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.
After a short ascent beyond the church, the puy d'Usson overlooks this village, which is classified among the most beautiful in France. The views over the Cézallier, the Allier valley, the Dore mountains, Chaîne des Puys and Livradois-Forez are remarkable.On the remains of the former castle was erected in 1893 a statue 7 m high on a pedestal forming a chapel. In the village, to the right of the cemetery, follow the signs "montée à la vierge".
A hilltop village classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (France’s Most Beautiful Villages), offering a gorgeous panoramic view of the Dore and Puys mountain ranges, which served as a place of exile for Marguerite de Valois, known as Queen Margot, the wife of King Henry IV of France. At the highest point of the village, you'll find the unusual remains of a powerful fortress that disappeared in the 17th century.At the end of the 16th century, Queen Margot was imprisoned in the fortress of Usson, which was renowned as "the strongest square in the kingdom" with its 20 towers and 3 enclosures. During your visit, follow the salamander, it will take you to the volcanic organs and at the very top of the peak from where you can admire a magnificent view of the Puys chain, the Sancy, the Cézallier and the Livradois mountains ( Route with 7 reading tables "on the steps of Queen Margot")
Mountain view
Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme - 17/08/2024
www.auvergne-destination.com
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From 01/01 to 31/12.
Subject to favorable weather.
Phone : 04 73 89 15 90
Email : tourisme@capissoire.fr
Website : www.issoire-tourisme.com
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