Culhat walks

Route around Culhat (pronounced Kuya) in the Limagne plain, which runs along the banks of the Allier. Hike to be done from autumn to spring as there is little shade on the route.

A long walk along the Allier between Pont-du-Château and Cournon-d'Auvergne. Discover the pretty site of Pont-du-Château, the water pumping station and the natural site of Malmouche.

A circular route around a small hill in Limagne, now a Sensitive Natural Area, a climb to its summit for a wide view of the Allier valley and the surrounding mountains, then a visit to the old winegrowers' village of Mezel.

This circular loop starting from Mezel offers varied landscapes: a trip to the banks of the Allier to discover the Malmouche cliff, small but very useful for swallows; a stroll on the Puy de la Poules, also small but offering unobstructed views of the Limagne and the Chaîne des Puys; a visit to the village of Mezel to see a whole range of wildlife carved in stone.

I invite you to discover the small town of Billom and its surrounding countryside, the little Tuscany of Auvergne, whose gentle hills are ideal for the revival of the wine-growing region. The medieval village of Billom, crossed by the Angaud river, is rich in cobbled alleys lined with half-timbered houses.

Toscane d'Auvergne is a small area of Limagne, between Chaîne des Puys and Livradois-Forez, a landscape of rich agricultural land on gently rolling hills. At the heart of this area, Billom has preserved a superb medieval centre, ideal for a contemplative stroll. The walk ends with a visit (optional as there is an admission fee) to the Jardins de la Croze.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

In 1630, the Edict of Troyes imposed the union of Clermont and Montferrand, with the transfer of tax administration to Clermont. Montferrand, a former royal town, never recovered from this political decision. Far from the city centre of Clermont-Ferrand, the now neighbourhood of Montferrand, with its exceptional architectural heritage, is well worth a visit, especially as it is easily accessible by tram.

Hike in the northern foothills of Livradois, known as the Bois Noirs, starting from Châteldon, a village with some beautiful medieval houses.

A loop through the gently rolling landscape of fields and woods, the Tuscany of Auvergne, passing through several hamlets around Saint-Julien-de-Coppel, and in particular Roche, dominated by a basalt spur topped by a small Romanesque chapel and offering a very pretty panorama.

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.

A pleasant circular starting from Vieux Saint-Sylvestre, heading to Saint-Priest-Bramefant through the Bois Brun forest and back. Very little tarmac and beautiful scenery on a clear day. An easy hike.

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.

The route takes walkers to the heights of Aigueperse and Chaptuzat, past fountains, wash houses, crosses and castles.

Take a loop starting from Mirefleurs to discover this eco-park on the banks of the Allier, a former quarry transformed into a natural wetland. You can observe a number of birds from the observation points, so don't forget to bring your binoculars. There are unobstructed views of the Chaîne des Puys in the first part of the walk. Mirefleurs is a pleasant village with many old houses. There are lots of plum and walnut trees along the route.

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.

From the beautiful wine-growing village of Saint-Maurice, climb to the summit of Puy Saint-Romain for a beautiful view of Sancy, Livradois and the Chaîne des Puys. Then descend to the banks of the Allier to discover the springs of an ancient thermal park.Visorando app useful in certain places.

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.

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.

Between Saint-Maurice and Mirefleurs, two former wine-growing villages, the Vallon des Bouys, overlooking the Allier, consists of dry grasslands whose flora and fauna are protected. Below the valley, old lime kilns bear witness to the local exploitation of limestone. On the site of the former Sainte-Marguerite spa, a geyser awaits your arrival, perhaps to wake up.

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.

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.

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.

Circular route around Puy de Peyronère, whose northern slopes are covered with orchards, which are characteristic of this part of the Monne valley. The route offers beautiful views and passes through two ancient villages rich in architectural heritage: Saint-Saturnin (castle and remarkable church) and Saint-Amant (castle, old bridge, etc.).

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.