Olloix walks

Immerse yourself in the coolness of the superb Monne Gorges. On the heights, enjoy absolute calm in a Mediterranean atmosphere on large rocky plateaus. Discover places of worship from yesterday and today: the Allée Couverte de la Grotte and the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Randol (modern). Please note that the path through the gorges is narrow and slippery, with ropes in some places.

A hike on a volcanic plateau with views of the Chaîne des Puys, a world of stones and pastures; a few isolated villages, cows and a glimpse of the civilisation of the Arverni (Gauls of Auvergne) through standing stones and dolmens. A magnificent walk in all seasons.

A circular route starting from Cournols, on the volcanic plateau in the eastern part of the solidified lava flow of Aydat, in the pastures of the monks of Randol, passing through the medieval village of Saint-Saturnin, rich in old houses, a beautiful Romanesque church and a very beautiful castle. Two short return trips can be added to this circular route to discover a wash house in Saint-Saturnin and a covered walkway in Cournols.

Walk through the gorse heathland, dotted with rocky outcrops, where cows and sheep sometimes graze, making up the landscape on the heights of Aydat. Lovely views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts Dore. A refreshing stretch along the banks of the Monne.

A medium-altitude hike through pastures and farmland, sheep and cows; a countryside dotted here and there with volcanic rocks. The walk follows the course of the Monne and Ribeyre rivers and offers splendid panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys.

Discover the Monne, a beautiful Auvergne river, and its valley nestled in high rocky plateaus offering superb views of the surrounding mountains.

From the pretty medieval village of Saint-Saturnin, I suggest a walk on the heights of the Monne, then a tour of the Puy de Peyronère, before returning to the banks of the Monne to discover the old village of Saint-Amant.

Starting from Saint-Saturnin, immerse yourself in very different mystical atmospheres: the Monastère Notre-Dame de Randol, a modern Benedictine monastery where monks make cheese, the megalithic site of the Allée Couverte de la Grotte, and the unmissable Église Notre-Dame de Saint-Saturnin, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Auvergne.

This route takes you to the Châteauneuf Caves, ancient cave dwellings, then the small Freydefond Menhir, with its viewpoint, and the Dolmen de la Pineyre burial mound. The return journey follows a wild and steep path through the undergrowth.

North of Saint-Nectaire, the Plateau de Sailles offers beautiful views of Murol and the Couze Chambon valley. You will discover an ancient troglodyte settlement and some of the megaliths that dot the area around the village, known for its beautiful Romanesque church and cheese.

A return trip to the summit of Puy de Gourdon, offering a beautiful panoramic view, is added to a circular route around and on Puy de la Rodde, starting from the medieval village of Montaigut-le-Blanc.

This hike allows you to discover the Montepo site, which has been developed by the Arkose Association. You will discover stromatolites, a geological curiosity of the tertiary limestone rocks of the Limagne plain. The view before you highlights the Limagne Fault and the associated volcanic activity (informative panels are provided). In May and June, many species of orchids bloom on these dry grasslands. Finally, the balcony trail along the cornices of the old terraces cultivated in the last century offers beautiful views of the medieval village of Saint-Saturnin and its castle.

This walk begins in Saint-Saturnin, a village between the Monne Gorges and the Veyre Valley. The village is home to one of the most important Romanesque churches in Auvergne and a royal castle. The walk continues to Notre-Dame de Randol Abbey, passing through green, rolling countryside.

A hilly hike with landscapes of pastures, moors, woods and small valleys. Very pretty church in Ponteix. Some panoramic views at the top of Mont Redon.

A hike on the eastern part of the Cheire d'Aydat, on the heights of the Veyre valley, through woods and across the plateau's pastures, dotted with rocky outcrops formed by solidified lava flows from the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas.

A charming walk around the lake with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills and modern buildings that blend in perfectly with the setting.