Explore the Wonders Around Camping La Gazelle

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.

From the medieval village of Saint-Floret, you can cross the Pède bridge to discover orchards, meadows and old terraced vineyards. Beautiful views over the village and the gorges of the couze Pavin. Starting point - From the sign in Saint-Floret, on the Hôtel des Voyageurs car park, place du Marronnier, crossroads between the D26 and the D627, follow the Couze upstream, along the D26, towards Saurier for 200 m. 1 - Just before the speed bump, take the Chemin de la Rochette on the right, which climbs through the gardens to the top of the hill. 2 - 20 m after the power line, take the wide track on the left and go down in front of the houses. At the first crossing, turn left and follow the EDF line (during the ascent, point of view on the village and the church of Chastel). Ignore the first crossing by staying on the left then, when you reach the crow's feet, continue on the right the path that goes up on the plateau. Cross the car park under the power line and take the road in front of it. 3 - Take the road on the right towards the village of Clémensat. Cross the village to the fountain and continue on the road to Saint-Floret. At the end of the village, opposite the campsite, turn left for 20 m and then right (on the climb, view on the terraces: pailhats) and continue until you reach a path on the right (view on the church of Chastel located on the other side of the valley). 4 - Leave the path to follow this path which goes down perpendicularly to the right, then 300 m further on take a left on 400 m. Turn right on the small steep path that goes down in front of the village. At the cross, take the road on the right and cross the village to return to the starting point.

From Saint-Vincent you can walk along the rather arid hills characteristic of the south of the Puy-de-Dôme. We climb to the top of the puy of Lavelle with a beautiful view of Issoire, the Lembron and the Sancy massif. A hike appreciated for its panoramic views. Starting point - Follow the street towards the D26, then take the first street on the right. Walk along the cemetery, then the stadium. Turn left to take a street parallel to the D26 for 100 m. To cross it. Follow the D629 in front for 100 m then turn right onto a paved road. Continue the ascent until the first intersection and then turn left. Ignore two paths on the left. Continue until you reach the D629. Take it to the right until you reach Lavelle. 1 - Turn left on rue de La Ribe. Pass in front of the church to take the rue de La Chapelle on the left. Continue on rue du Suquet. At the end of the village, on the right, basalt organs. At the next two intersections, take the right lane. After two wooden benches, go up to the right to follow a track climbing in the moor between junipers. Follow the track on the right (view of Clémensat, the church of Saint-Floret and the Monts Dore) around the rocky summit, bordering a cliff (view of Lavelle and Saint-Vincent). Continue the climb up to a wide path. Turn right and go down to a crossroads. 2 - Go to the left. At the fork, turn right until you reach the entrance to Clémensat. 3 - At the T-junction, turn left. At the next one, go down to the right. At the next crossing, continue the descent to the left (view of the puy de Lavelle). Turn right on a small path that goes down quickly into a ravine and joins the D26 at Saint-Floret (stone cross). Cross the road, turn right to a footbridge. 4 - Cross it, turn left to follow the Couze Pavin, cross the D28, pass over a lock, continue along a path and then a path and reach the starting point at Saint-Vincent.

From Montaigut-le-Blanc, the Pinière plateau offers an exceptional panorama of the Sancy mountains.

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.

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.

