A stroll through Thiers
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Pierre Pamole
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Micro-adventurein Livradois-Forez
First, choose the spirit:alone with yourself or in a tribe?
The spirit of micro-adventure is to take a small step away from routine, a moment where you can escape without necessarily going far. It’s an adventure on a human scale, one that can be enjoyed over a weekend, or even a day, close to home. There’s no need for big money or complicated preparations; just an idea, a handful of spare hours and off you go.
A two- or three-day adventure far, far away from your habits but geographically close to home, without a plane, without a huge budget. The essential thing is to break the routine, reconnect with the present moment and rediscover that little thrill of adventure, just for a little while.
A little natural gem hidden away in the heart of the Auvergne, the Livradois-Forez is an adventure playground for all nature lovers. With its ever-changing landscapes, silent forests and valleys, and breathtaking panoramas, the Livradois-Forez is the perfect place to start.
Would you prefer to spend a weekend on your own or 3 days with a group in the Auvergne? The possibilities are as vast as the starry skies above.
Then find your spot
A micro-adventure is much more than just an activity-packed getaway. It’s a time to unplug, escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, savour every moment and recharge your batteries in the fresh air. The Livradois-Forez will be your haven, the perfect place to reconnect with the simple things that are true.
Roaming on foot & bivouacking
This is a very special form of travel, a way of connecting fully with nature, discovering yourself, opening up and exploring new horizons. Every day, you’ll change scenery: mountains or forests, valleys or lakes, churches or castles. And for your nights too: bivouac in the heart of nature, almost under the stars, country inn or cosy hotel.
The weekend tour : Égliseneuve-près-Billom – Saint-Jean-des-Ollières – 2 days and less than 40km. You’ll see the Madet Valley, the Château de Mauzun and the Etang des Maures, not forgetting the magnificent views over the Chaine des Puys, the Monts Dore and the Monts du Forez.
Hiking and creativity
The Pierre Pamole sector circuit is a great opportunity to discover a wide range of landscapes. With a route of 16 km that you can easily complete in 4 hours 30 minutes, this experience will leave you with unforgettable memories. You start the route at Vollore-Montagne, passing through Noirétable and Viscomtat before returning to your starting point.
You didn’t want to choose between sport and culture, so do both by choosing to express all your creative talents! Try your hand at making your own knife, a piece of jewellery or, why not, a stained-glass window!
Hautes-Chaumes
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Col des Supeyres
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Muratte dam, Palladuc
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Jasserie, Hautes-Chaumes
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Col des Supeyres
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Jasserie, Hautes-Chaumes
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Bivouacking in Livradois-Forez
Bivouac means pitching your tent at dusk and taking it down at sunrise. Depending on the area, there may be specific restrictions. In the Livradois-Forez, French regulations apply. These define prohibited areas and practices with regard to fire, for example.
Read the FFR memo:
It comes with a few practical recommendations
- be well equipped (clothing, suitable footwear, a good sleeping bag, etc.)
- a small first-aid kit (you can never be too careful),
- a torch
- something to eat and drink to keep your energy levels up.
And a few common-sense rules: a bivouac site must not be marked by your presence, and your presence must not disturb the local wildlife.
Livradois-Forezan app for hiking
A hiking portal and mobile app offering walks in Livradois-Forez to suit all abilities. 200 routes are listed, and the app is constantly evolving.
Enjoy life:breaks and gastronomic delights
But walking or cycling also means joining the discreet but very friendly community of hikers. People who say hello to each other as they cross the paths and meet up at the end of the day on the terrace of an inn or stopover gîte. People who generously recount their encounters with local wildlife, who have spotted a fox or a roe deer. She’s the one who tells you the best place to try an extraordinary cheese. The one who sometimes rewrites the world. All this over a hearty meal, hosted by hosts who are happy to welcome you and help you discover their region.
What’s more, the Livradois is a veritable treasure trove of history and culture. The castles that dominate the landscape, the churches that tell of centuries gone by and the little villages that seem frozen in time are all there to remind us of the soul and traditions of this beautiful region. So, during your three days in the Auvergne, take the time to stroll around, explore these unique places and soak up the spirit of the Livradois.
Local markets and products
So as not to overload your rucksack, plan to stop off at the local markets to stock up on fruit and vegetables, cold meats, sweets and fresh bread for a fabulous picnic of local flavours. The gastronomy of the Livradois-Forez is a feast for the senses not to be missed during your escapade. Make the most of your visit to indulge in the specialities of the Auvergne, meet the local craftsmen and women and simply enjoy a good meal together.
Committed to preserving the environmentthe environment
The Livradois-Forez region is well aware of the need to protect its natural capital, and has set up a number oflocalinitiatives to encourage environmentally-friendly tourism: eco-labelled accommodation, eco-tourism circuits, activities to raise awareness of the importance of protecting nature… immersing people in a happy ecology.
Visit, protect and respectLivradois-Forez
Living in adventurer mode
In midsummer, you’ll find wild berries galore. A little later in the autumn, mushrooms await you. There are also wild plants, for which you may need to learn a few things before setting off! What can you do with wild garlic, hogweed, fiddleheads and nettles? Here you’ll find enthusiastic gatherers who can teach you how to create a real banquet!
Experience the natural sanctuary of the forest
The Livradois, Forez and Bois Noirs forests are among the most important in the Massif Central. Populated by fir and beech in the mountains and oak and hornbeam in the plains, they are a protective cocoon for exceptional fauna and rare flora. To help you recognise these treasures of biodiversity, the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park has produced short species identity sheets.
