Around Les Cézeaux

Start at the “La Chaux” tram stop.

(S/E) On the left-hand side of the tram tracks—the only permitted side—head towards the campus to the south-east, following the mural. Go under the bridge, then continue to follow the tram line, passing the “Cézeaux-Pellez” stop and taking the right-hand bend at the corner of the modern Polytech building. Shortly afterwards, on the right, you’ll notice a trompe-l’œil wall.

(1) Continue along the tram line as it curves to the left, past the attractive modern Sigma building, pass the “Campus” stop and ignore the yellow directional signs indicating a right turn. The tram line descends from the Cézeaux plateau

(2) Just before the “Margeride” stop, leave the tram line and turn right onto a tarmac path, joining Rue Roche-Genès and following it to the right. A hundred metres further on, turn left onto Rue du Capitaine Diéderich. Shortly afterwards, you’ll notice a superb cherry tree in a garden on the right. At the junction, cross at the pedestrian crossing and continue straight ahead along Rue de Laschamps.

(3) At the junction with Rue de la Ganne, continue straight on, still on Rue de Laschamps. You’ll reach a gravel path; follow it to the right, with houses on your right and gardens on your left. About 200m further on, turn left onto a path at a wooden post bearing a Yellow Disc sign. You will reach a footbridge over the Artière.

Do not cross the river (do not follow the signposting) but turn left onto the path running alongside the Artière on your right. You will come to a red footbridge; cross the Artière and turn right onto the path running alongside the river. Note the two beautiful poplars near the footbridge, just after you have crossed. Return to the first footbridge and continue straight on along the path, following the Yellow Disc markings. Follow these markings until otherwise indicated. The path leads to an open area near a junction.

(4) Follow the markings as you continue straight on, crossing Rue Crevenmacher at the traffic lights, then walk about 50 metres along the opposite side of the road, Avenue Jean Curabet, to find the entrance to Parc Franck Bayle on your right. Once in the park, follow the markings again to exit on the other side, opposite the entrance to Aubière Cemetery.

A return trip through the cemetery allows you to discover a beautiful Lebanese cedar and enjoy an interesting view of the Cézeaux plateau. Exit through the same gate and follow the signposting to the left. Turn left onto the wide Allée des Tilleuls, which is, indeed, lined with these trees.

(5) At the end of this avenue, cross the D777 and continue along the path opposite. Carry on straight ahead along the paths at the next two junctions, following the signposting. At the third junction, the yellow markings are no longer visible, but continue straight ahead to reach Rue Roche-Genès, opposite the Sigma building. Ignore the Yellow Disc markings heading to the right and follow the street to the left until you reach the junction with Rue Pasteur.

Turn right up this street and note, on the embankment opposite, the numerous ventilation shafts of the old wine cellars. Cross Rue Pasteur quickly, then take the steps on the left leading up the embankment and continue along the path. More shafts are visible on the left.

(6) You’ll come to a street, Allée de la Cave Madame, and follow it to the right. At the first junction, carry straight on. At the second junction, you’ll find yourself facing Allée de la Croix de l’Arbre. Turn left, carry straight on again at the next junction, then you’ll reach Avenue Jean Noëllet.

First turn left then right to follow Rue de Gravenoire. Keep to the right-hand side of the street and, take care, after a “end of 30 km/h zone” sign, look out for a path on the right. Follow it to reach a park. Head left onto the grass, skirting the houses on your left, to get an unobstructed view of the Saint-Jacques cemetery below and the Puy de Dôme.

(7) Join the path slightly below and follow it to the right. At the end of the dog-runs, at a small roundabout, turn onto the path on the right towards some large rocks at the edge of the park which block vehicle access. Leave the park via this path and continue along the road.

At the Stop sign, turn right, cross Avenue Jean Noëllet at the first pedestrian crossing, then follow, opposite, a very narrow path (which is a bit overgrown with lesser celandine in the summer, but it doesn’t sting) between the properties. You’ll reach Rue Pasteur; cross it (take care) and take the street opposite, which becomes a no-entry road about fifty metres further on. Continue straight on to reach Rue des Rivaux and turn right to reach the “La Chaux” tram stop (S/E).

Easy walk, comfortable shoes recommended.

A town walk. Some may find the sections through the housing estates a bit long.

A few photos here

(S/E) The mural at the ‘La Chaux’ stop was created for the tram’s tenth anniversary in 2016 by three graffiti collectives:

Collectif 63e paragraff: Mister Ema, Iggy, Motte, Keymi, Pipa Fizz T, Sker
End to End collective: Apogé, Meame414, Cofee, Feft, Epok, Kaer, Marthe, Repy, Rino, Waro
Siempre collective: Awi, Byen, Neuf, Sirob, Snake2; Guests: Kuter, Nuit

Thanks to them for this superb production.

(6) Like many villages around Clermont and in the Allier Valley, Aubière was once a wine-growing town; beneath this hillside in particular there are more than 80 private cellars. You can find out more at the Wine Museum.