Discover CAMPING ILOA in Thiers, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne

Welcome to the itinerary of the Véloroute 70, which allows you to discover the department of Puy-de-Dôme along the Allier river. Welcome to Via Allier, the route of Véloroute 70, this route proposes you to discover the Puy-de-Dôme department along the Allier river. The 112-kilometer route, from the Limagne plains to the north with his hilltop villages of the south of the department, is entirely marked out on low-traffic roads or cycle lanes. We propose a presentation in five parts of about 20 km each for a touristic discovery. Today, the Via Allier is entirely marked out on a shared road in the departments of Puy-de-Dôme and Allier. Gradually, the route is equipped with sections of greenways. In a few months, the route will be marked out in the Cher and Haute-Loire. > PART 2, from Crevant-Laveine to Pont-du-Château. This part marks the transition between the plain of the Limagne, an expanse of rich land widely used for agriculture, and the volcanic face of the city of Clermont-Ferrand and around. The Allier river, wild at the departure with often untidy banks, takes a more orderly path among rocky corridors.

A route with a variety of landscapes, the upper part of which, at an altitude of 700m, is very airy and offers views as far as the Puys range. The Rocher des Cheirs rises 789 meters above the Theux and Terrasson valleys. Here you'll find two streams that are tributaries of the Sichon, as well as a huge coniferous forest that is home to numerous bird species, including the Tengmalm's owl.

La Guillermie, a village with a long tradition of cutlery-making, boasts a remarkable natural setting, making it an ideal location for magnificent walks. In the heart of the impressive Bois Noirs massif, the Bois du Four circuit takes in paths and roads lined with pectinated fir and beech trees. This forest is traditionally exploited, making the flora and fauna easily noticeable.

A special tour for beginners to discover the Bois Noirs surrounding the village of La Guillermie. Departing from the village of La Guillermie, at an altitude of over 1000 m, this lovely family trail through the Bois du Four takes in the village's surroundings. Don't miss a short break at the Bechemore mill, guardian of the traditions of the past.

Leaving from La Guillermie, discover this lovely forest trail with its beautiful viewpoints. Starting from the village of La Guillermie, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, this forest trail takes in the surroundings of the village and the Cheirs rock, from which you can see the Terrasson valley and the Auvergne mountains.

Discover the villages of La Guillermie and Ferrières sur Sichon. Starting from the village of La Guillermie, at an altitude of over 1000 m, follow the path down into the valley as far as Ferrières-sur-Sichon, where there used to be lime kilns. Turning left at the hamlet of Cheval Rigon, a short detour takes you to the ruins of Château de Montgilbert, a must-see in the Montagne Bourbonnaise!

Leaving from the Montoncel or Guillermie hostel, join Lavoine and discover its forest heritage. After crossing the valley, the Saint-Vincent rock rises up in front of you, offering one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Montagne Bourbonnaise. A few kilometers further on, the Beau Louis cycle pass takes you to the mythical and mysterious Bois Noirs forest and the hidden Nélie peat bog.

Discover the villages of La Guillermie and Ferrières sur Sichon. Starting from the village of La Guillermie, at an altitude of over 1,000 m, you'll follow the path plunging down into the valley to Ferrières-sur-Sichon, where there used to be lime kilns. A few kilometers further on, you'll come to Chappes castle, built in the 15th century. Turning left at the hamlet of Cheval Rigon, a short detour takes you to the ruins of Château de Montgilbert, a must-see in the Montagne Bourbonnaise!

Departing from Ferrières-sur-Sichon, Lavoine or La Guillermie, this loop takes you into the Sichon valley, but also to the heights of Rocher Saint-Vincent, one of the most remarkable sites in the Montagne Bourbonnaise.

Nestling at the foot of the mountains, Mariol is crossed by the Darot, a stream that flows from the heights to the east. Progress through the forest is pleasant, although sometimes steep. The more open spaces offer lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Crosses, wells and ovens can be seen along the way before descending from the plateau to Mariol, following the Darot.

