Zambala Nyama: Nature escapes in Cunlhat, Auvergne

We discover the remains of a great clunisian priory where four popes stayed. The walk continues in the narrow gorges of the Chaméane valley with views of the puys mountain range, Sancy, Cézallier, Allier valley and Forez. Starting point - From the starting sign at the bottom of the car park, go down the main street. Turn left, cross the Place de l'Ancienne Poste, follow the rue des Coufferts. Cross the bridge (bief or "béal"), take opposite the Petite rue des Coufferts then turn left on the D214 for 200 m and then left again on the D144, go up the road on the left (view on Sauxillanges, Val d'Allier, puy de Dôme, massif du Sancy) and continue until the D144. 1 - Take the D144 to the right. After the transformer, turn left on a steep slope through the woods. At the T-junction, turn left. At the crossroads, turn right towards Ventre. Enter the hamlet from the left. Go down the first path on the left until you reach the fork of the pond. 2 - Turn to the right and then immediately to the left. At the bottom of the valley, cross the stream wading. Go up to the right in the woods. After the clearing, walk along a softwood forest. At the road, turn left towards Chabreyras (view of the Puys chain). Cross the hamlet while staying to the left, then turn left into a wide dirt road. Ignore the side roads up to the D144. 3 - Turn left for 200 m. Turn right into a forest road. At the fork, go left. Follow the path on a steep slope towards the Chaméane river. Cross the wooden bridge and the D49 at Civadoux. Walk between the hostel buildings (old oat mill) and up into the woods. At the intersection, turn right. Go along pastures (view of the Dômes mountains and the Sancy massif). At the exit of the hamlet of Bonnefont, go down the road on the left until you reach the D706. 4 - Go to the right and at the hairpin bend take the road on the left that leads to Saint-Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges. Cross the road and then the square, pass the church (Romanesque church with bell tower) and go straight ahead in the path below which runs along a surrounding wall, ignore the adjacent paths. At La Coierie, turn right on the D49 for 20 m, turn left, cross the footbridge over the Chaméane stream and follow the path on the right. Go down the wooden staircase on the right, cross the bridge downstream of the confluence of the streams of Astrou and Chaméane, continue following the Eau-Mère. In Sauxillanges continue straight on the same road and at the end of the dead end go to the right rue des Tanneries, find rue des Coufferts on the right and get back to the starting point.

From Mont Gerbier de Jonc to Saint-Nazaire, this trail walks along the river Loire and runs through the ridges of the Forez mountains where you can enjoy various incredible landscapes. An alternative of this challenging section is made of di™erent loops on the eastern part, at lower altitudes and feasible for anybody.

On the County's Storytelling Trail, take a safe stroll: explore the forest with stories to touch, read and listen to. A 900-metre loop with very little difference in elevation and accessible ground for people with reduced mobility. This trail passes by a pond and its inhabitants (dragonflies, batrachians...). You'll then climb the puy des Gardelles and explore the environments associated with each of its facets (adret, ubac and summit).

This walk will delight sports enthusiasts eager for vertical drops and contrasting paths. In Saint-Babel, a panoramic view of the Issoire basin and the cereal plain. This hike offers beautiful unobstructed views and crosses many small built heritage sites. Starting point - From the starting sign, at the foot of the city, follow the signs "Direction Table d'orientation", "Butte du Château". Climb to the top (360° view) of the site of Château d'Ybois. Go around the hill to the left and go down to the starting point. 1 - Take the direction of Sauxillanges. At the fountain, go down on the left rue des Charnats. Continue rue de l'Abattoir. Cross the road. Take the rue des Pageix and go down towards Bas Maisons (washhouse). Cross a small bridge and continue on the road to Les Fougères. At the fountain, turn left. At the fork, turn right, go through Suchère, to the left of Château de la Suchère (view of Nonette and Montcelet). 150 m after the houses, go down left on a grassy path to La Malcourtie. On the square (fountain), stay to the left and go down a stony path ignoring the street on the right. 50 m further on, turn to the right on a grassy path. At the crossroads with the road, continue opposite, then turn right onto the grassy path that leads to the first houses of Flat. Turn left and go to the D9. 2 - Take the D9 on the right, go past the fountain, turn left before the War Memorial, then go to the right of the church. Continue to the right, then to the left on the D9 for a few meters. Turn right on Chemin de la Pellière. When you arrive in Les Echallats, keep to the left. Take the first road on the left and continue straight ahead towards Les Escures. At the entrance to the hamlet, ignore the road on the left and the street on the right and walk along the houses. At the crow's feet, leave the road and take Les Eversins road. Climb (view of the Livradois). Pass in front of the Ybois castle. Go down to La Barberie (view of the Sancy massif and then Issoire), ignoring a path on the left. Just after La Barberie, take the first grassy road on the left. At the crossroads, continue in front. At the next intersection, turn right. Ignore the path on the right. At Les Escures, take the road on the left and follow it, ignoring the roads on the right and left. At the fork, go down to Naves. 3 - At the 1st street, turn right, take left on rue de la Fontaine. Place de la Fontaine (cross and fountain), turn right. Cross the Issoire road and go up the small street opposite. Continue along the steep path in the undergrowth. Turn right. At the Straw exit, take the road to the left. At the first road on the right, go down and at the first curve, turn left. Cross the Fumades. Take the road on the left towards La Laye, before the small bridge, leave the road and turn left, then immediately to the right, a long and ravine climb. At the crow's feet (cross), go down to the right by a road. Cross Roure by the main street (washhouse, fountains). At the next fountain, turn right. Continue on the road ignoring the right lane. After the bridge, turn left on the grassy road. Continue up to the road. Cross it and continue straight ahead until you reach the starting point.

