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Chanonat walks
Chanonat - Chadrat circular loop on the Serre mountain
Discover two ancient villages typical of the region, located on either side of the Serre Mountain, an ancient lava flow overlooking the Limagne, offering views of the puys, the Monts du Forez and the Monts Dore.
L'Auzon and the Montagne de la Serre
Starting from Chanonat, a pretty medieval village, stroll along the Auzon before climbing to the heights of the Montagne de la Serre. This inverted relief, which rises above the Limagne Plain, was created by the erosion of the sedimentary rocks of the surrounding plain by rivers, including the Auzon on its northern slope.
La Montagne de la Serre overlooking Saint-Saturnin
The village of Saint-Saturnin, one of the most beautiful villages in France, boasts one of the five most beautiful Romanesque churches in Auvergne. On the other side of the Veyre valley, discover the nine fountains of the wine-growing hamlet of Chadrat, built on the slopes of the Montagne de la Serre, amidst ancient terraces.
Walking quiz "Through our history in Saint-Amant-Tallende"
This route is linked to a quiz walk that allows you to discover the town's iconic sites and learn about its history and heritage in a fun way. Find the "Au fil de nos histoires" poster on the church square and scan the QR code to start the game (free, no registration or app download required).
You can choose the "adult" trail or the "adult + child" trail (with additional questions for children aged 6 to 11).
The description below refers only to the "adult" route.
Explore the Montepo site from Saint-Saturnin
This hike allows you to discover the Montepo site, which has been developed by the Arkose Association. You will discover stromatolites, a geological curiosity of the tertiary limestone rocks of the Limagne plain. The view before you highlights the Limagne Fault and the associated volcanic activity (informative panels are provided). In May and June, many species of orchids bloom on these dry grasslands. Finally, the balcony trail along the cornices of the old terraces cultivated in the last century offers beautiful views of the medieval village of Saint-Saturnin and its castle.
From Saint-Saturnin to Notre-Dame de Randol Abbey
This walk begins in Saint-Saturnin, a village between the Monne Gorges and the Veyre Valley. The village is home to one of the most important Romanesque churches in Auvergne and a royal castle. The walk continues to Notre-Dame de Randol Abbey, passing through green, rolling countryside.
The Gergovie Plateau
From discovering sculptures by a contemporary artist to exploring the remains of this site famous for the Gauls' victory over the Romans, this hike also offers views of the Chaîne des Puys and the wooded areas near the city of Clermont-Ferrand.
The Gorges de l'Artière
An easy walk on the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand in a cool valley.
The Artière valley
Close to Clermont-Ferrand, rolling meadows dotted with a few farms and a fast-flowing stream, the Ruisseau de Saint-Genès, also known as the Artière.
Circular through the hamlets of Redon
A hike that climbs through a forest of pine, fir, oak, beech and chestnut trees, then winds its way through fields and pastures.
Gergovie, plateau and village
From Romagnat, in the north, cross the Gergovie Plateau to discover the village of Gergovie on the south side. On the plateau, there are beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and, in the distance, the Massif du Sancy and the Monts du Forez.
Lac de la Cassière from Nadaillat and via Rouillat Haut
Starting from Nadaillat, a pretty village on the Montagne de la Serre, this circular route takes you through fields and meadows to the shores of Lac de la Cassière in the Veyre valley. On the way back, the route passes through Rouillat Haut, another pleasant village with a beautiful collection of enamelled lava street signs.
Low walls and boulders on the Montagne de la Serre
On the Montagne de la Serre, the inhabitants have exploited every inch of land for livestock farming, surrounding their small pastures or pailhas with dry stone walls that provide shelter for shepherds in bad weather. On the slopes, there are also rocky outcrops such as the Chaos de Flore, on the banks of the Auzon, in the centre of which a beautiful dolmen has been built.
The Bois de Barre and the Bois Vert
Long maintained by humans for livestock farming and crops, the Montagne de la Serre is now only partially cultivated and is returning to its original state, with alternating grasslands, fallow land and woods, which you can discover on this hike. This diversity of landscapes is much appreciated by wildlife, particularly migratory birds, many of which stop off at this site.
Tour of Puy de la Vigeral
As you walk around the Puy de la Vigeral, which marks the western end of the Montagne de la Serre, you will almost always be overlooking the surrounding landscape and enjoying beautiful views of the more distant Chaîne des Puys and Sancy mountain ranges. In the village of Rouillat Haut, take the time to discover the enamelled lava plaques on display in the streets.
