Tours-sur-Meymont walks

A hike in the heart of nature to discover a place steeped in history in the Dore river valley, on the borders of the Pays de Courpière, Cunlhat and Olliergues, in the heart of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park. Part of the route follows "the old path", the ancient medieval road that linked Meymont to Cunlhat via Tours Sur Meymont through Alligier, Les Gouttes, etc.

Today, the only remains still visible of the presence of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, who were here from the Middle Ages until the French Revolution of 1789, are scattered: a deconsecrated church, a stone coat of arms serving as a base for a wayside cross, a round tower fitted with a gun port in a former fortified house, a chapel converted into a dwelling, and a few carved stones on the edge of a communal plot. Nothing suggested that the former parish of Courtesserre, which was merged with that of Courpière during the Revolution, would be home to a ‘chief’ commandery in a sparsely populated region described as infertile, far from any town, major transport route or path leading to a place of pilgrimage.

For the second stage of the route, we reach the right bank of Lake Aubusson, and after crossing the dam we follow aPR® path that climbs gently to take us to the village of Augerolles. We pass by the Pied de Bœuf site and reach the village of Olmet. We pass the Chamaly cross and descend gently towards the Dore valley to reach Olliergues town hall via a stepped street (Rue des Cors).

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.

Circular starting from the village of Bertignat. Along the way, you will see the Virgin of Puybayou and then a beautiful view of the commune of La Chapelle-Agnon.

A short walk through woods and green pastures with beautiful views of the Château de Mauzun and the Monts du Forez.

Walk in the Livradois plains, around "Trézioux - Neuville". During this walk, you can enjoy views of Mauzun Castle, the Monts du Forez and, finally, the Chaîne des Puys.

A pleasant walk in summer due to its coolness. The stream is well known to fishermen and, for the lucky ones, a few chanterelle mushrooms can be found. This is the domain of wild boars and deer... Pass through old villages such as La Terrasse (very old house on the right), which was very important at the beginning of the 20th century. A victim of rural depopulation, Montolas is now in ruins!

Mauzun Castle, nicknamed the "giant of Auvergne", is the starting point for this walk at the foot of the Livradois-Forez mountains, which offers magnificent views of the mid-range mountains. Follow the yellow trail from the village exit.

Nature walk between meadows, forest, streams and ancient mills, a site rich in history. Pass through amazing places that are linked to druidic rituals and gatherings.

Walk in the footsteps of Jean de la Nuit! An extraordinary character once lived in this valley, and his legend still lives on in people's memories. Join him on a journey to discover the valley's former activities, heritage, fauna and flora, which you can enjoy during the walk.

A very beautiful hike in Livradois, with remarkable views of the Chaîne des Puys and Limagne.

A beautiful circular walk starting from the Fossat valley.

On snowshoes or on foot, from the Col du Béal to the summit of Pierre-sur-Haute through the forest. Return via the ridges, still on theGR®3or a variant thereof.

Over two days, discover one of the most beautiful destinations in “France à Cheval”.

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

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.

A discovery walk through the birthplace of Emmanuel Chabrier, which still has a few half-timbered houses in its historic centre and some beautiful residences along its avenues. Green spaces are not forgotten, with a visit to the Jardin Chabrier, a short walk along the Ruisseau de Valeyre, and an encounter with the Dore.

Toscane d'Auvergne is a small area of Limagne, between Chaîne des Puys and Livradois-Forez, a landscape of rich agricultural land on gently rolling hills. At the heart of this area, Billom has preserved a superb medieval centre, ideal for a contemplative stroll. The walk ends with a visit (optional as there is an admission fee) to the Jardins de la Croze.

I invite you to discover the small town of Billom and its surrounding countryside, the little Tuscany of Auvergne, whose gentle hills are ideal for the revival of the wine-growing region. The medieval village of Billom, crossed by the Angaud river, is rich in cobbled alleys lined with half-timbered houses.

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.

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.

On an easy route, marked in yellow after the cemetery, which can be tackled on foot, by running or by bike, come and discover the various farms and the countryside around Sauxillanges.

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.

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.

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 gentle hike to start your holiday in the Forez mountains.

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

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.

Route around Culhat (pronounced Kuya) in the Limagne plain, which runs along the banks of the Allier. Hike to be done from autumn to spring as there is little shade on the route.