Zambala Nyama: Nature escapes in Cunlhat, Auvergne

This superb hike can be completed in 1 day for experienced hikers with a sporty bent, or in 2 days for a more leisurely appreciation of the landscapes and heritage.

A hike on the western flank of the Cunlhat basin, through typical Livradois undergrowth and a beautiful local heritage. Beautiful views of the Livradois and Forez mountains, the Chaîne des Puys and Cunlhat.

A lovely walk through forests of ancient trees, with magnificent views over Cunlhat and Forez, and a rich architectural heritage: bread oven at Vironne, fountains and tubs at Les Faidides, stone cross at Olagnier, Terrol castle.

A choice circuit starting from the beautiful granite village of Ceilloux and its priory. Followed by the fortified farm of Le Bost, the stone huts of Dourbias, the château des Martinanges and the thatched cottage of La Cissartie. Beautiful views of Forez and Thiers.

From Tours-sur-Meymont, this circuit offers beautiful views of the Graves valley, the Dore gorges and the Forez mountains. Of particular interest are the adobe houses, the private Château du Bourgon and the stone bridge over the Minchoux.

This tour takes in the fortified church of Saint-Blaise (18th-century ironwork and 15th-century frescoes), the unfinished church of Prulhière, a viewpoint over the Miodet valley and the old lead mines of Chabanettes (a mountain of white sand).

A hike through landscapes of orchards and woods, typical of the Livradois region. Nature is wild, with views over the Dore valley, the Haut-Forez and the Sardie valley, as well as heritage sites such as the Vierge cross, the Montel well and the church of St-Blaise.

A family walk in the forest from Auzelles, accessible by baby carriage, with interpretation panels to help the young (and not so young) recognize the tree species and plants on this circuit.

The Livradois village of La Chapelle-Agnon, nestled in a verdant woodland setting, is famous for its white stone. Discover the white stone of La Chapelle-Agnon.

The trail's central location offers panoramic views of the Monts du Forez, Thiers, the Dore valley, the Chaîne des Puys, the Sancy, the Château de Mauzun and the surrounding villages. The fruit trees offer delicious treats...

La Maison de la Fourme d’Ambert gives information of the historical and present-day production of Fourme, AOP cheese of Auvergne. Summer workshops: cheese-making, butter production, Fourme hamburger. Are you familiar with Fourme d'Ambert, the blue-veined cylinder cheese? A staple of the traditional family cheese platter, "fourme" has been produced in the Livradois-Forez region for centuries. The Maison de la Fourme d'Ambert et des fromages d'Auvergne is located in a 14th-century house in downtown Ambert. It showcases the making of Fourme d'Ambert cheese, a collection of dairy utensils and equipment, and items linked to life in the mountain pastures (jasseries, milking cows, rosaries, etc.). The maturing cellar showcases the five Auvergne PDO cheeses. Tasting and store selling local products. In summer, workshops and events: cheese and butter making...

A place for cultural experimentation in the region. Le Bief puts on a program of shows and visual arts (printmaking, engraving). It is an association that works to disseminate culture to as wide an audience as possible. Experimentation and cultural action: From its headquarters in the heart of Ambert, the company offers a wide range of activities: home shows, intergenerational projects, artistic immersions in institutions, school projects, and workshops for young and old (dance, theater, plastic arts, singing, music). Support for local and international artists: Le Bief stimulates artistic creation in the region through artist residencies and support initiatives (training, residencies). Its artistic production space, dedicated to printmaking and micro-publishing, is linked to the region's paper-making tradition. Its gallery hosts temporary exhibitions and a boutique selling the work of local and international visual artists. Highlights at the crossroads of the visual and performing arts: Two major events organized by the Bief take place every year, bringing together the two poles of the Bief's activities (performing arts and graphic arts). The Festival de la Bonne Impression and Les Vitrines qui Parlent (in partnership with other associations). Le Bief HQ is located right in the center of town, and comprises our offices, workshops and public reception area. Come and meet us, visit the store and the exhibition gallery. Free admission. 2025: exhibition of Japanese prints from June 7 to August 30 during the opening hours of the Centre culturel du Bief. The team : Ben Quêne: Director in charge of the Graphic Arts division Dorothée Machet: Director in charge of Performing Arts Adrien Givois: Accounting / Administration Montaine Sanchez: Graphic Arts Project Manager Fred Bernard: Stage Manager (intermittent)

In 14th century, paper replaced parchment and Ambert mills began making paper from cloth. Today, the mill continues this ancestral trade. Close to Ambert, the Richard de Bas paper mill keeps the region's paper-making tradition alive. Located in the Laga valley, this venerable mill is the last in Auvergne, a region where paper production began in the 14th century. Today, at the Richard de Bas mill, activity continues according to traditions as old as the walls themselves. Two hundred sheets leave the workshop every day, all handmade according to a seasonal rhythm that sees white, mottled or colored paper give way to "flowered" paper, with its extraordinarily diverse inclusions and compositions. Visits will reveal the secrets of paper pulp manufacture, a treasure handed down by craftsmen since 1326. You'll also have the chance to get your hands dirty in workshops for young and old alike. This is your chance to make your own leaf with floral inclusions or arrangements. After this creative and heritage break, come and quench your thirst at the mill's refreshment bar! New for 2025: Flower arrangement workshop

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.

