Paulhac, Haute-Loire, Auvergne: a nature escape

Lempdes-sur-Allagnon is interesting for its listed hall dating from 1835, crowned with a framework valued as an architectural masterpiece. We cross puys, volcanic plateaus… Many views over the Livradois, the peaks of Nonette and Usson. Starting point - From the starting sign, cross the bridge over the Béal, cross the public garden on the left, climb the stairs and take the footbridge over the Allagnon. Pass between the tennis court and the village hall; at the road, turn left and follow the campsite. At the three successive forks, turn right to join the D654. 1 - Take the track opposite; at the fork, stay to the left and to the next one. Before the road, turn right towards the water tower. At the intersection, turn right on the upward track that goes around puy Ferrat. At the top of the hill, continue to the right (view of the Montcelet tower). Go straight ahead in Scoularoux then, in the bread oven, go to the right. Ignore the path on the left and continue (view of the Nonette hill, the Livradois mountains) until you reach the reservoir. 2 - Take the right track and continue straight ahead until you reach Moriat. At the stone cross, go along the castle wall to the left. After a fountain, stay to the right (entrance of the castle); at the next crossroads (another fountain), take the rue de la Vizade opposite. At the end of the village (cross), continue straight ahead until you reach a curve on the left. Cross the stream, continue opposite until you reach the D654. 3 - Continue opposite by the rue Filiol which goes to the campsite, turn left to find the path taken on the way there; after the footbridge, turn right. Follow the path that runs along the wall, cross the bridge near the washhouse. Turn immediately to the left on the path along the Béal to reach the starting point (at 100 m in the town centre, church and listed hall).

You will follow the footsteps of the “coal faces” that went down on the history of this territory. Indeed, the coal, gift from the old forests, made the richness of the coal mining area. Other local traditions as the cutlery industry and snail farming are to discover on this tour. Another mining activity was also important on the territory: the amethyst of Auvergne mining. This famous “bishop rock” belongs to the quartz family. Then, you will discover the deposit of Pégut, mined during several centuries for jewellery and ornamentation.

This trail winds its way through the heights of the Massiac region, taking in magnificent scenery and a remarkable heritage.

From Massiac, take the A75 "Route Vallée d'Alagnon" discovery trail to Blesle, one of France's most beautiful villages. At the Brèche de Giniol orientation table, you'll reach the canton's highest point at 1307 m.

Ce parcours vous mène à la célèbre chapelle Sainte Madeleine, cette ancienne chapelle castrale perchée sur son éperon rocheux. Découvrez ruelles et maisons à « estre », et arpentez les coteaux.

Ce circuit nous fait remonter au temps des cultures en terrasses (palhàs) et des fonds de vallées (pré-vergers). Sans oublier la sentinelle du château d’Aurouze (XIVè siècle).

Partez à la découverte des villages pittoresques des hauts plateaux, et de Bonnac dans la vallée de l’Arcueil, sur les traces des romains chercheurs d’or.

This itinerary located in the Val d'Allier highlights the traces of the daily life of the miners who extracted coal from the mineshafts to store it on large flat-bottomed boats sailing on the Allier and then on the Loire. Starting point - From the car park, cross the D710, go around the Communauté de Communes building on the right, go under the porch, cross the road of La Combelle and take the rue de Solignat opposite until you reach the avenue des Gueules-Noires. Take the dirt road on the left for 50 m, continue on the right and join the asphalt road, follow it on the right for 60 m and then turn left to go up on the plateau (view on the Nonette hill, the headframes and the Sancy) until a fork (leave the circuit Des Pas des Mineurs). 1 - At the cabin, go down on the left on La Combelle. At the houses, turn right until you reach the entrance of the old mine (Le puits des Graves, hot room, memorial), go down and turn left. After 80 m on the left, go up avenue du Puy-de-Dôme, turn left avenue d'Usson towards the orientation table, cross the plateau and join the road. Take the stairs on the right to the street below, turn left then 200 m (Galerie d'apprentissage des Mines. École Papillon) turn right onto rue Pelle-Fesse, leave the street on the left. At the stop sign, turn right, then turn left immediately towards the chapel, take the alley on the left, then right on avenue de la Poste. At the stop sign, cross over and leave rue de Petit-Puits on the right, take the 1st street on the right and in the housing estate turn right into rue des Grises then left into rue Descente des Grises. At the stop sign, turn right onto Avenue de Tansac and then left onto Rue du Bac towards Brassac. Continue to the left, pass under the railway and take rue de La Batellerie towards l'Allier (old footbridge). 2 - Go up on the left, turn off towards the houses, continue on the right ignoring the rue du 19 Mars 1962, turn left on rue de la Roche and follow the rue des Écoles. At the stop sign, turn right onto rue Germinal until you reach the crossroads (bus shelter) towards Bayard. Before the esplanade, go down the stairs on the right to the street below. Turn left and after the bend follow rue Marcel-Renesio until you reach the old pumping station, on the banks of the Allagnon river. 3 - Take the track to the left of the road, at the sports field, turn right, join the road and follow the Allagnon. Before the footbridge follow the path on the left along the river, continue on the wider path and join the D710, cross it. Turn right for 80 m then left and right on the road to the houses. Follow the rue des Chambettes, then the avenue d'Armois, take the first right, then the 2nd street on the left route de la Combelle. Go under the porch and get back to the starting point.

