The Gorges du Verger in Bourganeuf

Set off from the car park at the École Martin Nadaud.

(S/E) Follow the road for 20 metres, walking along the pavement towards Clermont-Ferrand, then turn right at the sign for ‘les Gorges du Verger’. You can park in the second car park, 20 metres away.

(1) Take the no-entry road and continue straight ahead along the Allée de Chênes. Émile de Girardin’s Château is on the right and an old washhouse on the left. Go through the wooden gates and continue along the main path beside a low dry-stone wall. On the right is the Moulin du Verger, now private, and further down on the left is the Rocher de la Mariée. Walk alongside the stream.

(2) On the right, a footbridge leads to a small water tower more commonly known as ‘le pigeonnier’ (please note, this is a dead end). Otherwise, continue along the path.

(3) When you reach the three-way junction, turn left towards the hairpin bends of the orchard (to the right is the detour via a Spirit House). Enjoy the view over the gorges after the third hairpin bend and stop off at the second Spirit House.

(4) When you reach the end of the hairpin bends, turn sharply right in front of the information board about the Spirit Houses. You’ll arrive below the old Bourganeuf abattoir, where you should then turn left.

(5) Cross the D8 carefully and take the path leading uphill opposite (there are a few steps to help you).

(6) At the next three-way junction in the woods, follow the path on the left and walk along the edge of the meadow. There is a beautiful view over the town. As you emerge from the woods, continue along the path on the right until the next junction, where you should turn left.

(7) Take the path on the left, running along the edge of the woodland near a field. Walk alongside the broom hedge on the left. Continue along the edge of the woodland, following a gentle bend to the left.

(8) When you reach a junction, take the path on the left (route no. 1). Carry on straight ahead until you reach a small, steeply sloping tarmac track. Pass the telecoms mast on your left and enjoy a magnificent view to your right. When you reach the RN 141, follow the pavement on the left and, immediately, turn left onto the D37. Barely 100 metres further on, cross the road and look out for a few steps on the right leading up to the Chapelle du Puy.

(9) After visiting the chapel (if it is open), go down the steps at the front and follow the pavement on the left. Cross at the pedestrian crossing in front of the gendarmerie and continue along the pavement on the right. Turn into the next street on the right, and at the bottom, turn left. Join the RN 141 and cross at the pedestrian crossing on the right to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

• Make sure you have suitable footwear and clothing for hiking.
• Choose a walking route that suits your ability.
• Pack enough food and water for the route you’ll be taking.
• Respect nature: pick up your rubbish and do not pick wild plants indiscriminately.
• Show consideration for other users and follow the highway code.
• The duration of the hike is given as a guide only
• Equipment:
  • A windproof/waterproof jacket
  • A cap or hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking boots
  • A rucksack with
    • water
    • a snack
    • a first-aid kit
    • a tick remover

Set off to explore the picturesque, listed site of the Gorges du Verger: the stream, which looks like a torrent, is flanked by an imposing rocky outcrop. As you make your way up, you’ll be treated to splendid panoramic views of the medieval town of Bourganeuf.