887a6296Once the outdoor frenzy of spring is over, summer is here, and with it comes its share of high temperatures. Although, in the Auvergne, you’ll sometimes be high enough to enjoy the cool nights. But during the hottest part of the day, the Livradois-Forez offers a host of ways to cool off
The lush forests of the Livradois-Forez region not only provide a soothing atmosphere, they also act as a bulwark against the stifling summer heat. As you enter the Comté forest, you’ll find the shade of the hundred-year-old trees a welcome respite from the sun’s rays. The light filters through the leaves, creating a soothing play of reflections. The air is pure and invigorating. These majestic trees may even invite you to try sylvotherapy, a treatment based on contact with trees!
A former quarry turned sensitive natural site, the Ecopôle is a fine example of successful conversion. The extensive work carried out to re-naturalise the site, restore biodiversity and preserve resources has made it a very pleasant, unspoilt area. Although swimming is not permitted, the area is a little paradise. Its winding paths through meadows, marshes and forests give you the chance to immerse yourself in the freshness of nature while discovering the local flora and fauna.
Three bathing sites have been awarded the ” Pavillon Bleu ” label, which rewards sustainable tourism practices that respect water quality, biodiversity and the site’s environment. They are Iloa in Thiers, Aubusson and Les Prades in Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle. The three bathing sites offer a whole range of activities: paddle or petanque, draughts or volleyball, canoeing or pedal-boating. There are so many possibilities that, whether you’re a family or a group of friends, you’re bound to find something to suit your mood.
If you prefer to listen to the gentle murmur of running water, walk in riverbeds and have your soles massaged by mossy pebbles, the Livradois-Forez has something for you. Streams, rivers and lakes form a dense network of water. It rushes down the winding slopes of the valleys, swelling the Dore river, the main tributary of the Allier. It flows for 138 kilometres, almost all of it in the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, before joining the Allier and then the Loire. The Dore, Dorette, Durolle and other rivers flow through the region, providing perfect spots for an invigorating swim or a simple waterside break. These places are not only welcoming havens for walkers who enjoy the gentle lapping of the water; they also provide the necessary habitats for remarkable species: pearl mussels, otters, salmon, diving turtles, shore swallows… a whole hidden world that reveals itself to the most attentive.
The Livradois-Forez region is home to a host of waterfalls, some of which are easily accessible, others of which are tucked away for a hike. One of these is the Creux de l’Oulette waterfall, nestling in a green setting. Experience a relaxing shoulder-neck whirlpool bath in a totally natural setting. A 13-kilometre hike will take you there. Most of the walk takes place in woodland, providing a natural refuge from the summer heat. For those in a hurry, there’s a car park nearby! Nearby, you’ll find the fascinating basalt organs of the Montpeloux volcano, and its peaceful lake, anchored in a former quarry. Towards St Germain Lherm, the Gomot waterfall is less high, but no less charming. To reach it, follow the bed of the Faredonde, the stream that feeds it. This path takes you through a forest covered in moss and lichen, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
Picnic at Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle
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Fourme d'Ambert tasting 4Then there are the hikes: there’s nothing better for feeling fully alive and very connected to nature than walking in the face of sumptuous landscapes as far as the eye can see, the silence disturbed only by birdsong or the rustle of leaves.
What a wonderful experience to take the time during your stay to reconnect with the produce you choose to put on your plate, to learn how it grows or is reared and to meet the people who care for it. The Livradois-Forez region is dotted with almost 2,000 farms that produce a wide range of local, natural products. Meat, cheese, charcuterie, poultry, cereals, pulses, fruit and vegetables, vegetables and fruit and vegetables are all on offer.
From its 25-metre-high belvedere, discover the Garden for the Earth, which forms a giant planisphere. The plant areas represent each continent and the lawns represent the seas and oceans. This giant planet combines botany and environmental education, and features over 700 species and 2,000 varieties of plants. It’s an extraordinary visit where you’ll be invited to use your senses: touch, smell and taste the edible plants, while the guide tells you the secrets of the plants you encounter, the beneficial associations and the little secret stories of the plants.
Chateau De Vollore
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Château d'Aulteribe Interiors 1For a more warlike atmosphere, why not take on the castles? Auvergne is a land of castles and dwellings. The Historic Route of the Castles of Auvergne highlights nine of the 35monuments in the Livradois-Forez region. These include the châteaux of Aulteribe, Ravel and La Barge in Courpière, Les Martinanches in Saint-Dier-d’Auvergne, Montmorin and Mons in Arlanc, Vollore and Busséol in Vic-le-Comte, and the abbey dwelling of Le Moutier in Thiers.
The Vollore Concerts
Les Concerts de Vollore, every year in July. Renowned for the quality of its programming, it has established itself, over the years, as a major event for lovers of music without frontiers. Of genre, class and country. Les Concerts de Vollore has also developed a series of events throughout the year, including “L’autre saison”.
Some producers visit local markets to sell direct and meet their consumers. Others welcome visitors to their farms for scheduled visits, tastings and direct sales. At Ferme des Roziers in Lezoux, for example, you can sample delicious cheeses made from organic milk. At the Garnasson farm in Doranges, two red fruit producers offer a whole host of sweet and fruity treats.
Others have made hospitality a business in its own right: as educational farms or equestrian farms, they help visitors discover and understand farm animals. At the Pré fleuri farm, you can spend a convivial moment in the company of horses. You can also take a carriage ride along the surrounding paths. For an hour or two, in the company of the donkey Capucine, Delphine will introduce you to the horses of Montcodiol.
You can round off this day of immersion in the Livradois-Forez region with a restful night in a peaceful gîte.
A stay in the Livradois-Forez can be a real immersion: you’ll never cook like you did before! The local ingredients, carefully selected at the markets, tell the story of their producer, and carry with them the smells and landscapes that saw them grow. In the freshness of a kitchen, surrounded by friends and family, the act of cooking becomes a joyful and convivial experience.
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Pnr Livradois Forez Jda4608 Photo J.damaseAre you looking for a bit of adrenalin or a day out with friends? If so, you’ll be enjoying sporting or creative activities, long walks and great games. We can see you in a tribe, family or friends, overexcited to be together, building a programme of activities that gets everyone involved in a frenzied rhythm…
And if you’re feeling energetic, why not take a mountain bike? Did you know that the Livradois Forez offers 2,780 km of uninterrupted trails, making it the largest mountain biking area in France, with 125 signposted routes? The routes are available on the dedicated hiking website and app.
