Auzon walks

On this walk, you will discover both the landscapes of the volcanic mountains of western Auvergne and the small hamlets that bring life to these somewhat deserted areas.

This walk is a transition between the flat landscapes of the former mining basin and the forest landscapes of Livradois. It was from the woods of these forests that sapinières (single-use wooden boats) transported coal, wine and hemp to Paris.

A walk through woodland, vineyards, farmland and orchards in the plains and mountains of Livradois.

Vergongheon is situated on a plateau overlooking the Allier valley. This is why fortified houses, topped with towers, were built in the villages of Rilhac and Lubières, enabling the monitoring of traffic in the valley. The remains of these structures can be seen in Rilhac and Lubières.

A loop on the first hills of Livradois, to the knoll of La Grive and then to the Montfaucon rock, which overlooks the mining basin and offers a beautiful view of Nonette, Ysson, Montcelet, the Sancy massif and the Cézallier.

Starting from Allevier, the route climbs through fields and villages, then enters the woods. Throughout the route, you will have a splendid view of the Sancy, Cézallier, Cantal and Margeride mountains.

A short walk through a peaceful, rural setting that provides the perfect backdrop to this village and its chapel.

A walk through farmland and forests, along a stream, with views of the châteaux of Védrines, Vernassal and Léotoing.

This circular route follows the Ruisseau de la Ribeyre valley. Most of the route is through woodland. The best viewpoint is just before the access to the D24.

An easy, short walk through woods, farmland and pastures, ideal for families. Climb the tower to enjoy a 360° panorama, with views of the Céréalier, the Livradois, and the peaks of Usson and Nonette. As you climb the tower, you will discover the remains of the ancient fortress and the villages it protected.

A discovery walk in Brioude, a small town in Auvergne boasting one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the region, the Basilica of Saint-Julien.

The starting point for the hike, the village of Nonette is perched on a volcanic hill overlooking a circular bend in the Allier River. After climbing to the top of the ancient volcano to enjoy a 360° view of the Lembron and the Val d'Allier, this former dyke, on which Gallo-Roman remains have been discovered, will guide you along the route dotted with pretty villages rich in culture and history.

This route allows you to admire the village of Léotoing and the ruins of its castle, and to discover the Alagnon valley, the Cézaliers mountains and the castle of Torsiac.

Take a stroll around and through the village of Usson. Climb to the top of the peak (639 m) for a 360° panoramic view of the Chaîne des Puys, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez mountains. A statue of the Virgin Mary dating from 1893 stands at the summit.

A short walk around the church of Vieille-Brioude, in an open-air eco-museum dedicated to vines and wine, in the form of a succession of small priests' gardens.

The route follows a variety of paths and landscapes, offering superb panoramic views of the Auvergne mountains, including the Puy de Dôme and the Allier valley. The trails lead to pastures, woods and streams.

Along the Vallée de Dieu (Valley of God), the former name given to the Senouire valley, this walk combines the pleasure of walking with the discovery of the Haute Loire's heritage. It takes us from the village of Lavaudieu, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to the impressive towers of the medieval castle of Domeyrat.

Lavaudieu is one of the most beautiful villages in France. This walk invites you to leave the village and stroll through the surrounding hills, passing through villages such as Buze, whose houses are built of red arkose.

Lavaudieu, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", will be the starting point for your hike. During the first part of the hike, you can admire beautiful views of the Cézallier, the Massif du Sancy and the Puy de Dôme. During the second part, you will follow the Allier gorges on a balcony trail. During the last part, you can discover a magnificent chapel and pastoral meadows.

In good weather, this route offers superb panoramic views of the Auvergne mountains at Fiossat. From the coudert (communal land) at Le Pin, you will have a magnificent view of the Château de Domeyrat. A visit to Vals-le-Chastel is a must: castle, church and seigneurial chapel. At Frugières station, you can visit the Resistance Museum and, on the way back, don't miss the church in Frugières.

The commune of Saint-Didier-sur-Doulon covers a large area of around 35 hectares and comprises around 30 villages and hamlets. During this route, you will discover some of them, all bearing witness to a rural past where agriculture was the main activity. You will discover a chapel, an old school and some splendid views.

This route starts at the lowest point in the commune of Saint-Didier and leads to almost the highest point. You will discover a castle, a remarkable sequoia tree, the ruins of a mill and splendid views.

Discover Saint-Didier-sur-Doulon by following the course of the Doulon river, which once powered numerous mills. Pass through the undergrowth and villages where you will find chapels and wash houses.

Following this route, you will pass successively through forest, fields and pastures. You will discover the volcanic activity of the village of Moissac Bas, its pond and its forming peat bog.

The first slate-roofed houses, large pastures and isolated farms herald the end of the Brivadois forests and the beginning of the Cézallier summer pastures.

This route allows you to discover the Senouire valley between Domeyrat and Esbelin, a small "limagne" (flat area) framed by wooded slopes. The Senouire accompanies you with its murmurs all along the route, where you can sometimes hear it without seeing it. The majestic 12th-century feudal castle with its imposing ruins dominating the village is sure to impress, and the old Romanesque bridge completes the medieval feel of the village.

To the north-east of the Cantal volcano, Massiac lies in a small basin formed by the Alagnon and its two tributaries: the Alagnonette and the Arcueil. From the top of the Plateau de Chalet, a basalt plateau, one of many left by volcanic flows in the landscape, there is a beautiful view over the valley.