Issoire walks

Starting from the historic town of Issoire, this hike follows the Couze Pavin, whose white water flows down from Lake Pavin, then the troglodytic village of Les Roches, which was still inhabited in the first half ofthe 20th century and has been beautifully restored, ending with a gentle slope towards Issoire, in a hilly landscape shaped by the Boulade stream.

While the Abbey Church of Saint-Austremoine is the undisputed jewel of Issoire, there are a few other pleasant surprises in store for you in the town, including small canals and beautiful architecture on the Place de la République.

The hiking trail climbs up to the village of Les Roches, a prehistoric site currently undergoing restoration, then leads to Pardines via the plateau before descending through a beautiful acacia forest. Here you can see the outcrop of ancient lacustrine sediments, known as Lahres.

A walk around the village of Saint-Yvoine, with views of the Chaine des Puys, the Sancy and the Allier Valley.

A circular loop exploring the small heritage sites linked to water in Flat-le Chauffour. A walk focusing on local heritage linked to water and raising awareness of lost heritage and values. The hemp bins or "routoirs" bear witness to an agricultural activity that offered real added value to its inhabitants (19th and early 20th centuries).

Discover the landscapes of the Limagne and the hills of southern Puy-de-Dôme on a route focused on the vernacular heritage linked to water. A circular passing through around fifteen small buildings that bear witness to the daily activities of our ancestors (fountains, hemp tubs, wash houses, etc.).

Discover the heritage of the Communes of Aulhat-Saint-Privat on a hike accessible to the whole family: natural and architectural heritage. Ailloux Valley, the three castles of Aulhat, the village of Flat. View of the villages of Saint-Babel, Brenat and Usson. Moderator update on 14/12/2020: Please note! This hike was published a long time ago and has not been followed by the author. See reviews for information on navigation difficulties.

Walking around Puy d'Ysson, you can discover the surrounding villages one by one without having to climb to the top. You can park at point (2) to shorten the hike and reduce the elevation gain even further. There are even picnic tables.

From the summit of Puy d'Ysson, there is a 360° panoramic view of the agricultural plains of Lembron. A lovely walk through fields, villages and forests.

Take a stroll around and through the village of Usson. Climb to the top of the peak (639 m) for a 360° panoramic view of the Chaîne des Puys, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez mountains. A statue of the Virgin Mary dating from 1893 stands at the summit.

A superb walk between the old volcanoes of the Comté region to the crystalline base cut by the Saint-Yvoine horst, with exceptional panoramic views.

The starting point for the hike, the village of Nonette is perched on a volcanic hill overlooking a circular bend in the Allier River. After climbing to the top of the ancient volcano to enjoy a 360° view of the Lembron and the Val d'Allier, this former dyke, on which Gallo-Roman remains have been discovered, will guide you along the route dotted with pretty villages rich in culture and history.

Hike in the hills of Limagne d'Issoire, including a visit to two old wine-growing villages and passing through the small village of Puy Moriot, old arkose quarries and a stonemason's hut.

Walk through the countryside of Issoire from the former wine-growing village of Yronde to discover the superb Domaine de Sarlant.

A walk through an old wine-growing village at the foot of La Motte, a basalt spur supporting the ruins of a feudal castle. Beautiful traditional houses and a pretty chapel to visit to learn about the history of the unfortunate Sir Buron.

The route first follows the Couze Pavin, whose white water flows down from the crater lake of the same name, then climbs the plateau towards Chazeras, offering beautiful views of the magnificent village of Saint-Floret, then Tourzel, before descending to Saint-Cirgues-sur-Couze and its château.

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.

Walk with views of the Lembronnais region and numerous castles, with an optional visit to the village fort.

A walk through the woods and countryside of Lembron, starting from the village of Mareugheol and its14th-century fortified castle, then on to the15th- and16th-century castle of Villeuneuve.

In the heart of Lembron, a land of ancient volcanoes and lava flows, the village of Ronzières winds around a basalt hill. Proud of its oppidum, this stronghold was used as early as the first millennium BCE.

During the hike, you will discover the white water of the Couze Pavin, the rocky landscape of Puy de Lavelle and its brightly coloured flora, magnificent views of the Couze valley and, of course, the village of Saint-Floret with its rich heritage.

A circular route offering beautiful panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys, the Limagne and the Sancy massif, passing through the ancient villages of Parent, Yronde and Buron. Of note: a pretty church in Yronde (open every time we passed by), the basalt mound of the old feudal castle of Buron called the Citadelle de Buron, fountains, wash houses and traditional dwellings.

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.

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.

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.

Departure from the Étang de Lospeux pond, located 4 km north of Sauxillanges. It is a quiet place where you can picnic and fish in accordance with the regulations. You will see grey herons and white egrets. The route is easy (only one climb), sunny and suitable for families. You will admire beautiful landscapes. You won't be disappointed by this outing.

This circular route follows the Ruisseau de la Ribeyre valley. Most of the route is through woodland. The best viewpoint is just before the access to the D24.

This new walk partly follows the route of the old municipal and ONF (French National Forestry Office) walk in the Saint-Babel forest. The new route encroaches on the municipalities of Yronde and Buron to pass by the Borne des Quatre Seigneurs, the Borne du Saut du Cheval and Fayet.

The route starts in Champeix, passes through the hills with views of the Couze Chambon valley, crosses the large site of the Saint-Julien cellars, then wanders through the pretty village of Montaigut-le-Blanc, before following the Couze back to Champeix, where you can visit the old Marchidial district and its gardens.

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 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.

In the Comté Forest, a circular path in the Cheix-Blanc woods, which we leave behind just long enough to discover the Château de la Chaux Montgros, which has been undergoing renovation for some time now. We take the opportunity to enjoy the unobstructed views of the Comté countryside, the Limagne plain and, in the distance, the Chaîne des Puys.

A circular route in the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, alternating between high passages with unobstructed views and forays into the Bois de Cheix-Blanc, on beautiful trails and paths. Some sections are on quiet country roads. Visit the pretty village of Pignols, then pass by the Château de la Chaux Montgros. At the end of the route, take a short visit to a wetland and its interpretive trail, a site developed for the Espace Naturel Sensible de la Forêt de la Comté (Comté Forest Sensitive Natural Area).

Geological discovery hike in the Comté Forest. There is no viewpoint from the top of the peak.

Hike to discover the Comté Forest, a Sensitive Natural Area, passing by numerous features designed to promote biodiversity, such as pools, a pond and numerous areas planted with young trees.

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.

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.

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.