The enamelled lava rocks of Rouillas Haut
Nadaillat and Rouillat Haut are ancient hamlets typical of the Montagne de la Serre. This short loop follows pleasant paths, often lined with low stone walls, through terraced plots that were once farmed. Along the paths, you will also discover numerous fountains and small stone shepherds' shelters, known as "courtas". The hamlet of Rouillat Haut is distinguished by its beautiful enamelled lava street signs.
Ceyrat - Saint-Genès village via Chaos de la Faille and Artière
A third, very "geological" stage, allowing you to discover an impressive rock chaos, evidence of the Limagne Fault that borders the Plateau des Dômes, and the small gorges of the Artière. The itinerary also allows you to continue your discovery of Ceyrat with a visit to its second ancient village, Boisséjour.
Beaumont - Ceyrat via Puy de Montrognon
A fairly short second stage between Beaumont and Ceyrat, passing by the pretty Moulin de la Tranchère, a renovated mill on the banks of the Artière, then by the summit of Puy de Montrognon, crowned by a tower that is the remains of a medieval castle.
On the Limagne Fault in Ceyrat
Circular loop of geological interest among the rocky chaos of the Limagne Fault, on the heights of Ceyrat. A slightly challenging first part followed by a more leisurely return with a passage through the old village of Boisséjour.
Update 2025: Please note! The circular pattern is temporarily closed due to a landslide between (S) and (1).
Saint-Genès bourg - Laschamps via the pass between Mercœur and Lassolas
This fourth stage marks the beginning of a wilder route that leads to the foot of the puys, through mountain pastures and woods. It also allows you to discover a pretty village, Beaune le Chaud, which has a beautiful traditional architectural heritage.
La Cime de la Côte via Beaune le Chaud
Starting from the village of Saint-Genès-Champanelle, a walk through the village of Beaune le Chaud and the hamlet of Chatrat, rich in traditional housing and small heritage sites linked to water, passing on either side of the Cime de la Côte, a ridge offering beautiful views of the Puy de Dôme to the north and other puys and the Sancy massif to the south.
Saint-Saturnin from Cournols
A circular route starting from Cournols, on the volcanic plateau in the eastern part of the solidified lava flow of Aydat, in the pastures of the monks of Randol, passing through the medieval village of Saint-Saturnin, rich in old houses, a beautiful Romanesque church and a very beautiful castle. Two short return trips can be added to this circular route to discover a wash house in Saint-Saturnin and a covered walkway in Cournols.
Around Chatrat
A pleasant and easy walk for the whole family through varied landscapes with the Puy de Dôme in the distance.
Puys de Montaudoux and Gravenoire
In the Clermont-Ferrand area, climb the small puys of Montaudoux and Gravenoire, visit Bargouin Park and Royat Thermal Park. This is an easy hike if you skip the climb to the summit of Montaudoux.
The Rocher du Salut from Beaumont
Hike along the slopes of the Montaudoux and Gravenoire puys to reach the viewpoint of the Rocher du Salut. On the way back, you can visit the town and the Royat spa district.
The Standing Stones
A hike on a volcanic plateau with views of the Chaîne des Puys, a world of stones and pastures; a few isolated villages, cows and a glimpse of the civilisation of the Arverni (Gauls of Auvergne) through standing stones and dolmens.
A magnificent walk in all seasons.
On the solidified lava flow of Mercœur
At the foot of the volcanoes, alternating woods and pastures in a landscape typical of the Chaîne des Puys.Between (2) and (4), a GPS or the Visorando app may be useful.
Solidified lava flow of Mercœur and Beaune pastures
An easy walk to enjoy the forest covering the solidified lava flow of Mercœur, passing through the large pasture meadows of Beaune, which offer beautiful views of the puys.
Puys de Lassolas and La Vache via the pass between Mercœur and Lassolas
A circular route through the solidified lava flow of the Cheire de Mercœur forest, passing through the two twin jewels of the Chaîne des Puys, the extinct volcanoes of Lassolas and La Vache.
Puys de Lassolas and La Vache from Fontfreyde
Two essential links in the Chaîne des Puys, accessible from Fontfreyde via a double circular loop offering a pleasant walk through the forest before beginning the ascent of the famous twin puys with their cratered peaks.
Forest and meadows starting from Fontfreyde.
A very easy walk to enjoy the forest covering the solidified lava flow of Mercœur, passing through summer pastures.The Visorando app is recommended for certain sections.
