The Auvergne is a relatively undiscovered part of France. It contains a wide variety of terrain, a diverse natural life, and is historically very interesting. Chateldon and Mariol are on the edge of the Bourbonnaise mountains and the Livradois Forez National Park, a nature reserve which stretches 100km to the south. Walk up into the hills behind and there is a magnificent view across the fertile plain of the Allier to the Châine des Puys and to the Volcans d'Auvergne National Park, the range of mountains behind Clermont-Ferrand. There are many marked routes for walkers and mountain bikers throughout the area and good maps and guidebooks. In winter there is cross country skiing. The spa town of Vichy, with its 'fin de siecle' architecture and elegant shops, is only 20 minutes to the north, and medieval Thiers, famous for its cutlery, is the same distance south. There are many castles and smaller towns worth a visit.



The Immediate Surroundings
Mariol and Chateldon lie in the foothills of the Montagne Bourbonnaise and on the northern edge of the Livradois-Forez National Park, the largest nature park in Europe. The region has exceptional natural landscapes and is rich in flora and fauna. To the west lies the Limagne, where the Allier and Dore rivers converge, which is a haven for a wide variety of migratory birds.

There are lots of lovely walks in the area, from the gentle to the more demanding. Some can be taken from the houses themselves.  The Montagne Bourbonnaise rises to 1300m and is a favourite place for walkers, cyclists and horseriders.







Ris

Ris lies between Mariol and Chateldon in the foothills of the Montagne Bourbonnaise and is within walking distance from both. It is a fortified settlement and has a church with some interesting wall paintings. For 8 centuries a Clunisien priory dominated the town and the local agriculture.


  


Walk up through these woods from Mariol to views across the Allier plain to the Châine des Puys.









Further afield

Vichy
Vichy is an elegant spa town with a beautiful riverside esplanade and park
It is 15-20 minutes drive away. 

Concerts, plays and operas are regularly performed in the beautiful opera house in Vichy.



 


  

Around Vichy

La Montagne Bourbonnaise

Châtel-Montagne



The 12th Century Church

   
A street in Châtel-Montagne

Arfeuilles