Walking activities
There are several walking routes in the area. There are routes suitable for both beginners and experienced walkers. These routes take you through the most beautiful parts of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Take, for example, the waterfalls of Saint-Priest-des-Champs, less than half an hour’s drive from us. Here there are two routes: one of 9.5 km and one of 3 km.
Or opt for the route starting in Saint-Hilaire-les-Monges, just a 5-minute drive away, where you’ll walk through the beech forests for which the Combrailles region is famous. There’s also a lovely view of the Combrailles area.
Be amazed by all the beauty that can be seen right on your doorstep. Not convinced yet? Of course, there are plenty more walks to enjoy besides the options mentioned. The Combrailles has a total of 1,650 km of registered walking routes. If you have any questions about where to find these routes, please feel free to ask us during your visit.
Musea
The Maison archéologique des Combrailles is a 10-minute drive away. Here you can learn more about the history of the beautiful Combrailles region. The exhibition changes regularly, so more and more information about the Combrailles region is being revealed.
There are also regular exhibitions in the area; these include art exhibitions, as well as past exhibitions on Lego and bicycles. Of course, there are also many beautiful castles and churches to visit in the surrounding area.
Active pursuits
There are plenty of things to do in the area for people of all ages.
Take the Velo Rail, for example. Here, you ride an electric bike along a railway track and end up at the Fades viaduct. This is a railway bridge which, when it opened in 1909, was the longest bridge in the world. The viaduct spans the River Sioule and is 92 metres high.
There are also plenty of activities to enjoy on the water. In Giat, for example, you can hire canoes and pedalos. These allow you to explore the 86-hectare lake
There are also several tree-top adventure courses in the area where you can navigate a course through the trees. Courses are available for both young and older daredevils.
Fishing
The Combrailles region is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Fishing competitions are held regularly. If you’d like to go fishing in the area, please check first whether you need a fishing licence, as this is often compulsory. The River Sioule is renowned for its salmon. The river is also home to brown trout. It flows close to us and offers several lovely spots to sit along the banks. The river also has several stretches where the water is quite shallow, making it ideal for fly fishing.
Cycling holiday
The Combrailles region is very well known among cycling enthusiasts. Every day, a handful of them cycle past our house. There are lovely roads in the immediate vicinity where you can put your fitness to the test. Prefer to head out on a mountain bike? That’s an option too! Set off and explore the beautiful forests. There are various routes available on the well-known cycling apps.
Into town
Clermont-Ferrand is 44 km away. Here you’ll find major shops and tourist attractions such as the Puy de Dôme and Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral. There’s plenty to do, particularly in the city centre, which boasts numerous restaurants and outdoor cafés. As well as the major shops, Clermont-Ferrand also has many small shops that still capture the essence of ‘old’ France. Think, for example, of traditional bakeries or specialist cheese shops. There are also regular markets here selling local produce and/or second-hand goods.
Practical information
The village of Pontaumur is just a short drive away (4.2 km); here you can do your daily shopping at the supermarket. There is also a bakery, an organic shop and a pharmacy.