Durolle (rivière) - Affluent de la Dore walks

The fifth stage of the Boucle du Rez de Sol route, where you leave the Auvergne to return to the Loire region by crossing the Col Saint-Thomas, famous for its sign reading “Here ends France, here begins the Auvergne”. You leave the Bois Noirs to pass through the pretty hamlets of Chausseterre and then Saint-Just-en-Chevalet. A long climb leads up to the Pras plateau at an altitude of 1,000 metres (in the commune of Cherier), involving a 400-metre ascent in the second half of the day, along lovely little shaded paths well maintained by the Urfé Community of Communes. Discover numerous isolated houses, beautifully restored by those who love solitude.

This fourth stage of the route is the longest and most challenging. We will often be walking at high altitudes (highest point: 1,153 m). We will follow the River Couzon before descending along good paths through the woodland towards Vollore-Montagne. The walk through the Ayguebonne Forest, near the Grun de Chignore, will take us to Sainte-Agathe.

Second stage of a 5-day horse-riding route across the Monts de la Madeleine, the Bois Noirs and the northern Livradois. A typical mid-mountain route, featuring open countryside used for livestock farming, deciduous forests, lively villages, and quiet, well-maintained paths. The start involves little elevation gain (La Tuilière plateau), but most of the climb comes towards the end, after crossing into the Allier.

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.

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).

Stage4 of the circular mid-mountain loop linking the Monts de la Madeleine, Bois Noirs and the northern Livradois – picturesque hilltop villages nestled in deep gorges carved out by rivers, from the beautiful Muratte Dam to the village of Arconsat: explore the wooded and unspoilt countryside on the Auvergne side of the Puy de Montoncel. This stage very often follows the routes of the Espace VTT Bois Noirs, guaranteeing that you’ll find open, signposted trails.

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

Over two days, discover one of the most beautiful destinations in “France à Cheval”.

Stage 2: the most beautiful stage of the route. Spectacular, with heathland stretching as far as the eye can see, a boundless 360° view where stunted pines bend under the “burle”. Photos, scents – set aside the whole day. GR®3route, partly well signposted.

First stage of a 13-day route. A short stage to get you going, with some elevation gain. A gentle slope will take you up to the Hautes Chaume plateaus.