Palladuc walks

For much of this route, it is clear why we are walking through the Bois Noirs, as the light sometimes struggles to penetrate the foliage. In other places, however, tree felling has opened up the view, and the number of logs stacked along the paths is impressive.

The Giant of the Bois Noirs, whose summit is often shrouded in clouds or mist, can be approached from Lavoine or Saint-Priest-la-Prugne. For this walk, we chose to approach it via Palladuc. It is a fairly strenuous walk, but one that guarantees peace and quiet, wide open spaces and sweeping views over this part of the beautiful Auvergne region.

A trail themed around cutlery. As you follow the Durolle, you’ll step back in time as you discover the waterwheels, a type of mill powered by the river’s flow. They reveal the valley’s rich industrial past. The arrival of electrification in the 20th century eventually brought an end to these waterwheels.

Hidden in the heart of the Bois Noirs, the Pierre aux Deux Yeux (Two-Eyed Stone) watches over the unwary hiker. If you escape it, the majestic old oak tree will grant you some of its serenity. Then take a break at the foot of the Roc du Guet rock formation, a place conducive to meditation.

This first stage of the Chemin de Sainte-Agathe gives us the opportunity to take different PR®® trails. We pass through charming little hamlets: Lamouroux, Sardier, Grand Cognet, Laurençon and cross a few streams. Beautiful trees line the route, as well as numerous views of the Chaîne des Puys.From the village of Vollore-Ville, passing close to the castle, we descend towards the plain and reach the Gîte des Quatre Vents via the hamlet of Sauvetat.

Thiers is a city of challenges. In this grandiose and isolated location in the heart of Auvergne, the inhabitants of Thiers have had to contend with a turbulent river, the Durolle, and the steep slopes of its gorges. Over time, thanks to numerous developments, this partially tamed river has ensured the industrial prosperity of the town, which is known as the cutlery capital of France.

Winding its way between forests and pastures, this walk leads to the foot of Rocher Saint-Vincent, the protective power of Lavoine and the Sichon valley.

A pleasant circular loop through the woods, lost in the middle of nowhere. Dogs can be walked off-lead. Just take care at the start and finish. A bit of a climb but also suitable for cycling. Apart from the walk back to the starting point, there are absolutely no roads to cross on the walk.

After a bit of effort due to the initial climb, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the Bois Noirs and the Chaîne des Puys.

Hike in the northern foothills of Livradois, known as the Bois Noirs, starting from Châteldon, a village with some beautiful medieval houses.

A pleasant, mostly shaded walk leading to a magnificent panorama from the summit (granite chaos at an altitude of 1,260 metres).

An easy walk through fields and woods to discover a beautiful rock formation, the Autel de la Baronnie, with its wobbly stone, armchairs and potholes, followed by a large majestic oak tree at the Ferme de la Gilbernie.

A walk in the Netrablaise countryside, across fields, from hamlet to hamlet, to discover an old and majestic chestnut tree.

A gentle hike to start your holiday in the Forez mountains.

Departure from the Loge des Gardes sports centre. Start the day in the beautiful beech undergrowth of the Assise State Forest, above 1,000 metres altitude, before descending to the more open plateaus of La Tuilière and Cherier, with beautiful views. End at the Refuge du Point du Jour lodge (overnight stay and meals made with farm produce) (altitude 870 metres).

This hike takes us through the woods of Pierre Châtel (Saint-Nicolas-des-leat) to the Druidic Stone (Loge des Gardes). The return journey takes us through isolated hamlets and farms.

A short route for a first taste of the Verrerie plateau on snowshoes.