Blesle walks

This walk begins in the woods along a stream, leading to a former 17th-century fortified castle that has now been converted into a farm. You’ll discover magnificent views over the valleys surrounding the charming village of Blesle.

A hike to discover the site of Chadecol, inhabited 10,000 years ago by the first farmers and herders. A walk to admire the basalt columns of Chadecol, the Allagnon valley and the village of Blesle.

In search of the spring in the forest, this is a short but challenging hike that starts by following the Sianne valley and continues towards the hamlet of Chantejail through the woods that cover the ridges of the Pic du Chambon.

This pleasant route, partly through woodland along the stream or across farmland, offers views of Torsiac Castle in the foreground and then Léotoing Castle. In the background lies the Alagnon valley.

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.

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.

My favourite walk in Massiac. Starting from the centre of Massiac, this route allows you, after 400 m, to walk through countryside with no roads, no houses and no fences. On the ascent, it follows the old royal, then imperial, road from Paris to Perpignan as far as the Baraque d’Oudeyre, a ruined former coaching inn. On the descent, it returns along the ridge through heathland and woods of pine and oak trees.

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

A physically demanding route halfway down the descent into the valley, offering magnificent views of the Alagnon Valley and Léotoing Castle.

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 walk takes in two iconic sites in the Alagnon Valley: the ruined Château d'Aurouze and its beautiful view over the valley, followed by the vineyard terraces (known in our valley as "Palhàs") of Molompize.

The Signal du Luguet is the highest point of the Cézallier. This hike along wide tracks, the only difficulty being the distance, takes you around the peak and up to the summit. But as for the view from the top, forget it, as it’s covered in trees! You can nevertheless enjoy the scenery by skirting the summit and taking in a 360° panorama, from the Puy de Dôme to the Monts du Cantal.

A short, very pleasant walk, starting with a warm-up on flat ground; much of the route follows grassy paths, with lovely views, including of the Cézallier (Le Pependille), as well as Mercœur and the Forez... Much of the route is shaded yet still bright. Hellebores adorn the path. You can take the opportunity to visit the picturesque village of Rentières, with its church, small chapel, fountain square, viewing points and rich flora. Take a short break at the start or on your return at L’Accueillette des Pensées, visit the garden or enjoy a cup of herbal tea made from the garden’s herbs

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.

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.

This walk, on small roads and paths between Cantal and Haute Loire, takes you through five villages and farms and offers superb views of the Livradois to the east and, above all, the Monts d'Auvergne (Cantal, Cézallier, Sancy and even Puy de Dôme) to the west from La Fage.

This walk between Boudes and Saint-Hérent allows you to discover the landscapes around the Pic de l'Avoiron and get closer to the Vallée des Saints. If you approach the old entrance to the Vallée des Saints, you will find that it is now closed.

The Sentier des Cheminées de Fées trail leads to a dry forest with a series of viewpoints overlooking geological formations: fairy chimneys, cirques and multicoloured cliffs.

Boudes, its vineyards and the Vallée des Saints, known as the Colorado of Lembron.

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 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.