A hike in the land of basalt columns on a wooded and varied course accessible to all. A bewitching and impressive stroll towards the cliffs of the Oulette valley (shepherd's crook) or in front of the waves of the Salient waterfall (nearby). Starting point - In front of the church go to the right then to the left by the rue d'Esteil, 80 m further on follow the rue de Cros on the right, then go up by the chemin des Montes. In front of the allotment turn left (view of the village of Jumeaux and the hillock of Nonette). Allow the roads to the right and at the end of the allotment go up to the left. Ignore the first path on the right and go up to the kennel. Continue the ascent without taking into account the paths on either side until the crossroads under the high voltage line. 1 - Continue straight ahead and take the first track on the left. Leave the path on the right and go down to the T-junction, continue to the left on a wide path. At the crossroads go straight ahead, ignoring the paths to the left and right until you reach the intersection (stele). Go down to the right until you reach the hamlet of Brenat. Go down to the right until you reach the road. 2 - Continue opposite on the unpaved road (on the right refuge for birds of prey) continue in the undergrowth until you reach the road. Go to the right and immediately to the left below the road. At the D132, continue to the right until the crossroads. 3 - Turn left, cross the 2 bridges "Moulin de Gourdine" and turn right. Go up to the hairpin bend and down the path to the right until you reach the road. Continue on the left until you reach the pond and after that go up on the left by the road. At the crossroads, continue to the right until Saint-Jean-Saint-Gervais (church and town hall). 4 - After going around the church go down the path (large cross). Continue the descent to the "Moulin de Saint-Jean" (respect private property). Go right, cross the stream on the footbridge. Turn right for 200 m and then go up the road to the left and after 50 m, turn left again (Roman road). Further up the hill, ignore the path on the left and continue until you reach the entrance of Serlandes. 5 - Turn left up to the road. Go left, then leave the road at the second road on the left (viewpoint on Jumeaux, the Puys chain, the puy de Dôme). At the fork turn right (beware 2 paths with green markings cross) go down to the village of Jumeaux. Turn right and continue straight ahead. Leave rue du Ruisseau on the left, continue rue des Aubettes, rue de la Liberté and then rue de l'Eglise to reach the starting point.

We plunge into the valleys of the Auze which offer pretty views of the Allagnon gorges, the lime of Caure (terraces) and the impressive fortress of Léotoing and a castle chapel and the castle of Torbiac. Starting point - From the starting point, follow the road to Féchal-haut, and continue straight ahead (view of Léotoing castle, Livradois mountains, Margeride, Cézallier). After the farm of Marmaissat, go down the first path on the right which joins the stream of Auze. Go along it for about 1.5 km to an intersection. 1 - Turn right at an acute angle, cross the stream and climb the hill. On the flat, follow to the right, and at the next fork, turn to the left (view on the Allagnon valley). Continue on the road and, at the intersection, turn left, until you reach the entrance of the village of Brugeilles. Turn right for a long climb up the hillside of the Bave valley. At the intersection, continue straight ahead, pass under the high voltage line and walk to a fork. 2 - Go up the path to the right (view of the village of Bousselargues). At the crossroads on the plateau, go opposite in the valley (view on the Auze valley). Leave a path on the right, continue until you reach a footbridge on the Auze, and climb up by a wide path that leads back to the beginning.

The Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is a unique reserve for rare and endangered species, with a European reputation. Over a 45-hectare area, you can learn about biodiversity and discover almost 350 rare and endangered animals of 60 different species. Come and meet snow panthers, red pandas, wolverines, tigers, Amur panthers, takins, Tibetan black bears, Rothschild's giraffes, Hartmann's zebras, primates, two-toed sloths, dholes, pygmy hippos, cheetahs and, more generally, 350 rare and endangered animals! The Park is set in an exceptional natural site, where you can admire many incredible views over the Cézallier and discover the various actions put in place for animal welfare and species conservation, while visiting a site that is proving its difference on a European scale. Indeed, the Parc Animalier d'Auvergne stands out in many respects: Europe's largest enclosure for Amur panthers and, new for 2024, the first park to house Thorold deer, the integration of an animal nutritionist and an educational manager into the team, the creation of an association dedicated to ethology and another to learning about biodiversity through new technologies, the offer of novel mixed-use enclosures and a wide variety of immersive activities to familiarize visitors with the animals (family safaris, special encounters, vacation courses, etc.)...). A must-see! Enjoy spectacular enclosures where you can walk right up close to the animals: chamois/bouquetins, lemurs or sika deer, and numerous walkways allowing you to get up close to the animals (red pandas, bears, wolves, giraffes). The Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is deeply involved in the conservation of endangered species around the world, including in Auvergne, notably through the Play for Nature endowment fund, and participates in numerous international breeding programs for endangered species. Located in Ardes-sur-Couze in the Puy-de-Dôme region, the park is just 45 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand and Besse/St Nectaire/Murol, and 15 minutes from exits 15 and 17 of the A75, near Issoire. For the 4th year running, it has been awarded the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence. It has also been awarded the Qualité Tourisme label, and is starred in both the Michelin Auvergne guide and Le Petit Futé. A company with a mission, it received two trophies for its concrete commitment to the environment in 2023, and joined the "Entreprise engagée pour la nature" program.

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.

This garden has the shape of a planisphere which will guide you along the paths of history, botany and the smart relationship between men and nature.

From the woods of La Comté to the villages of Livradois, this route is dedicated to Queen Margot. On the way, superb panoramas and discovery of beautiful villages like Usson. The itinerary begins in Parent. Villages crossed: Yronde-et-Buron / St-Babel / Manglieu / Sugères / Sauxillanges / Usson / Brenat / Orbeil / Yronde-et-Buron / Parent.

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.

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.

Sound and light effects taking you through the gallery of pictures enabling you to relive moments from the resistance and the deportation, illustrating how some of the people of Murat survived in the concentration camp during the war. Not advised for the under twelve years old.

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.

This museum retraces the history of locomotion through the ages, with over 80 vehicles on display in a 1500m² exhibition area and reconstructed vintage stores! The exhibition is renewed every year: 2024 competition cars in the spotlight! Come and stroll through a reconstructed village, take a break at the bus stop. After passing in front of the garage, head for the farm. Then take the street that leads to the campsite, walk along the shopping street and go to the cinema.

The Museum Peynet recounts the memory of Raymond Peynet, creator of the famous eponymous “Amoureux”. Located 2, avenue Jean Moulin. Phone number: 04.73.55.18.31.

The district of Brassaget was known until the 16th century, only for its ferry, which allowed connecting the two sides of the Allier River. Its importance increased in the 17th century, with the joint development of the transportation by waterway and the mining. In 1795, almost 300 bargemen and other men working in relation with the water lived from the fluvial activity of the Allier River, and lived, for the majority, in the Brassaget district. The ferryboat of Brassaget was used until 1950.

This 12th-century Romanesque chapel was once part of the enclosure of a castle that no longer exists. Overlooking Massiac, it offers a magnificent view of the town and the Allagnon valley... A l’intérieur, découvrez la légende de ce lieu emblématique du pays de Massiac… Document de visite disponible auprès du bureau de tourisme de Massiac.

The exploitation of coal went down on the local history from the 15th to the 20th century. By the way, we can find in the village signals of this flourishing past. It’s in 1910 that the Northern city, called “Germinal city”, was constructed. In 1926, the Coal Board decided to continue the construction of housing in the Southern city, the city of Laquets. The Saint-Bonnet’s church was constructed in 1876, further to the crumbling of the old church. This building, culminating at 400m, is a neo-Romanesque construction. A stained glass is devoted to Sainte-Barbe, patron saint of the miners. In 1372, the commander of the Knight Hospitallers entered into an agreement with the inhabitants regarding the construction of a fortified castle.

The Mining museum was constructed in memory of the generations of workers who left strength and courage into the guts of earth. 160m of galleries were recreated identically. You will discover the daily work and the real conditions of miners and you will also observe the headframe of Bayard, near the museum. Located on the road to La Combelle. Phone number: 04.73.54.35.82.