Discover life in the jasseries, the summer farms of the Hautes Chaumes: how they worked, traditional fourme cheese making, the history of summer pastures and the changing landscapes. What is a jasserie and how did it work? How was fourme cheese made? Who went up to the mountain pastures? How did they live? The museum space under the thatched roof of the jasserie answers these questions. (Self-guided tour or with audioguide). The Jasserie du Coq Noir also offers a wide range of activities to help you discover the environment and our heritage: nature walks for children, storytelling walks, self-guided treasure hunts, picking walks, etc. A cultural season is organized from May to October. And last but not least, you can enjoy local products (including the famous patia) by the fireside...

Located in the emblematic Vallée des Usines site in Thiers, Le Creux de l'Enfer is spread over two exceptional industrial buildings above the Durolle River. For more than 30 years, the art center has showcased the best of both national and international contemporary art and has invited artists to create works through immersive residencies, collaborating with local stakeholders. Through an annual program of solo and group exhibitions, a series of talks and conferences closely tied to these exhibitions, as well as outreach initiatives and special public events, the art center also aims to create the most favorable conditions for bringing art and the public together. A case in point is “Samedis d’enfer,” scheduled during each exhibition, which brings together a multitude of artistic offerings, including workshops for children, guided exhibition tours, and concerts, performances, and other public events. Drawing on a wide range of influences—spanning industry and nature, action and thought—Le Creux de l’Enfer embodies a project that is as experimental as it is accessible, as demanding as it is generous, and as cutting-edge as it is welcoming. A contemporary art center housed in the former Creux de l’Enfer cutlery factory—which closed permanently in 1956—it traces its origins to the cultural decentralization policy launched under the leadership of Jack Lang in 1985. It opened in 1988, three years after the National Symposium on Monumental Metal Sculpture, organized by the municipality of Thiers, several of whose works remain scattered throughout the city and its surroundings. Le Creux de l’Enfer is one of fifty French contemporary art centers accredited by the Ministry of Culture, modeled after the German “Kunsthallen”—spaces in which artists are deeply involved: Le Creux de l’enfer devotes its entire space to a program of temporary exhibitions (renewed twice a year) and events, developed in collaboration with guest artists. Since October 2019, it has held the designation “contemporary art center of national interest,” making it the first contemporary art center in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to receive this designation. At the helm of this “vessel” on the Durolle River is Sophie Auger-Grappin, who, after more than 20 years in the Île-de-France region, chose to leave Paris and an art center in the Yvelines for Thiers, bringing with her artistic projects of national scope for this “other capital”—the capital of cutlery. Since 2025, the Creux de l’Enfer has been renovated, expanded, and has also extended its artistic and cultural program to the May factory, connected to the Creux de l’Enfer factory by a covered walkway. Thanks to this work, a brand-new visitor route has been created, featuring new spaces open to the public (a lower hall right next to the river, an observation deck with an unmissable view of the valley, a small workshop where visitors can enjoy activities and hands-on sessions...) and an exhibition space of nearly 1,000 m². The project was managed by the Fabre/Speller architectural firm—which had previously overseen the transformation of the Creux de l’Enfer in 1988—and was further enriched by the collaboration with architect-engineer Alexandre Bagros-Murat and designer Olivier Vadrot for the furniture and interior design.

Discover this historic site in Arlanc, high above the town. The owner will take you into his home and reveal all its secrets: the stages of construction, the gardens, the prints, the collections, ... The owner's tour of the château de Mons, 11th-17th-19th centuries, takes you on a journey through French history: architectural evolution, key figures, garden history, the 1939-45 era, local history. The vast collection of printed images from the 15th to the 20th centuries is also an opportunity to discover the world of prints: art, caricatures, comic strips and the history of manga. Visualization of optical views with a zograscope and an optical box, pre-cinema. New: educational tour of the gardens, which have just been redesigned based on the only known painting of the château dating from 1690 and an important manuscript by the owner at the time: Italian garden, vegetable garden and orchard, with an educational tour, opening of the orangery devoted to the history of these gardens based on historical documents, and creation of a garden of 20 squares of simple plants with a presentation of their virtues, care for the body and care for the mind. Other new features: cultural season (readings in the gardens, lectures, concerts, etc.): see program on www.chateau-de-mons-arlanc.com

Come discover the traditional methods of manufacturing of the Fourme de Montbrison (the Montbrison round cheese) Pont de la Pierre. Free tasting and sale in the shop. Visit of the manufacturing laboratory from an observation gallery.