On the Cheires Hautes
From Fontfreyde, walk along the solidified lava flow of the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas in the undergrowth, then climb to the summit of the Puy de Vichatel before crossing the Domaine de Montlosier. Finally, take a detour to the old quarry of the adventitious crater of the Puy de la Vache
Circular loop of fountains and wash houses starting from Fontfreyde
A circular route to discover the lovingly preserved heritage of a few hamlets and villages in Saint-Genès-Champanelle.
Circular in Le Cendre
This is a short walk on an urban route that follows the green corridor in the village of Le Cendre. A family walk that will allow you to discover this small, welcoming and friendly village.
Puy de la Combegrasse
This is a long circular route at the foot of the puys, through forests, fields and pastures, with a climb to the summit of Puy de la Combegrasse for a panoramic view of the Chaîne de Puys and the Monts Dore.
The lakes of Aydat and La Cassière
A circular route around these two lakes formed by lava flows from the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas. You will walk along the shores of the lakes but also explore the heights, where you will have beautiful views of the surrounding puys.
Tour of the Charade valley in Royat
A beautiful hike, not too busy, mostly through the woods. The first climb is a little steep but not particularly difficult. Beautiful views of Sancy, Limagne and Les Puys.
Limagne and the former commandery of the Hospitallers in La Sauvetat
A walk in the countryside around La Sauvetat, followed by a tour of the village centre, home to the beautiful Commandery of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem.
The Corent Plateau
The winegrowers' houses in the village of Corent are huddled together on a narrow terrace on the eastern slope of the Corent Plateau. On the plateau, an archaeological site highlights the remains of an important Gallic and then Roman settlement. The slopes of the plateau are covered with vineyards producing the Côtes d'Auvergne Corent AOP. You may even spot some chamois. At the bottom of the plateau, the banks of the Allier are rich in carbonated springs.
Tour of Lake Aydat
A charming walk around the lake with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills and modern buildings that blend in perfectly with the setting.
Beautiful architecture in Clermont, east side.
An urban itinerary to discover the beautiful late 19th and early 20th century buildings in the eastern districts of Clermont-Ferrand city centre.
Beautiful architecture in Clermont, west and north sides.
There are many beautiful buildings in Clermont-Ferrand, but they are often hidden among more ordinary ones. This urban walk takes you along boulevards and streets that stand out for their architectural richness. Although this route focuses mainly on the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the itinerary also takes you along a few streets in the historic centre lined with older buildings. The proposed itinerary explores the west and north of Clermont-Ferrand's city centre in particular.
Fountains of Clermont
This itinerary dedicated to the many fountains of Clermont-Ferrand also allows you to discover the squares and gardens, shopping streets and historic districts of the Auvergne capital.
The Schoolchildren's Path in Royat
During this walk, you will follow the small, rushing Tiretaine River, which originates near Font de l'Arbre, not far from Puy de Dôme, and disappears into the underground tunnels of Clermont-Ferrand.
From the Jardin Lecoq to the Côtes site via Montjuzet and Amazonie
An urban hike dotted with pockets of greenery. From south to north, the altitude increases, as does the temperature, passing from the Jardin Lecoq in the centre of Clermont to the Parc de Monjuzet, a small hill rising to 480 m with a Mediterranean garden, then past the beautiful fresco by the End To End collective celebrating the Amazon rainforest, before climbing steeply to reach the ancient Gallic oppidum on the Côtes de Clermont site, at an altitude of nearly 600 m.
The Monne Gorges
Immerse yourself in the coolness of the superb Monne Gorges. On the heights, enjoy absolute calm in a Mediterranean atmosphere on large rocky plateaus. Discover places of worship from yesterday and today: the Allée Couverte de la Grotte and the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Randol (modern).
Please note that the path through the gorges is narrow and slippery, with ropes in some places.
Countryside and village of Plauzat
A walk in the Plauzat countryside before exploring this beautiful village in Limagne: rich winegrowers' houses, crosses, fountains, wash houses and a beautiful Romanesque church.
South Limagne villages: Plauzat and La Sauvetat
Between Issoire and Clermont-Ferrand, the broad, agricultural Limagne plateau boasts a number of beautiful villages with a rich built heritage: forts and ramparts, towers and keeps, fine winegrowers' houses, fountains and wash-houses.
Tour of closed shop fronts in Clermont
An urban walk for Sundays, when shops and restaurants are closed, to discover some beautiful paintings on shop shutters. The itinerary also allows you to discover several murals in the historic centre of Clermont.
The Royadères walk
It is very rare not to encounter other walkers on this beautiful granite promontory overlooking Royat and Chamalières. The residents of Royat and Chamalières enjoy walking here in all seasons. This loop follows a forest discovery trail, the beautiful Chemin des Crêtes and part of the Roman road that linked Lyon to Saintes.
