Saint-Germain-l'Herm walks

A hike in the tall forests of Haut-Livradois, the ideal habitat for Tengmalm's owls and black woodpeckers. The paths marked with crosses around the priory of Fournols offer views of the Forestier ponds, the Croix des Knolls and the Colombière.

This walk offers you the chance to discover several viewpoints over the Sancy and Cézallier massifs and the Allier Valley.

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

The trails on this route will take you on a journey of discovery through the villages on the outskirts of the market town of Laval-sur-Doulon. Most are permanently inhabited. The two mills at Diat and Le Vialard have ceased operations, but their ‘engine’, the River Doulon, still flows. The trails are often shaded, so you can hike here in summer.

This route crosses part of the forest in the municipality of Cistrières, starting from the village of Condat. The hamlets, which are now sparsely populated or uninhabited, were once lively, as evidenced by an old school in Condat and the houses of Béates au Faud and Les Montilles. But during mushroom season, you will encounter many mushroom pickers there.

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.

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

Leaving the village of Cistrières, you will mainly be walking through the forest. These woods are dotted with hamlets that were once home to agricultural activity. Most of the farms have been renovated and are now inhabited. The paths are well maintained and easy to walk on. You will find peace and quiet here, and cool shade from the trees in summer.

Come and admire two Cluniac sites: Sauxillanges with its museum, cloister, ramparts, etc., and Saint-Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges with its unusual church and its orientation table, from where you’ll have a beautiful view of Sauxillanges below, the plain and the Chaîne des Puys. If the weather is fine, the view from this promontory is well worth the detour.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

In the heart of the Livradois-Forez Regional Park, a beautiful walk from hamlet to hamlet, through forests and fields, and an opportunity to discover or rediscover La Chaise-Dieu and its rich heritage.