The Village of Saurier

The village of Saurier, along the Couze Pavin, developed in a small basin at Courgoul gorges'exit, where the Couze of Valbeleix and the Couze Pavin flowwing together. It is dominated by the impressive mass of the rock of Brionnet, at which summit you discover a gripping panorama on all the surroundings massifs. owing to numerous faults in the gneissic platforme, many mineral springs, known as salt and heavy with iron, gush around Saurier, particularly along the Couze pavin.
Saurier is distinguished by the presence of a medieval house whose function has been identified by the symbols of wolfcraft engraved on the tympanum of the front door: wolf, hare, fleur de lys, horse. It was undoubtedly the residence of a lieutenant wolfsmith, charged by the king with controlling wildlife, organizing wolf drives and the passage of mail on horseback.
The 15th century bridge evokes an old route of the road leading from the Val d'Allier to the mountains. Its three arches are supported by as many beak-shaped piles, one of which carries a small protective oratory dedicated to the Virgin. It is necessary to take it and go up a path along the bank of the river. In about ten minutes, we reach the site of the salt springs.