Courpière walks

For the second stage of the route, we reach the right bank of Lake Aubusson, and after crossing the dam we follow aPR® path that climbs gently to take us to the village of Augerolles. We pass by the Pied de Bœuf site and reach the village of Olmet. We pass the Chamaly cross and descend gently towards the Dore valley to reach Olliergues town hall via a stepped street (Rue des Cors).

Today, the only remains still visible of the presence of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, who were here from the Middle Ages until the French Revolution of 1789, are scattered: a deconsecrated church, a stone coat of arms serving as a base for a wayside cross, a round tower fitted with a gun port in a former fortified house, a chapel converted into a dwelling, and a few carved stones on the edge of a communal plot. Nothing suggested that the former parish of Courtesserre, which was merged with that of Courpière during the Revolution, would be home to a ‘chief’ commandery in a sparsely populated region described as infertile, far from any town, major transport route or path leading to a place of pilgrimage.

A short walk through woods and green pastures with beautiful views of the Château de Mauzun and the Monts du Forez.

Walk in the Livradois plains, around "Trézioux - Neuville". During this walk, you can enjoy views of Mauzun Castle, the Monts du Forez and, finally, the Chaîne des Puys.

A hike in the heart of nature to discover a place steeped in history in the Dore river valley, on the borders of the Pays de Courpière, Cunlhat and Olliergues, in the heart of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park. Part of the route follows "the old path", the ancient medieval road that linked Meymont to Cunlhat via Tours Sur Meymont through Alligier, Les Gouttes, etc.

The route (a circular route) passes through the following villages: Thiers, Vollore-Ville, Augerolles, Olmet, Olliergues, Marat, Le Brugeron, La Renaudie, Vollore-Montagne, La Chambonie, and Sainte-Agathe. It passes through the municipalities of Escoutoux, Aubusson, Saint-Pierre-la-Bourlhonne and Celles-sur-Durolle. The legend of Saint Agathe will inspire walkers along the route, much like other well-known trails (the Way of St James, the Stevenson Trail, etc.)

This first stage of the Chemin de Sainte-Agathe gives us the opportunity to take different PR®® trails. We pass through charming little hamlets: Lamouroux, Sardier, Grand Cognet, Laurençon and cross a few streams. Beautiful trees line the route, as well as numerous views of the Chaîne des Puys.From the village of Vollore-Ville, passing close to the castle, we descend towards the plain and reach the Gîte des Quatre Vents via the hamlet of Sauvetat.

Thiers is a city of challenges. In this grandiose and isolated location in the heart of Auvergne, the inhabitants of Thiers have had to contend with a turbulent river, the Durolle, and the steep slopes of its gorges. Over time, thanks to numerous developments, this partially tamed river has ensured the industrial prosperity of the town, which is known as the cutlery capital of France.

Mauzun Castle, nicknamed the "giant of Auvergne", is the starting point for this walk at the foot of the Livradois-Forez mountains, which offers magnificent views of the mid-range mountains. Follow the yellow trail from the village exit.

Starting from Olliergues town hall, we head uphill along the cobbled path. Most of this third stage follows the white and green-marked ‘Tour de Pays’ trail as far as Le Brugeron. From Le Brugeron, head towards Le Grun de Batailler, passing the Begue mill (waterfall). Cross Le Clef. At La Croix de Sainte-Agathe, take a small road, pass through the hamlet of Rochefolle to reach the village of La Renaudie, where you’ll find the communal lodge.

A trail themed around cutlery. As you follow the Durolle, you’ll step back in time as you discover the waterwheels, a type of mill powered by the river’s flow. They reveal the valley’s rich industrial past. The arrival of electrification in the 20th century eventually brought an end to these waterwheels.

A pleasant walk in summer thanks to the cool, refreshing air. The stream is well-known to anglers, and the lucky few may even find some chanterelle mushrooms to pick. This is the realm of wild boar and roe deer…You’ll pass through old villages such as La Terrasse (with a very old house on the right), which was very important in the early 20th century. A victim of rural depopulation, Montolas is now nothing but ruins!

Walk in the footsteps of Jean de la Nuit! An extraordinary character once lived in this valley, and his legend still lives on in people's memories. Join him on a journey to discover the valley's former activities, heritage, fauna and flora, which you can enjoy during the walk.

Nature walk between meadows, forest, streams and ancient mills, a site rich in history. Pass through amazing places that are linked to druidic rituals and gatherings.

A very beautiful hike in Livradois, with remarkable views of the Chaîne des Puys and Limagne.

A pleasant, mostly shaded walk leading to a magnificent panorama from the summit (granite chaos at an altitude of 1,260 metres).

Chestnut walking trail in Marat.

If you’re on holiday in Marat, here’s a short route for a walk or a horse ride starting from La Ramie.

Hidden in the heart of the Bois Noirs, the Pierre aux Deux Yeux (Two-Eyed Stone) watches over the unwary hiker. If you escape it, the majestic old oak tree will grant you some of its serenity. Then take a break at the foot of the Roc du Guet rock formation, a place conducive to meditation.

Circular starting from the village of Bertignat. Along the way, you will see the Virgin of Puybayou and then a beautiful view of the commune of La Chapelle-Agnon.