A loop where you can stroll through the 5 villages and where each of them keeps a precious testimony of the past (churches, oppidum, castle...). The path passes from valley to valley and reveals the Dauphiné d'Auvergne and the mountains that border it. Starting point - From the starting sign, at the back of the castle take the Tourzel road on the right. After the stream follow the alley to Meilhaud's first house. Turn left for 10 m and follow the wall to the right. Continue along rue du Pré Clos. At the tipping point turn left until you reach the fountain. 1 - Turn right into rue des Remparts, then rue d'Antaillat. At the end of the village go straight ahead and climb the Way of the Cross. On the plateau take the grassy path to the left. At the intersection, continue to the right (panorama on the puy d'Ysson, the Sancy massif, the puy de Lavelle, the villages of Chidrac, Saint-Cirques-sur-Couze and Meilhaud). Go beyond the large dry stone walls and continue until you reach the wide stone path. 2 - Turn right on it. At the road go down the wide path to the left (view of the Livradois-Forez mountains and the hillock of Vodable). Cross the Gripet stream and climb to Ronzières. At the intersection, under the farm, turn left and at the sewage treatment plant go up to the right towards the village centre. Continue along rue du Coudrat to the church (Romanesque church) and its enclosure (orientation table). 3 - Exit through the porch, go around the small tower and the church (oppidum) on the right. Go down the path to the left along the fence. At the crossroads in the woods turn right. At the exit of the wood turn left. In view of the Gripet stream, turn left and cross the bridge. Go up to the village of Tourzel. At the fork take the stairs to the left and turn right immediately. Cross the village by the rue du Dauphiné d'Auvergne to a fork at the exit. 4 - Turn left, continue straight ahead, leaving a path on the right. At the T-junction, take the wide road on the right, and continue down to Saint-Vincent. On the asphalt road take opposite rue de la Cure. At the crossroads, turn right into rue des Fontaines and then rue du Mas. At the exit of Saint-Vincent continue on the main road. At a fire hydrant go left, rue de la Tour Madame to enter Saint-Cirgues-sur-Couze and join the castle (Château de l'Anglade, 18th century).

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.

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.

Built at the end of the Middle Ages, this château contains some of the most extraordinary furniture and painted decor from the 16th and 17th centuries, a dazzling illustration of the medieval and early Renaissance imagination. 1-hour guided tour only. Château de Villeneuve-Lembron is a seigniorial residence built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Reflecting a period of transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the building shows the importance and wealth that the lord of Villeneuve, Rigaud d'Aureille, derived from royal favor, thanks in particular to the preserved furniture and painted decorations. Rigaud d'Aureille (c. 1450-1517), Baron de Villeneuve, was an important figure who enjoyed many privileges. Captain and butler to the king, he earned the trust of the sovereigns and was entrusted with diplomatic missions. The residence he had built away from the old family mansion where he was born was a vast quadrilateral flanked by massive towers and surrounded by deep moats. The lord did not hesitate to depict himself in murals illustrating "dits", short plays with a moral or satirical tone. At the beginning of the 16th century, the land of Villeneuve became a barony and belonged to the Montmorin family. Gaspard de Montmorin embellished the château with a large-scale painted decor, of which some remarkable examples remain in the ceremonial hall and large stables. In 1643, Villeneuve-Lembron was acquired by Isaac Dufour, Treasurer of France, who transformed the inner courtyard, added a porticoed gallery and decorated the ceilings and fireplaces on the second floor. His descendants, who remained in the castle until the end of the 18th century, sold it to the Pélissier de Féligonde family, who kept it until 1919. By decree of May 25, 1926, the château was classified as a Historic Monument. The last owner, Georges Tixier, donated it to the French government in 1937, which undertook its restoration. It is currently managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.

The Hôtel d'Aureilhe (old château de Villeneuve), residence of the Aureilhe de Villeneuve family in the 15th and 16th centuries, is a fortified medieval perimeter that bears architectural witness to the rise of the nobility in feudal Lembron. It features : - An early 11th-century keep, a square tower surrounded by a first enclosure, of which fine remains have been found, and from the top of which you can admire an exceptional panorama. - The mansion itself, a 15th-century seigniorial palace. - The second enclosure and the 16th-century main buildings currently being restored. The building is listed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. The renovations were carried out with the help of the French government, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the Puy de Dôme department.

From wine tasting to vineyard walks, come and spend a convivial moment at Domaine Sauvat. Annie, an artisan winemaker, will share her expertise and passion for wine with you in a unique and intimate setting. In the heart of the volcanic landscapes of the Auvergne, I welcome every visitor to Domaine Sauvat as a privileged guest. I'm Annie, and I'm passionate about sharing my terroir and my love of Pinot Noir. I like to take the time to talk, tell and share, whether it's during a free wine tasting all year round at the domaine or a walk through my vineyards. I grow three cuvées of Pinot Noir from our volcanic soil: Anthocyane, a delicate, fruity red, Nymphéa, a more intense, structured red, and Eolia, an airy, gourmet rosé. Each of these cuvées tells a part of my story and that of this unique terroir. In 2026, I've come up with new ways for you to experience the estate. You'll be able to take part in yoga sessions in the vineyards, listen to storytelling walks, learn the art of dowsing, enjoy a romantic starlit evening in the heart of the vineyard or come to an aperitif concert... I want every moment spent here to be an authentic, simple and memorable interlude. I'm also proud that the estate has been awarded the Qualidog, Vignobles & Découvertes and Bienvenue à la Ferme labels, recognizing the value of our welcome, our commitment and the quality of our experiences. I invite you to find me on Facebook and Instagram to follow the life of the estate and discover our upcoming events. I look forward to sharing a warm moment with you.