In the heart of the southern Puy-de-Dôme mining basin, immerse yourself in the world of the mine: 160m of identically reconstructed galleries reproduce scenes of daily work and the real-life conditions of underground miners. Come and immerse yourself in 5 centuries of coal mining history in Auvergne. The Mine Museum owes its particularity and originality to its galleries: no less than 160m of identically reconstructed galleries. The Mine Museum is housed in the old mining machinery building. This is where the energy needed to mine coal was produced and transformed. This was also the site of the important machine that lowered and raised the shaft.

The prosperous time of the inland water shipping of Auvergne is indivisible of the success of wine-growing and mining exploitation. Until the arrival of the railway in the middle of the 19th century, flat-bottomed boats were constructed in Jumeaux with pine from Livradois and Margeride, hence their name of “sapinière” (plantation). Then, they went down the Allier River on a one-way trip and transported to Paris the cargoes of coal, wine, fruits, etc. In Jumeaux, there was a time in which construction sites spread along the Allier River for more than one kilometre, and they employed in 1795 almost 260 carpenters, apportioned in 80 workshops (there is no more remains of this today). Between Jumeaux and Coudes were staggered on the Allier River about ten “ports” where goods were embarked over the descent. Along the river, several elements discreetly remind of this closed chapter of the navigation of the Allier River: old ramps or quays in Brassaget and Coudes, or storage caves (old port of Perthus in Orbeil).

The mining city of La Combelle launches an attack on the hill of “les Graves”. Its metal headframe was the first in the area. 45m high, it supported the spanner adjusters guiding the cables to take down and pull up the lift shaft with 32 miners inside. It worked from 1924 to 1978. The headframe was completely refurbished in 2002. It’s an integral part of the “complex of les Graves”, also including the “Lampisterie” (room used to stock miners’ lamps). You will also find the “Chambre Chaude” or “salle des pendus” (hanged persons’ room), recently restored, that was used as cloakroom. The room is called after its use: there, the miners suspended their clothes upright with a chain.

9 km from the A75, the 13th century castle is in the heart of the village. The permanent the Museum of the horse toy is located on the 2nd floor of the east wing castle and presents Suzy Zanatta's rich private collection: about 1000 pieces from all over the world. In addition, if the castle is not rented we can have it visited. The visit of the castle can last from 1h30 to 2h. For groups, we can organize a one-day tour of the town (dolmen, church, museum and castle).

Refrigerated gourmet racks with specialties from Auvergne and other regions. Sweet gourmet racks. Open 24 hours a day.

Menu based on fresh seasonal produce. Licence IV.

Specialties include grilled meats and regional dishes: pounti, truffade, Auvergne platters and tasting platters, all served in a bright, open-plan dining room, under a covered terrace or in the open air.

The Auberge de l'Allagnonette welcomes you to a building full of character. The chef prepares delicious dishes: millefeuille of black pudding with foie gras, duck breast with red fruit, etc. Regional dishes: cantal tart, pounti, truffade, tripoux.

The simple pleasure of dining by the lake... a creative cuisine that draws its influences from both land and lake, using the resources of the greenhouse, kitchen garden and forest to create recipes that revisit local produce with the seasons.

The "Les Volcans" restaurant offers "home-made" local cuisine based on fresh produce selected from local producers and suppliers and carefully prepared by the chef.

Sandrine and Pascal offer (gluten-free) galettes, crêpes, salads and Auvergne cuisine. A galette and a crêpe of the moment vary every week!

Ecolodge in mountain village in Cournols. Construction with ecological materials and feng-shui intervention and geobiology. Fully equipped. Parking and private outdoor space. Rent by week or by night.

Welcome in a completely renovated farm barn that privileges wood, for a friendly and warm stay in the countryside at a few kilometres from the village. Ideal for a quiet stay with many hikes.

For holidays a 100% into nature, at the heart of the Forez mounts, we offer three different types of hosting : cabins, huts, quality wagons. Possibility to rent rooms (except July and August)

For an alternative getaway in the Monts du Forez, spend a night in the Chalets du Haut-Forez gypsy caravan at the water’s edge.

For an alternative getaway in the Monts du Forez, spend a night in one of the pods at Les Chalets du Haut-Forez at the water’s edge.

Family-hotel and restaurant near Lake La Cassière. The inn "Between Lakes and Volcanoes" offers a nature stop for a meal or a stay.