The conservatory orchard at Tours-sur-Meymont is an orchard of regional interest for Auvergne fruit collections, covering 5 hectares of open-air orchard plantations. Pre orchard - Remarkable landscape. Conservation of fruit varieties: apple, pear, cherry, plum, chestnut, almond... Largest collection of regional varieties, flagship site of the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels d'Auvergne (269 varieties and 518 grafted trees). Self-guided tour with educational panels. Landscaped area dedicated to biodiversity Grafting and pruning training courses, exhibitions. Free admission as part of annual program. By quotation for specific or unscheduled requests.

Dating back to the 11 th century, the castle surprises and delights. It was re- designed in the 15 th and 18 th centuries. French ceilings, polished wood floors, porcelain and artisanal wall tiling. Gues- trooms, exhibition space, tearoom Dating back to the 11 th century, the castle surprises and delights. It was redesigned in the 15 th and 18 th centuries. French ceilings, polished wood floors, porcelain and artisanal wall tiling. Guestrooms, exhibition space, tearoom.

La Maison de la Fourme d’Ambert gives information of the historical and present-day production of Fourme, AOP cheese of Auvergne. Summer workshops: cheese-making, butter production, Fourme hamburger. Are you familiar with Fourme d'Ambert, the blue-veined cylinder cheese? A staple of the traditional family cheese platter, "fourme" has been produced in the Livradois-Forez region for centuries. The Maison de la Fourme d'Ambert et des fromages d'Auvergne is located in a 14th-century house in downtown Ambert. It showcases the making of Fourme d'Ambert cheese, a collection of dairy utensils and equipment, and items linked to life in the mountain pastures (jasseries, milking cows, rosaries, etc.). The maturing cellar showcases the five Auvergne PDO cheeses. Tasting and store selling local products. In summer, workshops and events: cheese and butter making...

A place for cultural experimentation in the region. Le Bief puts on a program of shows and visual arts (printmaking, engraving). It is an association that works to disseminate culture to as wide an audience as possible. Experimentation and cultural action: From its headquarters in the heart of Ambert, the company offers a wide range of activities: home shows, intergenerational projects, artistic immersions in institutions, school projects, and workshops for young and old (dance, theater, plastic arts, singing, music). Support for local and international artists: Le Bief stimulates artistic creation in the region through artist residencies and support initiatives (training, residencies). Its artistic production space, dedicated to printmaking and micro-publishing, is linked to the region's paper-making tradition. Its gallery hosts temporary exhibitions and a boutique selling the work of local and international visual artists. Highlights at the crossroads of the visual and performing arts: Two major events organized by the Bief take place every year, bringing together the two poles of the Bief's activities (performing arts and graphic arts). The Festival de la Bonne Impression and Les Vitrines qui Parlent (in partnership with other associations). Le Bief HQ is located right in the center of town, and comprises our offices, workshops and public reception area. Come and meet us, visit the store and the exhibition gallery. Free admission. 2025: exhibition of Japanese prints from June 7 to August 30 during the opening hours of the Centre culturel du Bief. The team : Ben Quêne: Director in charge of the Graphic Arts division Dorothée Machet: Director in charge of Performing Arts Adrien Givois: Accounting / Administration Montaine Sanchez: Graphic Arts Project Manager Fred Bernard: Stage Manager (intermittent)

This museum features a display highlighting the different types of energy used by humankind. Local know-how is put in the spotlight in the area dedicated to the twining and rosary industries Housed in premises typical of early 20th-century brick architecture, MUS'ENERGIE, the museum of motive power and energy for mankind, takes visitors on a journey through the diverse worlds of science and technology. Covering almost 1,200 m², the exhibited and partly animated collections form a remarkable whole. Firstly, the museum presents a collection of steam engines which, in their time, revolutionized work in workshops and in the countryside. The second hall features a tour highlighting the different types of energy used by mankind. Finally, the weavers' workshop and the rosary room illustrate local know-how. Labels: Aurhalpin heritage, RéMut network, Route des Métiers en Livradois-Forez

The House of Heritage (Maison du Patrimoine), old chapel “Notre-Dame du Bois”, is a clunisian site. This museum offers you the visit of the chapel, the evocation of the history of the priory and of Sauxillanges' village. Permanent and temporary expositions. Located 4 place de la Liberté. Phone number : 04.76.96.85.10.

This small active town with several good restaurants has maintained the souvenir of the former monastery. In the 13th century, this monastery, which had become a priory, reached its peak with the abbey church of Saint Pierre, the large cloister, the monastery buildings, the chapel of the prior adjoining a second cloister. Even if few elements remain, a careful observation of Sauxillanges makes it possible to find this organization. The Heritage House, which takes place in the former chapel of the Prior, traces this wonderful history.