Château de la Batisse, located in Chanonat, is classified as a Historic Monument, as is the entire estate, and is surrounded by a garden that has been awarded the "Jardin Remarquable" label. Originally built in the 13th century as a defensive tower, the Château de La Batisse became a fortified castle in the 14th century. In the 18th century, it was transformed into a true pleasure estate, which is admired today for its rich history, its remarkable architecture, and its gardens—unique in the Auvergne region. Open year-round, the castle hosts both private and professional events, all while coming alive with an inspiring cultural program. Unique exhibitions, exceptional events, and timeless experiences make the site a space for creativity and cultural transmission. Contemporary art, historical reenactments, performances, concerts, and immersive evenings invite visitors to rediscover the château in a new light. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious, everyone can enjoy unique experiences in the heart of this place steeped in history. Events From June 20 to August 30, 2026, set amid 19 hectares of nature and gardens designated as “Jardin Remarquable” (Remarkable Garden) and traversed by the Auzon River, the estate offers visitors a true respite of freshness and discovery. Shady woods, French-style gardens, waterfalls, orchards, a maze, wooden play structures, and art installations punctuate the visitor experience: Gallery of Auvergne portraits in the maze — Denis Pourcher Lava stone sculptures integrated into the gardens — Thierry Courtadon Floral sculptures in the Roseraie pond — Alexis Boyer “In Search of the Enlightenment”: busts of great philosophers hidden in the grove along the Allée des Cascades Summer 2026 Program Music Festival – June 20, 2026: storytelling during siesta time in the orchard, a costumed procession in the style of Napoleon III, and a free festive evening at the Moulin du Château starting at 6:30 p.m. (in partnership with Auzon Collectif), featuring concerts by local artists, food, and a friendly atmosphere. Concert Evening – July 13: concert featuring Les Frères Maulus followed by a barbecue. Guided Tours of the Château: starting July 8, Wednesdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Napoleon III-themed costumed processions (afternoon): June 20, July 8, August 9 Storytelling tours (afternoon): July 8, August 5 “The Musketeers & Milady” event (July 15–August 13, every Wednesday): performances and fencing workshops.

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

Located on the Gergovie plateau, this new-generation museum plunges young and old alike into the Gallic War between Vercingetorix and Caesar, with archaeological artifacts and multimedia displays. More than just a visit, the Musée Archéologique de la Bataille de Gergovie offers a truly lively, interactive tour. The discovery area combines graphics, models, archaeological objects and multimedia devices, culminating in an immersive audiovisual room that plunges visitors into the heart of the famous battle between Romans and Gauls. The tour also allows visitors to explore the civilization of the Arverne oppida, understand the archaeological advances made on the Gergovie site and grasp the natural and geological history of the plateau. It offers a complete understanding of the grandiose landscapes surrounding this emblematic site.

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, 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: it is the European park most involved in the conservation of rare and endangered species, with over 80% of the species it hosts being part of a European breeding program. The first park to house Thorold's deer, it also boasts Europe's largest enclosure for Amur panthers. The park was also behind the creation of Science Nature, an association dedicated to ethology, and Biodiv'Educ, another association dedicated to learning about biodiversity through new technologies. Unique mixed-use enclosures and a wide range of immersive activities enable visitors to familiarize themselves with the animals (family safaris, special encounters, vacation courses, etc.). A must-see!

