Orsonnette walks

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.).

On this walk, you will discover both the landscapes of the volcanic mountains of western Auvergne and the small hamlets that bring life to these somewhat deserted areas.

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.

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.