Flavours and authenticity of Allier sides and of the Livradois

Contact : Tel : 04 73 71 39 76 E-Mail : ot-vernet-la-varenne@wanadoo.fr

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

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

Meeting point in the place called “Les Cothards” at the Norh of Saint-Jean-en-Val (road D214) Céline Montmory is a dairy ewe farmer and a cheese producer (Tomme, goat cheese, soft cheese, fresh cheese, cheese strainer, sheep yogurts). She enables you to visit her farm and taste her cheese by appointment on the 06.62.16.08.22.

Contact : Tel : 06 22 88 56 77 E-Mail : info-tourisme-usson@orange.fr

The scenographic area : from volcanism to nowadays, discover the main events of Usson’s history, its rich heritage, its actual life, with a model of the village and the castle in the 15th century. Located at the tourist office of Usson. Phone number : 06.22.88.56.77. Complete your discovery with an enjoyable walk called “the path of Queen Margot” by following the salamander. Tour available on our website www.sejours-issoire.com section “Activities and adventure” (activités et aventures)

Contact : Tel : 04 73 96 37 63 E-Mail : synd.initiative.saux@wanadoo.fr

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.

The Farm Douce Laine, where you can discover angora goats and wool produced using their fleece, but also donkeys, horses, rabbits and other animals. This pedagogical farm offers you guided visits, weaving demonstrations, ponies’ rides, and the shop at the farm. Located at the castle of the Marine. Phone number : 04.76.96.83.31.

Meeting point in the place called “Péchot” in direction of Aulhat-Saint-Privat (road D49) Honey, unusual jams, dry biscuits, gingerbread, plants syrup, organic wheat flour, cider... Agriculture is their job. Discover also the castle with its 4 medieval and circular towers, and its exceptional sundial.

The association of farmers (in French EARL) of Chaptou, located at 850m walking from the castle of Péchot. The family Archimbaud produces at the farm: pigmeat, veal, and heifer, salted meat (ham, saucisson and conserves). The animals are fed with cereals produced on the farm. More information at the 04.73.71.51.24.

Jacques Faucher, your guide of fly and tap fishing, invites you to discover the most beautiful fishing sites. Beginners or experienced. Referencing French Federation Instructor Fishing Guide (in French FFMGP). For further information, call the 04.73.71.52.09 or the 06.08.78.44.92. Meeting point at the place called “Le Théron”, at the North of Saint-Babel (road D14).

Meeting point at the domain of Vort located in the place called “Perthus” at the North-West of Orbeil (road D14). At the heart of a preserved natural area, the garden of scents invites you for a pleasant moment, and to discover its aromatic herbs ant its rose garden. It’s an invitation to calm and relaxation. This garden is approved “Remarkable Gardens”. Phone number : 04.73.55.01.17.

Meeting point on avenue Ernest d’Hauterive located on heights of Issoire. These gardens from the 17th and 18th centuries overlook Issoire. They are made of vegetable gardens in terrace, copses with greenery and arbours. You will also discover the wine cellar, the cold room, the bread oven and the press room. This garden is approved “Remarkable Garden” and member of the “Vegetable gardens of France” network. Phone number : 04.73.89.22.77.

The castle has been constructed between 1707 and 1720 by Anne-François de Lastic on the basis of an old fortified house. It still belongs to the same family. Its English-style garden, overlooked by a patio lined with centenarian orange trees and old rose bushes, simply contrasts with the rigour of the court of honour where were reconstituted the six lawn beds which existed in the origin. Already quoted in the 18th century as one of the houses most richly furnished of the province, it is named by Henri Pourrat “the little Versailles of Auvergne”. Each generation never stopped enriching the exceptional collection of art objects of the castle, and we still can find an important part of its original furniture.