Usson, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, was strongly influenced by Queen Margot, who stayed there for a long time. From the summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Puys mountain range, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez mountains. Starting point - Facing the starting sign, go to the right. Climb a few steps, take the path in the park, then the stairs. In the village, facing a wall, turn left (direction historical centre) and go down the rue des Condamines. Pass the Tourist Information Point and turn right into rue de la Mairie. Continue straight ahead and turn left into rue de l'Église Saint Maurice. Go to the square in front of it. 1 - Turn right, go past the War Memorial and then go up immediately to the left (chicane and stone steps). Continue on this landscaped path up to the top of the hill (statue of the Virgin Mary, 360° view: Livradois-Forez, Margeride, Chaîne du Sancy et des Dômes). 2 - Go down on the other side of the hill by the path that starts with basalt stones until you reach the path used for the ascent. Go to the right and, at the stone chicane, go opposite towards a grassy area. Walk past large organs and a water tower to reach the asphalt road. 3 - Go to the left ("Tour de la butte, remparts "), go down between the houses. At the bend, take the path to the left, go up on the road (view on the Monts du Forez and Sauxillanges) and pass between the remains of the feudal castle. Go up the rue de l'Église St Maurice, go down to the right of the porch and cross the grassy square (place de Jaude). Continue opposite, turn right then left on rue de l'Echanson. Turn right and go down to the left to reach the starting point.

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.

An artistic space dedicated to engraving and micropublishing linked to the tradition of paper making in the region. Workshops of typography and screen-printing and linocut.

In 14th century, paper replaced parchment and Ambert mills began making paper from cloth. Today, the mill continues this ancestral trade. Thought to have been invented in China around 105 AD, paper's journey to the west was a long one. Paper, which was first used in France in the 14th century, replaced parchment. There were around 400 mills operating around Ambert, making paper sheet-by-sheet using rag paper. Today, the mill continues this ancient process. Highest-quality paper used for publishing the encyclopaedia of Diderot and Alembert, it is still used for restoring artwork, watercolours, lithographs and more. Educational paper manufacturing workshop: you make and keep your own paper. Exhibitions. Shop. Botanical garden.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An artistic space dedicated to engraving and micropublishing linked to the tradition of paper making in the region. Workshops of typography and screen-printing and linocut.

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

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

Recognized as one of the richest forests in Auvergne, the Comté forest is a Sensitive Natural Area, unique for the diversity of its flora and fauna. Hiking trails are available to discover these natural treasures. Recognized as one of the richest forests in Auvergne, the Comté forest is an Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS - ens.puy-de-dome.fr/nos-actions.html), unique for the diversity of its flora and fauna. Hiking trails are available to discover these natural treasures. This emblematic forest, the largest lowland oak grove in Auvergne, is also the first and largest site acquired by the Département when it set up its Espace Naturel Sensible policy, and now covers more than 610 ha. The Comté forest covers a total area of 1,500 ha. Bordered to the west by the Allier valley and to the east by the granite plateaux of the Livradois, it is one of the most diverse and floristically rich massifs in France. The Comté massif stretches across several buttes belonging to Europe's oldest volcanic complex (-25 million years), such as the Pic du Cheix Blanc (817 m altitude), the Pic de Dimond (734 m) and the Pic des Fleurides (676 m). The area's geographical location and geological and historical past are factors that explain the great diversity of habitats (varied forest stands, gully forests, residual alluvial forests, pioneer grasslands on rocky domes....). In fact, the Comté forest is home to a wealth of flora: for example, the knotty cranesbill, a mountain species that reaches its northern limit on national territory in this forest. And four protected species: the martagon lily, the superb carnation, the pulsatilla anemone and the red cephalanthemum. The forest's wealth of flora is matched by a remarkable wealth of fauna, including large wild animals (deer, wild boar, foxes), small mammals (bats: Daubenton's murin), birds (buzzard, red kite, pileated woodpecker), insects and amphibians, with emblematic species such as the spotted salamander and yellow-bellied sounder, both considered rare and threatened in France. The Conseil Départemental offers a program of events, some of which take place at the Forêt de la Comté with the ENS.

"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.

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...)

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.

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.

Very comfortable cottage with a large heated verandah. Enclosed garden. Great viewpoint, located at 15 minutes from the ski slopes. Sleds and snowshoes available, games. Great walks from the cottage.

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).

Ideal location for this cottage in the countryside, between the ski resort of Chalmazel and the northern area of the Haut Forez (Col de la loge)