The Contemporary Arts Centre in the Creux de l’enfer is located in the Valley of the Factories. This place promotes contemporary artistic creativity and promotes the meeting between arts and audiences.

Come and relax in this beautiful wooden chalet with a 35 m2 terrace with jacuzzi and an incredible view of the surrounding countryside. Situated at less than 4km from the motorway exit ‘’Les Salles’’ (42), between the historic village of Cervierres and the village of Noiretable with its Casino game, lac and all shops near by The chalet is made using only the local wood and built by an artisan from the area who uses old methods with a respect for modern architecture The chalet is build on poles which provide an amazing view. There is 20m2 inside with all the necessary comfort, fully equipped kitchen, also made by a local manufacture and a bathroom with a shower and toilets with a modern design. You will also find a very comfortable sofa bed which you can fold during the day to optimise the space A large 3m door window will allow you to wake up in front of this incredible view. Also giving access to a 35m2 terrace which was thought to maximise your own comfort in the country side The 24 jet SPA is placed in the center, there is 2 laying space and 1 seat. Still looking at the view you will be able to get a relaxing water or air massage hoping to maybe spot some wild animal passing through the land across On one side of the terrace you will find and outdoor living area where you can relax, read a book or simply listen the birds singing. On the other side you will find a dinning space where you can enjoy your breakfast and try the local specialities while looking at the forest in this beautiful part of France This Chalet is suitable for 2 adult only

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.

Self-contained house comprising 2 gîtes et 1 other dwelling. 20 sq. m. on 1st floor. Living room/kitchen area, alcove (1 double bed). Shower room. Electric heating. Shared washing m/c et tumble drier. 100 sq. m. shared unfenced garden, car port. Noirétable 13km, St-Etienne 87km.

The team at the lake offers water sports activities. Stand-up paddle (we do not give lessons). We provide all equipment and safety instructions.

Inside an old renovated farm located on the edge of the Monts du Forez and the Monts de la Madeleine, our guest rooms and our equestrian reception will delight nature and hiking lovers. A gourmet french breakfast will be served every morning. You can enjoy a quiet break in the garden or the patio. You can find nearby lot of walking path, "Les Bois Noirs" moutain bike resort ", Chalmazel, Col de la Loge and Loge des Garde ski resorts, and some cultural monuments like old castles or villages to visit.

Today, the complex offers 14 clay courts, 4 of which are covered, in a privileged setting close to Vichy town center, near the golf course and along the redeveloped banks of the lake.

Welcome in this small paradise. When everything goes too fast, nothing is more enjoyable than offering yourself a break in one of our Chambres d'hôtes, combining comfort, authentic charm and relaxed mood during all seasons... Offering theme-based stay : well-being, golf, romantic, gastronomic, equestrian, hot-air balloon, quad-bike.

The museum retraces the 600-year history of knife-making heritage. Workshops, knife-making demonstration, sound and light, shop. The museum and its manufacturing workshops tell of 6 centuries of knife making, with a wonderful collection of knives dating from the 16th century to the present day. Workshops, knife manufacturing demonstration, sound and light shows, shop. You can continue finding out about knifemaking on the paths of the VallÈe des Rouets and along the Durolle River (guided tour of the last remaining knife-sharpening mill, operational machinery).

The Contemporary Arts Centre in the Creux de l’enfer is located in the Valley of the Factories. This place promotes contemporary artistic creativity and promotes the meeting between arts and audiences.

The May factory is a former knife making factory. A dedicated space for cooperatives ensuring sustainable development of the Factory Valley, it opens its doors to the public for exhibitions, shows and other cultural events. A dedicated space for cooperatives ensuring sustainable development of the Valley des Usines, it opens its doors to the public for exhibitions, shows and other cultural events.

Pilgrimage site, church, apparition chapel, miraculous water spring. Viewpoint indicator.