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

This route alternates between mountain pastures and forests, and is accessible to all, making it ideal for snowshoeing and Nordic ski touring. Descriptif détaillé uk

This village rising up on rock is protected by the donjon of a feudal castle from the 13th century. In the ground floor, you can discover one of the most beautiful gothic rooms of France, the Knights room, with frescoes recounting the Tristan and Iseults’ novel. Then, the second room of the castle offers a panoramic point of view from the donjon. The archaeological site of Chastel dominates the village. A Romanesque chapel from the 12th century with its bell tower from the 16th century keeps treasures, including a “Virgin with a bird” and a fresco of the lord of Saint-Floret. The Saint-Floret’s springs are located along the rifts of the earth’s crust that extend from Besse to Saint-Floret. The most important is the spring of “La Ribeyre”, nicknamed the “lion’s head spring” because of its form and its colour, caused by salt and limestone sediments in it. You can take the path fitted out by the Protective association of Areas and Landscapes of Auvergne to discover it. Then, there is the spring of “la Font du bon Saint-Flour” that springs in a fountain in the village of Saint-Floret. It was also nicknamed the “Stomach fountain” because it had the property to cure children’s gastric diseases. Today, it’s no more accessible. Finally, situated between Saint-Floret and Saint-Vincent, the spring of “Font Salade” is visible from a long way thanks to its numerous coloured limestone sediments. It was used at the end of the 19th century, but its weak flow caused the end of this utilization.

A 13th-century feudal castle, some 40 frescoes depicting the Tristan and Isolde romance were painted in 1370, 13 of which remain and are unique in Europe. Open to the public: a 2nd room, access to the keep and the tower with panoramic views. Of the last fortified castle built in the 13th century and dismantled by Richelieu, all that remains are the keep and the main building erected a century later. The keep contains a Gothic room, vaulted 9m on each side, with 12 ribs and a keystone depicting a sun with a human face. In this room, frescoes depict King Marc, Tristan de Léonois, Palamède, Hélis, the fairy Morgane and Iseult. All these characters represent the legend of Tristan and Yseult. The frescoes were painted in honor of the arrival of the Duc de Berry, and numbered some 40, with 13 persistent ones. Admire the quality of the painted details and the scale of the frescoes, unique in Europe. A 2nd room in the château has been open since 2011. In this room, you can discover a magnificent framework, as well as remains of tiles dating back to the castle's origins. From the panoramic viewpoint at the top of the keep, you can see the fairy fountain, set in a cave whose water cured children of the disease of the big belly.

Nestling against the rock along the Couze Pavin, the village of Saint-Floret is protected by the keep of a fortified castle. At its foot, winegrowers' houses are served by medieval alleyways. There are still important remains of the feudal complex that defends the village of Saint-Floret. The lower castle preserves magnificent 14th century frescos. It is the only French representation of a version of Tristan's novel Overlooking the village is the site of Le Chastel with its Romanesque church. During developments in the late 1970s, a series of rock tombs were discovered south of the church, dug into the rock. These cavities are called anthropomorphic for their shape adapted to the human body. Heritage visits of the village from April to September, and in July and August hiking with heritage visit.

Unique archaeological site with anthropomorphic tombs from the High Middle Ages, dominated by a pyramid-shaped ossuary and a 12th-13th-century chapel. Inside, many treasures including a Virgin and Child and a 14th-century mural. The mural depicts the lord of Saint-Floret and his family. It is on display at the Palais de Chaillot. It was on this hill, the Chastel, that Neolithic man first settled, followed by Celts, Gallo-Romans and then early Christians. Ancient remains are evidence of their presence. The top of the hill has always been considered sacred, and it was here that people built their sanctuary. Take the opportunity to have a look around, the site offers a lovely view over the village!

Go up to the church of Chastel following the direction of the place called “Orphanges” (road D627). The site of Chastel dominates the village. The chapel from the 12th and 13th century, with its tower bell from the 16th century, is surrounded by a unique archaeological site with anthropomorphic rupestrian graves from the Early Middle Ages, dominated by an ossuary in a conical shape. The church is a building with a unique nave, covered with broken cradle, with a flat chevet, lighted with three gothic bay windows. The northern chapel is decorated with a votive and familial fresco representing Jehan de Bellenave, chamberlain Jean de Berry, with his wife and his 4 kids, all on their knees, presented to the Virgin by Jean-Baptiste, around 1410 (Historical Monument in 1914). You will also discover a “Virgin with a bird”, statue in polychrome rock from the 14th century (Historical Monument in 1914).

A few kilometres from the village of Saint-Floret, the salt spring of the Tête de Lion is dominated by an impressive limestone concretion with a feline profile. The "Lion's Head" is made up of a rock called travertine resulting from the continuous deposit of limestone carried by the water. The latter, which comes from infiltrations that descend into the basement and which, in contact with recent volcanic chambers, have warmed up and become charged with carbon dioxide. The access path borders the nearby Couze Pavin.

