cabins, huts, quality wagons. Possibility to rent rooms (except July and August)" Tony's team are happy to welcome you all year round to Usson en Forez, at the doors of Auvergne. Back to nature guaranteed in this great place full of hiking trails that you go through by feet, riding a horse or a bike. The residential leisure park proposes a direct access to the water body for fishing lovers but also to the swimming area and aquatic games.

"Le Myrtille is a luxury chalets located within the holiday park, near the lake and the village of Usson-en-Forez. Le Genêt is suitable for wheelchair users."

5 chalets each accommodating 6 guests at “Les Chalets du Haut-Forez”, a holiday park near the lake and not far from the village of Usson-en-Forez.

5 chalets each accommodating 4 guests at “Les Chalets du Haut-Forez”, a holiday park near the lake and not far from the village of Usson-en-Forez.

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.

Construite pour abriter Notre Dame de Vauclair, vierge en majesté, elle est encore l’objet d’une grande vénération. L’édifice roman, influencé par le limousin, d’une grande pureté de style (estimé fin XIIè), contraste avec les décors intérieurs très colorés de faune et flore. Baies ouvragées, vitraux et rosace, retable à colonnes torses et vignes dorées, s’ajoutent au sol ancien en pierre, l’escalier donnant accès aux combles, et au toit de lauzes typique.

Charming village built on a prominent rock dominating the Truyère river. A path which crosses the river via a small bridge leads to the village. (Starting point near the cemetary)

This majestic iron structure was constructed by Gustave Eiffel from 1880 to 1884. It has been connecting the two banks of the Truyère River for the last 120 years. The Garabit Viaduct is 564.69 metres long and 122.20 metres high. Illumination : every night during high season and Christmas holidays, weekends only from November to March. Exhibition and information leaflets in French and English at “La Maison du Cantal” (aire de Garabit - Viaduc Eiffel - A75 motorway rest area). Guided visits in French during July and August. Different types of water-based activities (see page 15) and waymarked footpaths.

Over the centuries, the Truyère river, a tributary of the Lot, has been carving deep gorges. . Its water are now held by the dams of Grandval and Lanau. A natural landscape of grandiose, surprising and contrasting beauty. Scenic car tours, many water-based activities.

This museum retraces the history of locomotion through the ages, with over 80 vehicles on display in a 1500m² exhibition area and reconstructed vintage stores! The exhibition is renewed every year : 2025 air-cooled engines in the spotlight ! Come and stroll through a reconstructed village, take a break at the bus stop. After passing in front of the garage, head for the farm. Then take the street that leads to the campsite, walk along the shopping street and go to the cinema.

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

The 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 Renaissance facade of this XIV century building is architecturally extremely refined. It used to house the consuls as early as 1354. Nowadays it hosts collections of the Alfred Douët Museum of Art and History. Guided visits in French throughout the year. Visitor guidebooks in English.

Listed as Region of Art and History Guided tours of the city and night tours : narrow medieval streets, city walls and fortified gateways, Saint Peter’s Gothic Cathedral, the Renaissance façade of the Consular House, the Corn Exchange... Visits carried out in French. City walls circuit: walk along the walls and discover the city. Brochures in French available at the Tourist Office. Visits conducted in French.

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.

Menu based on fresh seasonal produce. Licence IV.

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

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 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.

Sandrine and Pascal offer (gluten-free) galettes, crêpes, salads and Auvergne cuisine. A galette and a crêpe of the moment vary every week!

Lovely stone farm recently restored on edge of Auvergne, 20km from spectacular lava flows of Bouriannes. 4 guest rooms with private facilities (twin beds) (double bed, twin beds on mezzanine) (double bed) (160cm bed) (double bed, twin beds). Superb dining room, 80 sq. m sitting room with beamed ceiling et fireplace. Individual décor featuring wood et stone. Breakfast et table d'hôte meals use home-made et home-grown produce. Enjoy the bracing air, the peace et quiet of this easily accessible hamlet in heart of countryside. Garage nearby. Le Puy-en-Velay 50km, La Chaise-Dieu 35km.

Welcome to Sayed & Anne! Whether you are a pilgrim or on holiday, the three guest rooms will meet your expectations. They are located in the center of the green station, close to the shops and the water body that offers various activities.

Apartment located on the 2nd floor of the restaurant. In the heart of Usson-en-Forez, labelled Famille Plus Nature. Close to all shops and services, activities in the heart of nature (water, bike rental, adventure park...). Possibility to rent by the night. The furnished flat has a lounge(show) with sofa bed, an open-plan kitchen, a mezzannine for 1 to 2 children, a room(chamber) with a bed 140, a bathroom and of one toilets.

Apartment located on the first floor of the Rival-Renaud restaurant. In the heart of Usson-en-Forez, labelled Famille Plus Nature. Close to all shops and services, activities in the heart of nature. Possibility to rent by night. The furnished flat has a lounge(show) with sofa bed, an open-plan kitchen, a room(chamber) with a bed 140, a bathroom and of one toilets.

Familial hotel located at the heart of the village. Ideal if you enjoy pedestrian or horse hikes or simply looking for fresh air. Nathalie and Nicolas will give you a warm welcome. 4 bedrooms on the first floor with TV, bathroom and toilets. 2 bedrooms on the second floor.

Charming little wooden chalet in the village of Usson-en-Forez, a few steps from the shops and enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. With a large bedroom with separate sanitary facilities, it is an ideal place for hikers or a couple with children.

A stone's throw from the village and the lake, the camping les Tilleuls welcomes you to its quiet and rural surroundings. You will enjoy a wide choice of outdoor activities thanks to the Station Verte (natural tourist area). Also, you will find here all types of small traders in a rural environment. The village is classified among Green Holidays Resorts thanks to its lake, its holidays accommodation and several summer activities.

Brigitte and Claude welcome you in the former hotel of Usson en Forez's train station, located in the village and close to a waterbody. You will be welcomed in a 19th century atmosphere and will discover 5 characterful bedrooms, offering comfort and warmth to its guests. Five bedromms are available for you including two familial suites with 5 beddings in 140cm. Bathroom and private toilets for each room. Welcoming capacity of 10 people. Private garden and furnished terrace are also at your disposal. Special welcome for babys et young children with adequate material. Special welcome to fishers with dedicated storage for fishing accessories and garage for cyclists and motorcycle drivers.