At Pont-du-Château, several different bridges have crossed the river Allier, but did not withstand the river floods. The present-day bridge is from the 18th century. Criss-crossed by a multitude of waterways, the Clermont Auvergne metropolitan area retains many bridges, some of them dating back to Antiquity, such as the Beneilh bridge at Aubière. At Pont-du-Château, it is said that Caesar’s troops crossed the Allier river on foot to reach the Sarliève plain and the Gergovie plateau in the year 52 BCE. Over the centuries, several bridges were built but none survived the river floods. A wooden bridge existed in 1566 when Charles IX took it with his mother Catherine de Medici after dining at the château with Charlotte de Vienne, lady-in-waiting and governess to the royal children. The bridge disappeared in 1586 in the flood that also destroyed the Chapelle de la Recluse. After the bridge was destroyed, the Allier river had to be crossed by boat. The present-day bridge was built at the request of Monsieur de Regemortes, the King’s engineer and designer of the bridge bearing his name at Moulins. He gave the plans to architect François-Charles Dijon (1705-1785), who built it between 1765 and 1773. The bridges were preceded by a wooden dam that cut across the river to bring up its level, supply the mills and facilitate fishing, over which the King had a monopoly. Colbert, Louis XIV’s Secretary of State, ordered that the river Allier be navigable from Brioude to Pont-du-Château, with the need to open the dyke for boats to pass. The dyke was finally destroyed in 1792. Two fish passes allowing salmon in the Allier to pass were built in 2013 at the foot of the bridge.

The Port d’Amont is the last built port still visible at Pont-du-Château. It is indicative of the former importance of river trade on the Allier. The source of the river Allier (425 km) is in Lozère and flows into the Loire river at the Bec d’Allier near Nevers. The river Allier led to Nantes and later to Paris via the Briare canal (1642). From modern times until the 19th century, Pont-du-Château was a major river trading town on the Allier, with its sailors’ neighbourhood known as “little Marseille”. The municipality boasted 5 ports: la Vortille, les Palisses, des Bouères, la Borde Saint-Aventin and d’Amont. The last of these, built between 1835 and 1838, is the only built port that is still visible. Its traffic was heavy, with 1,334 boats in 1749 and 1,694 in 1750. Two types of vessels used it: rafts made from 5 to 15 fir trees, and “sapinières” which were small disposable boats measuring 17 to 23 metres long, built using around 10 fir trees. They could carry up to 20 tonnes of goods, including coal, wine, Volvic stone, paper, wood and hemp to Paris or Nantes. Once they arrived at their destination, the sapinières were dismantled and sold as wood for heating or building. The sailors returned on foot, their anchor on their shoulder, while the wealthier ones moved to Paris as “bougnats”, Auvergne specialists in “Wine, Wood and Coal”. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railway spelled the end of waterway shipping. Today the river is frequented by leisure boats and its banks have been enhanced (green paths and parks). Musée de la Batellerie on Place de l’Aire, retraces this history.

Go off to explore the historic village of Cervières, once crossed the ogival doors, you will perceive in the bend of a stroll the rest of the fortifications. Take advantage there to penetrate into the House of Grenadières, factory of Christmas crib figures ...

Located at an altitude of 1100m, the restaurant of Notre Dame de l'Hermitage welcomes you to a peaceful and mystical place. After enjoying a cuisine with Malagasy origins, you can enjoy the surroundings which offer panoramas and walks.

In a friendly setting, the inn offers you a traditional cuisine based on local products and mainly organic, pizza as well as a weekday menu. All dishes can be taken away.

Nested at the heart of the Massif Central in 1253 m of height, our chalet is situated at the foot of the slopes of the Domaine Nordique du Haut-Forez. In a cosy atmosphere, you can taste our regional specialities.

Catering: work menu at lunchtime from Monday to Friday, delicatessen/cheese boards and takeaway sales, rooms (hotel/gite) and every day for groups on request. Organization of events (concerts, theme nights...)