The village's history is reflected in the charm of Montaigut-le-Haut's old streets, which wind around the foot of its castle and church. Once fortified (see the city gate), the village is situated on a slope and dominated by an important castle (12th – 15th century). In the 13th century were born in this castle two Montaigut: one was chosen as “Old Master of the Jerusalem Order” whereas his brother reached the same function in the Order of the Templiers. The fort kept its important square donjon, a turret of stairs, an ogival door and the remains of the old chapel (12th century). The church Saint-Blaise is in part a Romanesque one and it has beautiful capitals and an interesting baptismal font. The point of view on the top of the village is really beautiful.

One of Auvergne's three major wine cellar sites, and the only one in the heart of nature, it's a stunning landscape to discover from the road! A real Hobbit village! These 140 holes dug in an ancient ash flow from the Sancy volcano, which arrived here a million years ago, offer a bewildering and very pretty sight: the entrances to these semi-circular cellars are all built of stone. The oldest known cellar dates back to 1791, but most were dug at the end of the 19th century to cope with the boom in Auvergne's vineyards, which were then in their heyday. Vines were growing everywhere between Montaigut and Champeix. In Montaigut, vines spread along the sides of the village, sometimes even between the houses! This prosperity came to an abrupt halt in the early 20th century when the vines were hit by phylloxera. Then came the First World War, followed by the rural exodus to Paris: the vineyards of Auvergne never recovered. The cellars of Saint-Julien, no longer needed, were almost all abandoned. A few were eventually converted to Saint-Nectaire cheese maturing. One was even used as a hideout by a Resistance fighter, who concealed twenty tons of weapons, ammunition and radio sets for London. Denounced, he was deported and never returned. The heritage association owns several of these, which it has restored. So has the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels, with a view to protecting the current occupants of the site: the bats! which remain very discreet... Today, these 140 caves in the middle of greenery offer walkers a truly unusual stroll! But be warned, they are private: the site can only be discovered from the Chemin des caves and the cul-de-sacs leading off from it.

Champeix castle belonged to a famous branch of the Counts of Auvergne, the Dauphins. What remains today is the base of the circular Romanesque keep and the former castle church, as well as a remodeled porch. Careful observation also reveals part of the ramparts to the south, converted into a retaining wall, and a ditch to the west, which served as a defensive barrier. Thanks to the Armorial de Revel, we have a representation of the castle in the 15th century, before it was abandoned by the Dauphins and their successors, dismantled in the 17th century and left to ruin. The church of Saint-Jean can still be seen. It's a small sanctuary with a single nave and flat chevet dating from the 12th century. Inside, fragments of frescoes evoke biblical episodes, including Salome's dance and Herod's banquet. The interior of the church is open to visitors in July and August, as part of organized exhibitions.

Champeix is very proud of its gardens in the town centre. terraced gardens, vegetable patches on the riverbanks, new scenic and aromatic gardens on the Marchidial. For many years now, local residents have been working hard to preserve and showcase these gardens: the terraces have been laid out as multi-species gardens. At the top of Marchidial, from the terraces and perched gardens of the former Château du Marchidial (free admission; pedestrian access from the town center), you'll enjoy a fine view of the town stretching along the Couze Chambon. On the other side of the road, take a look at the garden of the Sisters of St. Joseph. It has all the hallmarks of a congregational garden. Enclosed by high walls containing a circular pool and dovecotes, this haven of peace offers a breathtaking view of the Marchidial. Awarded the "Jardins du Massif Central" label.

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. Local and traditional cuisine in an exceptional historic site and panoramic setting 15 minutes from Clermont-Fd. Enjoy our homemade pastries and ice creams in a landscaped park with children's play area and shaded terrace. For seminars or business lunches, rooms available from 8 to 40 people (U-shaped layout). 120 place settings in 3 rooms. Ample parking for coaches and cars.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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. Shops and services in Saint Amant-Tallende 7 kms. Swimming and water sports in Aydat 8 kms.

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

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

This route alternates between mountain pastures and forests, and is accessible to all, making it ideal for snowshoeing and Nordic ski touring. Descriptif détaillé uk

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.

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.

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