La Chapelle-sur-Usson walks

A short walk through a peaceful, rural setting that provides the perfect backdrop to this village and its chapel.

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.

A loop on the first hills of Livradois, to the knoll of La Grive and then to the Montfaucon rock, which overlooks the mining basin and offers a beautiful view of Nonette, Ysson, Montcelet, the Sancy massif and the Cézallier.

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.

This walk is a transition between the flat landscapes of the former mining basin and the forest landscapes of Livradois. It was from the woods of these forests that sapinières (single-use wooden boats) transported coal, wine and hemp to Paris.

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.

After passing between the fountain and the Cluniac cloister, you will discover the Quai des Coufferts, its leat and its half-timbered house. You will visit the interior of the Picondry Volcano (Petit Lemptégy). From there, you will have a panoramic view of the Chaîne des Puys and the plain. On the way back, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and a view of Saint-Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges (its castle and bell tower). Then you will pass by the waterfall dating from 936, along the leat of the monks and a wash house.

Why take the road from Sauxillanges to Usson and back again? Why not walk instead? Come and discover this wild trail that links a Cluniac site to the volcano in one of the most beautiful villages in France. And once in Usson, why not admire the 360° view from the top of the hill?

You will pass between the fountain and the Cluniac cloister. Approach the gate to admire it. You will go via the Quai des Coufferts with its canal, sundial and half-timbered house with basalt window surrounds. Then, enjoy magnificent views of Sauxillanges, the Chaîne des Puys, Saint-Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges (its castle and bell tower). On the way back, take the time to visit the waterfall built in 930, where you will walk along the leat of the monks and the wash house. A lovely outing.

A walk through woodland, vineyards, farmland and orchards in the plains and mountains of Livradois.

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.

An easy, short walk through woods, farmland and pastures, ideal for families. Climb the tower to enjoy a 360° panorama, with views of the Céréalier, the Livradois, and the peaks of Usson and Nonette. As you climb the tower, you will discover the remains of the ancient fortress and the villages it protected.

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.

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.

Starting from Allevier, the route climbs through fields and villages, then enters the woods. Throughout the route, you will have a splendid view of the Sancy, Cézallier, Cantal and Margeride mountains.

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.

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.

Circular route passing through the Bois de la Frissonnette, then through meadows with unobstructed views, passing through the pretty hamlet of La Prulhière and running alongside the Miodet at the end of the route.

A walk through farmland and forests, along a stream, with views of the châteaux of Védrines, Vernassal and Léotoing.

This route allows you to admire the village of Léotoing and the ruins of its castle, and to discover the Alagnon valley, the Cézaliers mountains and the castle of Torsiac.

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

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.