Welcome, Sharing and Discovery are the key words that Marjorie and Edouard offer you to experience at the Auberge de la Source. Here you can recharge your batteries and have an experience to create and tell memories. L’Auberge de la Source is a place to “be well and be well”. Also, we offer you: - The cottage with comfortable double, triple and family rooms with a total of 8 rooms and 24 beds ; - The table with family, authentic and multi-traditional cuisine made from local products allows you to discover local recipes but also go on a culinary journey. We work on unique menus per fortnight with reservations required 48 hours in advance; - A friendly space composed of a bar, darts, table football, and a mezzanine with sofa and billiards. - A grocery store selling local products promoting, among other things, our local partners; - Additional activities to discover: o Marjorie takes you to discover Japanese Raku ceramics, clay modeling and specific cooking techniques. Several workshops possible on request (jewelry, pieces). o Edouard takes you to discover deep relaxation through sound massage with Tibetan bowls and vibrational acupuncture with therapeutic tuning forks (by reservation).

Auberge specialised in festive weekends, weddings, birthdays up to 110 covers. Beautiful covered terrace for aperitifs and large wooded park for receptions.

Traditionnal meals with a touch of finess and delicacy. Country inn the weekdays (calf's head, pork trotter, pâté...) and restaurant for the week end.

The auberge is located in an old mill on the banks ot the Aix river in a superbe verdante setting. The paddles provide the electricity. Room with rustic furniture, open fire, traditional cuisine with local products.

Catering based on local products, burger with tomme, fourme, saint nectaire or entrecote accompanied by a salad and chips, salad, cheese, aperitif platters. On reservation only.

"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!"

Notre Dame de l'Hermitage seems to stay up the canton. Its privileged position offers a rare panorama, of numerous paths and invite you to practice hiking. . Collective accommodation at an altitude of 1110 m, a place of conviviality and serenity.

The gîte features a lounge and living room with fitted kitchen. Separate entrance. Patio and access to the garden, not overlooked. Parking space outside the gîte.

Come and relax in this beautiful wooden chalet with a 35 m2 terrace with jacuzzi and an incredible view of the surrounding countryside. Situated at less than 4km from the motorway exit ‘’Les Salles’’ (42), between the historic village of Cervierres and the village of Noiretable with its Casino game, lac and all shops near by The chalet is made using only the local wood and built by an artisan from the area who uses old methods with a respect for modern architecture The chalet is build on poles which provide an amazing view. There is 20m2 inside with all the necessary comfort, fully equipped kitchen, also made by a local manufacture and a bathroom with a shower and toilets with a modern design. You will also find a very comfortable sofa bed which you can fold during the day to optimise the space A large 3m door window will allow you to wake up in front of this incredible view. Also giving access to a 35m2 terrace which was thought to maximise your own comfort in the country side The 24 jet SPA is placed in the center, there is 2 laying space and 1 seat. Still looking at the view you will be able to get a relaxing water or air massage hoping to maybe spot some wild animal passing through the land across On one side of the terrace you will find and outdoor living area where you can relax, read a book or simply listen the birds singing. On the other side you will find a dinning space where you can enjoy your breakfast and try the local specialities while looking at the forest in this beautiful part of France This Chalet is suitable for 2 adult only

Magali offers you a serenity break in this former dairy, which she has put her heart into renovating. Its three guest rooms are located in a preserved environment just a stone's throw from the historic village of Cervières.

Charming stone house in a garden with trees, located in the mountains (elevation 900 metres) above a historic village.

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.

Self-contained house comprising 2 gîtes et 1 other dwelling. 20 sq. m. on 1st floor. Living room/kitchen area, alcove (1 double bed). Shower room. Electric heating. Shared washing m/c et tumble drier. 100 sq. m. shared unfenced garden, car port. Noirétable 13km, St-Etienne 87km.