Constructed in the 15th century, this castle is the property of the municipality of Le Vernet-la-Varenne. On the ground floor, you can visit the amethyst museum to discover the history and the nature of this violet rock, also called “bishop’s rock”. Greeks said that it protected from drunkenness and allowed the elevation of the spirit. The museum presents this mineral and its history through a commented exposition, fun activities and accompanied walks. Phone number : 04.73.71.31.32

The lake of Le Vernet-la-Varenne. Lifeguard on duty in July and August from 11 o’clock to 12, and then from 14 o’clock to 18. Phone number : 04.73.71.31.21

The museum “Le petit monde des automates”, created by Miss Giraud that makes live the ancient works, in a magical village of moving crib figures in printed clay, with sound and light. Located in the village. Phone number : 04.73.71.27.71

"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!"

Just a few steps from the station of Chalmazel, the Auberge des Granges offers you farmhouse specialities : delicatessen , patia (potates baked in cream), chicken liver cake, sausage rolls, bilberry tarte, Montbrison cheese raclette, Forez hotpot... booking necessary.

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.

From the simple, the real, the authentic terroir, in a warm, family and friendly atmosphere. A very popular inn where quality and quantity are essential. The restaurant room is integrated into a typical summer jasserie. High altitude inn on summer pastures offering fresh local produce from surrounding farms (ATDR label). Booking strictly needed as no mains electricity. Hautes Chaumes (High Pastures) specialities: -local cured meats -local cheeses -thresher's pâté, bilberry or walnut tarts according to season -patia (potatoe with cream cooked slowly over 5 hours). Group rate (minimum 20 people)

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.

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.

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).

Here you will find a very friendly atmosphere and many different specialities, such as Forez salad, Forez patia (baked potatoes in cream), Montbrison cheese soufflé ... and a large choice of homemade desserts. In Sauvain, the Sauvagnard welcomes you into a very friendly setting. With prior booking, you'll discover many specialities such as ham cooked on the bone, guinea-fowl with cabbage, Forez Patia, fourme soufflé, calf's head with vinaigrette, frogs provençal and a large choice of homemade desserts.

Restaurant and much more: groceries, bread, local products, newspapers, gas bottles and items for the garden.

Homemade cuisine prepared with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Weekday workers’ lunch menu (Monday to Friday), snacks served throughout the day, and takeaway service. Guest rooms and holiday cottage with meals available by reservation for gu Welcome to Les Trois Temps, a warm and welcoming place where authenticity, great food, and hospitality are at the heart of everything we do. Our cuisine is entirely homemade, prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients while giving priority to local producers and suppliers. Our menu changes throughout the year to showcase the best of the region and offer generous, simple, and flavourful dishes. Whether you are joining us for lunch, dinner, or simply to enjoy a drink, you will always find a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Guests staying at the hotel can also enjoy our catering service. Upon request, we are happy to prepare meals for hotel guests, including on our closing days, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout their visit. Whether you are passing through, enjoying a holiday, or living in the area, Les Trois Temps invites you to discover authentic homemade cuisine, genuine hospitality, and the pleasure of sharing a memorable moment in a charming setting.

This chalet is situated at an altitude of 1300 m between the Col du Béal and the ski slopes, facing south. 20 minute walk from the car park. Ideally situated for sports activities (hiking, snow shoes, mountain bike, Alpine skiing or nordic climbing)

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.

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

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.

In a remarkable natural setting of medium mountain, Le Chalet L'Eau Vive, functional and convivial, offers you all the comfort necessary to welcome your group. Whether you are a family, a friend, a training organization, a school group or a sports association, Adèle and Frédéric offer you an à la carte stay, adapted to your needs, in a warm atmosphere. Several formulas to choose from: free management with or without meals, half board or full board, room hire. The owners, professionals of the restoration, offer you a regional kitchen of quality. In a green or snowy landscape, for lovers of gliding, sensations and outdoor activities, there is something for all tastes: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, hiking, mountain biking and mountain biking. trail, descent scooters, etc ... Group gite of 600 m²: dining room of 79 m² with central fireplace, professional kitchen, activity room or seminary of 60 m² included with accommodation, 9 bedrooms, 8 with private bathrooms, 2 small dormitories with shared bathrooms. Relaxation area with sauna (fee payable in free management). Possibility of half board or full board for groups (sheets and household included for groups of adults), possibility of renting part of the cottage only for 22 people, rental of rooms possible without accommodation. Sheets rental 8.50 € / bed. Big field with games of ball and animals on place for the happiness of the small ones. Room available to store ski equipment, bicycles, etc ... Edges in the course of finishing.

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.