Issoire, “Most beautiful detour of France”

Issoire is a member of the “Most beautiful detours of France” association, which gathers almost 100 cities proud of their character and heritage. This membership is comforted by the label of the Flowered City, with a classification of 3 flowers region-wide. The town centre, with its coloured frontages, is to discover walking. The Romanesque abbey-church (masterpiece of the Romanesque art), the Nicolas Pomel’s centre, the Réné Cassin’s square, the Republic place with its beautiful frontages from the Renaissance and the 18th century, the Clock Tower, the Jean Prouvé area; all these monuments are major stopping places for people who want to combine discovery and culture. On the evening, the city lights up to let people see countless architectural details.

Thanks to the presence of numerous reaches that supply the city in water and that serve supplying fountains, gardens Issoire has a thick water system. A “Green Slide” has been fitted out along the Couze Pavin in order to protect the fauna and flora in that green area. Easy to reach for pedestrians and cyclists, it links up the historical heart of Issoire to the sports and play activities area of the Mas. The Couze, long of 46.7 km, takes its source in the Sancy mounts and ends up with the Allier River at the level of Issoire. It is well-known for trout fishing.
*the word Couze refers to all the small rivers going down from volcanic mountains and ending up in Allier River.