In the last part of the hike, the beautiful forest paths were transformed into wide tracks at the end of 2022 and tree debris litters the banks. Some of the landmarks mentioned in the description are therefore missing
Landes de Fohet
Walk through the gorse heathland, dotted with rocky outcrops, where cows and sheep sometimes graze, making up the landscape on the heights of Aydat. Lovely views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts Dore. A refreshing stretch along the banks of the Monne.
The upper Monne valley
Discover the Monne, a beautiful Auvergne river, and its valley nestled in high rocky plateaus offering superb views of the surrounding mountains.
Royat - Place de Jaude via Rocher du Salut and Chamalières
This seventh and final stage, which is partly urban, allows you to continue exploring Royat, which you started at the end of the previous stage, first in the wooded hills of the town, passing by the Rocher du Salut promontory, then through the streets and park of the spa district, with its beautiful seaside architecture. Finally, the return route to Clermont allows you to discover the centre of Chamalières.
Two citadels on the Couze Chambon
From Ludesse, on the plateau, descend into the Couze Chambon valley to explore two citadel villages, Champeix, the City of Gardens, and Montaigut-le-Blanc, the City of Cats (personal name).
Four monumental murals in Clermont
Exploratory walk through the neighbourhoods north of Clermont's central plateau, discovering recent street art (2022).
Clermont Bestiary
Real and fantastical animals, fauna, legendary creatures, mythological delusions and other hybrid monsters swarm the streets of the city. With a bestiary as its guiding thread, this urban hike will introduce you to many other beautiful things in the centre of Clermont-Ferrand.
From Place de Jaude to the summit of Puy de Dôme, in a circular route and at a leisurely pace
In the Clermont-Ferrand metropolitan area, the Transport à la Demande (TAD) service, in addition to regular bus and tram lines, allows you to travel quite far around the city. This seven-stage itinerary takes advantage of this. Each stage begins and ends at a bus or TAD stop. In between, the routes allow you to discover the villages of the metropolitan area's green belt and the foot of the Puy de Dôme: the built heritage of their old wine-growing or mountain villages, their spa resorts, their natural environments and a few geological curiosities. The first stages follow the course of the Artière, and the last ones follow the course of the Tiretaine, two pretty little rivers, tributaries of the Allier, which originate at the foot of the puys.See "Practical information" for a 4-stage variant with accommodation.
Place de Jaude - Beaumont via Puy de Montaudoux
This first stage is mainly urban, with a few green interludes at Parc Bargoin in Chamalières, on the slopes of Puy de Montaudoux, in the chestnut grove of Beaumont and in the small parks along the Artière.
Vercingétorix's responsible shopping route
A city route taking in second-hand clothing shops of various standards, as well as a few dressmakers' workshops, fair trade shops, a luxury accessories shop, an antique and regional jewellery workshop, and second-hand bookshops. It's also a good excuse to explore some of the neighbourhoods on the central plateau of Clermont-Ferrand and take a gourmet break in one of the city's iconic cafés.
Such'Art Clermont trail
Walk around Clermont's central plateau to discover the street art works of the Such'Art 2022-2023 trail. It is also an interesting route for a quick tour of Clermont's historic centre.
Saint-Genès district of Clermont
One of three short walks (Saint-Genès, Saint-Pierre, Le Port) offered by Clermont Auvergne Tourisme to discover Clermont's historic center.
Port district of Clermont
One of three short walks (Saint-Genès, Saint-Pierre, Le Port) offered by Clermont Auvergne Tourisme to discover Clermont's historic center.
Saint-Pierre, district of Clermont
One of three short walks (Saint-Genès, Saint-Pierre, Le Port) offered by Clermont Auvergne Tourisme to discover Clermont's historic center.
Lake Aydat and its heights via La Pierre Longue
A circular trail to discover different aspects (leisure activities, wild spots, developed marshes) of Lake Aydat, with a passage along its heights for beautiful views of the Chaîne de Puys and the Sancy massif, and passing by a menhir, the Pierre Longue. On the way back, the route takes you to the beautiful 13th-century church of Aydat.
Montjuzet Park
From Clermont city centre to Montjuzet Park, located on the small hill of the same name, preserved from urbanisation, offering beautiful views of the Clermont metropolitan area and the surrounding mountains in a Mediterranean atmosphere.
Green and other colours in the Carmes district of Clermont
After visiting the new Place des Carmes, take a stroll through the tree-lined cemetery of the same name, then through the streets to discover some beautiful examples of street art.
