Livradois-Forez
Livradois-Forez is a traditional, medium-altitude mountain area, full of life and with a thousand and one faces ! It is a great destination at any time of year for families, friends and couples.
Wonderful open views of the Plaine du Forez
There is no shortage of spectacular scenery in this unspoilt area and Hautes Chaumes at 1,400m altitude, is among the most remarkable. These vast, bare plateaux of moorland and peatbogs at the heart of a Natura 2000 conservation area offer absolute tranquillity and an unbelievable sense of freedom. In addition there are marvellous open views over the Plaine du Forez, Monts du Lyonnais and sometimes even the Alps and Mont Blanc. Hautes Chaumes is a place to get really close to nature, a nature which changes with the seasons, so you will want to come back again and again to see its myriad of faces.
Wide-open green spaces and 300km of paths and trails
In spring wide-open green spaces are revealed which in summer are covered in heather, bilberries and gentian. The warm colours of autumn are often veiled in a gentle mist, giving the area a mysterious atmosphere. These are ideal seasons for walking or mountain biking along no less than 300km of paths and trails !
One of the finest trails through Livradois-Forez is the « Sentier du Colporteur des Jasseries (Pedlar’s path) », which is a mix of beautiful landscapes and typical stone buildings which were used to shelter animals and make cheese. This pastoral past is recalled at the Jasserie-Musée du Coq Noir, at Saint-Anthème, which also offers lots of different activities for visitors and tasting sessions of local produce, including patia (a delicious dish of potato cooked in cream). Hautes-Chaumes can also be explored on horseback or on a donkey.
Take a cooling dip in nearby Lac de Saint-Anthème, go for a walk in the Valley of the River Lignon or one of its many tributaries : the Anzon, Chagnon, Dardonnet, etc., or reach for the skies on a paragliding trip from the emblematic Col du Béal !
In winter, snow is plentiful much to the delight of winter sports enthusiasts. There are 12 trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoe trekking and skate skiing at Ambert-Crêtes du Forez, which is accessible from Col des Supeyres, a popular snow-kiting spot.
Ambert – a delightful heritage and delicious gastronomy
As well as beautiful scenery, Livradois-Forez also has a rich history and the little town of Ambert is one of its finest tributes to the past. Recognised as a « Plus beau détour de France », it has a marvellous architectural heritage, full of remarkable originality like the circular mairie (town hall), the only one in Europe, its typical esplanade, half-timbered houses and Art Nouveau buildings. The town is also recognised for its internationally-renowned Fourme d’Ambert cheese. Visit the Maison de la Fourme d’Ambert to discover everything about the cheese, its history, how it is made followed by a tasting session of course, all in a fun way so ideal for families ! Other child-friendly attractions include the tourist train ride, rail-biking, Val Dore outdoor activity centre and swimming pool complex. And let’s not forget the town’s other famous product : paper, which is still made at Moulin Richard de Bas, another place which is great fun to visit !
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