Vieille-Brioude walks

A short walk around the church of Vieille-Brioude, in an open-air eco-museum dedicated to vines and wine, in the form of a succession of small priests' gardens.

A discovery walk in Brioude, a small town in Auvergne boasting one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the region, the Basilica of Saint-Julien.

Lavaudieu is one of the most beautiful villages in France. This walk invites you to leave the village and stroll through the surrounding hills, passing through villages such as Buze, whose houses are built of red arkose.

Along the Vallée de Dieu (Valley of God), the former name given to the Senouire valley, this walk combines the pleasure of walking with the discovery of the Haute Loire's heritage. It takes us from the village of Lavaudieu, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to the impressive towers of the medieval castle of Domeyrat.

In good weather, this route offers superb panoramic views of the Auvergne mountains at Fiossat. From the coudert (communal land) at Le Pin, you will have a magnificent view of the Château de Domeyrat. A visit to Vals-le-Chastel is a must: castle, church and seigneurial chapel. At Frugières station, you can visit the Resistance Museum and, on the way back, don't miss the church in Frugières.

This route allows you to discover the Senouire valley between Domeyrat and Esbelin, a small "limagne" (flat area) framed by wooded slopes. The Senouire accompanies you with its murmurs all along the route, where you can sometimes hear it without seeing it. The majestic 12th-century feudal castle with its imposing ruins dominating the village is sure to impress, and the old Romanesque bridge completes the medieval feel of the village.

This route passes through the villages on the eastern side of the Paulhaguet basin called Le Chaliergue. It corresponds to the lower volcanic plateau of Paulhaguet, at around 600 m, drained by the Senouire. The name was once written Callianicum and refers to stones, a stony area; it is also known as the Paulhaguet plateau. The panorama opens up from Jaroussier and Scombalou.

Starting from the Lavaux Pond (the pond is a former clay quarry), the route crosses pastures and fields and then reaches the woods on the heights of Saint-Préjet-Armandon.This route passes through villages with houses built from basalt stones from a distant volcanic period. Take the time to wander through the villages and notice the old workshops of blacksmiths and carpenters, and the communal ovens. Listen carefully and you may hear the sound of a hammer on an anvil or a carpenter's saw... These villages, once bustling with activity, are now quiet.

The commune of Saint-Didier-sur-Doulon covers a large area of around 35 hectares and comprises around 30 villages and hamlets. During this route, you will discover some of them, all bearing witness to a rural past where agriculture was the main activity. You will discover a chapel, an old school and some splendid views.

This route starts at the lowest point in the commune of Saint-Didier and leads to almost the highest point. You will discover a castle, a remarkable sequoia tree, the ruins of a mill and splendid views.

Discover Saint-Didier-sur-Doulon by following the course of the Doulon river, which once powered numerous mills. Pass through the undergrowth and villages where you will find chapels and wash houses.

Following this route, you will pass successively through forest, fields and pastures. You will discover the volcanic activity of the village of Moissac Bas, its pond and its forming peat bog.

This circular loop connects two beautiful villages via theGR®®470and small roads (see § Practical information). Added to this loop are a visit to Chilhac, a visit to the Sainte-Croix Priory, and a short loop on the heights of Lavoûte-Chilhac offering beautiful views.

The first slate-roofed houses, large pastures and isolated farms herald the end of the Brivadois forests and the beginning of the Cézallier summer pastures.

Set off to explore the pretty little village of Cerzat, with its oven, church and wash house. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful views of Margeride and the plateau. The highlight of the walk is entering the Pié du Roi volcano and discovering the small lake that occupies what remains of the crater. You'll love this walk through the nature of the Hautes-Pyrénées.

A walk through farmland and forests, along a stream, with views of the châteaux of Védrines, Vernassal and Léotoing.

At the start of the route, the Senouire accompanies you to Sainte-Marguerite. After Barbason, the Ribeyrette greets you as it flows into the Senouire. Sainte-Marguerite welcomes you with its history and tranquillity. A superb panorama awaits you at Le Rif. Walk around the hamlet and see the rounded corners of some of the houses. Continue the route towards La Vizade and rejoin the Senouire at Barbanson.