The Fohet plateau at the start of Lac d'Aydat
Circular route around the heights of Lake Aydat, in the middle of pastures, to enjoy beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.
The wash houses of Orcines
A circular route at the foot of the Puy de Dôme with, in the first part, a walk along forest paths, then a route through the villages of Orcines to discover beautiful wash houses, still in use, made of Volvic stone.
Between the heights of Chamalières and the foot of the Puy de Dôme
Close to Clermont-Ferrand, walk through meadows and woodland on beautiful paths, such as the Chemin des Crêtes and an ancient Roman road. You can also discover basalt columns and pretty fountains. At the end of the hike, the beautiful forest trails were transformed into wide tracks at the end of 2022. Some of the landmarks mentioned in the description are therefore missing.
Tour of the Puy de Dôme via the fountains and caves
A grand tour of the Puy de Dôme allows you to admire this local landmark from multiple angles. The ascents of the Grand Knoll and Cliersou, peaks overlooked by most hikers, offer beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys.
From the Jardin de Saint-Alyre to the Amazon via Montjuzet
An urban walk in Clermont-Ferrand to discover two beautiful murals from 2022 around Montjuzet Park.
A taste of Auvergne in Orcines
Starting from Font de l'Arbre, on the D942, right at the foot of Puy de Dôme, take a short hike to discover the essentials of Auvergne: traditional houses, fountains, wash houses, drinking troughs, streams, springs, basalt columns, Roman milestones, and even a sheepfold... not to mention the cheeses on sale at the Village Auvergnat.
Montpeyroux, a golden stone fortress on the Allier
Starting from Montpeyroux, this circular route takes you to the banks of the Allier and the village of Coude. The medieval fortress of Montpeyroux, "the most beautiful village in France" built with local golden arkose stone, can be visited at the end of the route. You can climb up to the keep-museum, which offers a beautiful view.
On the Arkose Trails
This walk on the plateau allows you to walk on paving stones from the old Montpeyroux quarry, visit this magnificent wine-growing village and discover the banks of the Allier in the undergrowth.
Wine-growing villages of the Val d'Allier
The hillsides of the Allier in Puy-de-Dôme were once an important wine-growing area, as evidenced by the architecture of the villages you pass through on this hike. Among them is Montpeyroux, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Orcines - Royat via the Chemin des Crêtes
This sixth stage takes you gently closer to the city of Clermont-Ferrand, passing through the hamlet of Villars, which has preserved its beautiful old buildings, before following the stunning Chemin des Crêtes, overlooking the Tiretaine valley, to reach the old village of Royat.
Organs and the music of water at the foot of the Puy de Dôme
From village to village, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, this hike is punctuated by the sound of water flowing from numerous fountains, passing by the basalt columns of Puy de Montrodeix.
Puy de Dôme from the North face
A very accessible ascent of the Puy de Dôme, despite the elevation gain. After the beautiful 'Chemins de la Roche Pertuisade and des Gravouses', which winds through pastures and woods at the foot of the puy, climb the Chemin des Chèvre, then the old road now used by the cog railway. Descent to the South via the Chemin des Muletiers, then back via the Chemin des Gouris.
Le Puy Pariou via the Chemin des Gouris
At the foot of the Puy de Dôme, take the Chemin des Gouris, named after the young shepherds who once accompanied the cows to the summer pastures, to discover the Puy Pariou crater and its slopes covered with a beautiful beech forest. Further on, explore a few caves before taking the beautiful Chemin des Gravouses to cross the Fontmagnie Forest.
Le Puy de Dôme via the Muletiers, Chèvres and Gouris trails
A magnificent hike to the summits of the iconic Puy-de-Dôme. This route, on very well-maintained paths, is mainly on flat ground and offers numerous panoramic views. The ascent via the mule track is steep but fairly short.Warning! Immediate danger – falling rocks. Due to rockfalls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.
Puy de Dôme and Puy Pariou via the mule and goat trails
A magnificent hike to the summits of the iconic Puy-de-Dôme and Puy Pariou. This route, on very well-maintained paths, is mainly on flat ground and offers numerous panoramic views.Warning! Immediate danger – Rock falls. Due to rock falls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.
Villages in the Issoire region: Chadeleuf and Sauvagnat
In the Pays des Couzes, set off to explore the villages of Chadeleuf and Sauvagnat-Sainte-Marthe along wide paths criss-crossing an agricultural plateau offering superb views of the Monts Dore, the hilltop villages of the Limagne and the Puy de Dôme.
More walks in Chanonat
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