Discover Grenier-montgon, Haute-Loire, Auvergne

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.

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.

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).

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.

Découvrez le charme de la végétation du Bois d’Anliac, de beaux points de vue sur la vallée de la Sianne et le hameau du Bouchet, à présent déserté par ses héros gallo-romains ou médiévaux.

Après le moulin où l’on fabriquait l’huile et la farine, et Auriac-haut, point fort architectural du circuit, les murets en pierres sèches vous escortent puis laissent place aux sentiers plus abrupts des gorges du ruisseau de l’Eglise.

Après s’être hissé au-dessus de Laurie, le randonneur appréciera le charme d’un parcours plat et reposant avec un panorama circulaire : Mont Journal, Brèche de Giniol, Suc de Védrines. Une halte au tumulus du Chouquet apporte une touche d’archéologie.

De Laurie et la vallée encaissée de la Sianne découvrez les hauts plateaux. Au détour d’un sentier, vous pourrez apercevoir les tumulus : ces tertres, témoins des coutumes funéraires vieilles de quelques milliers d’années.

Cet Espace Naturel Sensible et son sentier thématique vous permettront de découvrir l'histoire des Palhas, le travail de la vigne, les murs en pierres sèches et les richesses floristiques du site.

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.

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.

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.

Relaxation for all at the foot of Puy Mary. On your return from a hike, or after a breath of fresh air, come and enjoy the relaxing benefits of hot water!

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.

Discover this magnificent 18ha estate with its waterfalls, forests, fountains, French gardens and its castle that crosses the centuries since the 13th century.

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

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.

On the course of the Zauze river, a few km from the village of Apchat, the Gour d'appat waterfall is accessible by a pretty shaded path. The particularity of this site lies in the curious way in which the water smoothed the granitic rock. Geological origin: the world “gour” is an old world referring to deep hollows full of water, formed along rivers. The particularity of this site is the curious way that water hollowed out the granitic rock. The walls are hollowed out, smoothed, curved, and forming a kind of “raised” chapel where water springs in a waterfall. Beforehand, the river is punctuated with “witch pots”, “giant pots” (kind of holes in the rock). Origin of the name: before, people used to fish in these holes, dropping bundle of sticks into the water, with baits in the middle. Pulling them out, crayfishes were trapped, hence maybe the name “gour d’appat” because of “gour des appâts” (baits hole).

Construite pour abriter Notre Dame de Vauclair, vierge en majesté, elle est encore l’objet d’une grande vénération. L’édifice roman, influencé par le limousin, d’une grande pureté de style (estimé fin XIIè), contraste avec les décors intérieurs très colorés de faune et flore. Baies ouvragées, vitraux et rosace, retable à colonnes torses et vignes dorées, s’ajoutent au sol ancien en pierre, l’escalier donnant accès aux combles, et au toit de lauzes typique.

Located at the South of Ardes-sur-Couze, Apchat has a spring called “Chassolle”, or “Gour d’Appât”. The place has been fitted out at the suggestion of the Protective association of the Areas and Landscapes of Auvergne. This small spring has a weak flow and is not a lot mineralized. In the past, it was called “Eyes spring” because it was visited by the local population who suffered eye disease. For several years, it was the headquarters of a small commercial company, but it was soon abandoned because of its weak flow and its isolation.

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.

Located at the heart of Cezallier, this endless pasture territory was, in the past, a beech forest and a plantation that was destroyed by clearings and that disappeared in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, this territory is mainly dedicated to pastures and therefore to mountain summer pasture for bovine farming, that’s why there are mountain houses, called “burons”. Tourism expands itself little by little thanks to winter sports, this territory being really favourable towards doing northern ski and hiking with snowshoes (northern domain of Parrot). The Signal du Luguet, made of volcanic rock, is the high point. It saw the light with solidified lava flows, eroded by glaciers. There, there is an unique panorama on the whole territory. Below, you will discover one of the most beautiful valleys of the Massif-Central: the corrie of Artoux, where we still can find moraines on the sides.

From St Germain-Lembron, follow the mountain route. Ardes is at 12 km away on the edge of a valley. To visit : in the lower part of the town is the church, and in upper part of the town is the main street, further on from there is the zoo. It is a bit like a bridge between the golden plains of the Lembron and the grasslands of the high volcanic plateaus of the Cézallier. Home to a priory and then a large community of priests until the 18th century, the lower district had both religious and artisanal functions. It is easy to spot the church of Saint-Dizaint, a tall pinkish brown tuff vessel. Founded in the 13th century, the "upper" or "new" city of Ardes is the expression of a seigneurial will. The Lords of Mercoeur imposed themselves in the 12th-13th centuries until they became one of the largest estates in Auvergne. The regular plan of Ardes is characteristic of medieval urban creations. On either side of the Grande-Rue are distributed narrow and deep parcels called "strips". You will see them as you walk through passages that are sometimes covered.

The most interesting in Anzat-le-Luguet: La forge du Luguet. A “medieval” blacksmith will take you to the heart of logic filling with life the forge. Phone number : 04.73.71.74.10.

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).

Guides by the blacksmith, you will enter into the workings of the forge. The visit will finish with a demonstration with the fire.

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.

Self-contained gîte with garden and views of the Monts du Cantal and Sancy. Just 5km from Lake Lastioulles and its water sports center. Fully-equipped kitchen, living room with dining area and sitting area with fireplace. 3 bedrooms, shower room and separate WC.

Located in the middle of a 5 ha natural site, close to the lakes of Lastioulles and La Crégut. 25 unmarked pitches, with or without shade - electrical connections - shared washing-machine and dryer - children’s playground - table tennis - calm and relaxation are guaranteed. Located in the middle of a 5 ha natural site, close to the lakes of Lastioulles and La Crégut. 25 unmarked pitches, with or without shade - electrical connections - shared washing-machine and dryer - children’s playground - table tennis - calm and relaxation are guaranteed.

Self-catering cottages in gîtes village near Lac de Lastioulles. 3 bedrooms, one on the mezzanine (1 double bed - 5 single beds), shower room, shared washing machine and dryer (summer), terrace. Peace and quiet with mountain views. Groups welcome.

House in the woods, in the heart of the lakes, between Puy de Sancy and Puy Mary. Relaxation guaranteed. Lovers of nature, hiking, fishing, skiing, Auvergne gastronomy... It's the ideal place. Wake up in the company of deer, martens and squirrels, with only the sound of birdsong or the distant bells of Salers cows. The property is located on the edge of a forest, 15 minutes from all amenities. The exterior is very peaceful, with a dining and relaxation area, a brazier, board games and outdoor games. 3 bedrooms (1 with en-suite shower room), fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, 2-settee living room with 180° view of the forest, 1 veranda with dining table, the feeling of being outside, even in winter, but warm! 2 terraces, private parking. Not overlooked. Wood (stove) + electric heating.