Pays de Riom-Limagne

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From the amazing panoramas of Montpensier via Mirabel to the slopes of Puy Saint-Jean

At the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chaîne des Puys - Faille de Limagne, very close to Clermont-Ferrand, Pays de Riom-Limagne is a rich blend of heritage buildings and unspoilt natural attractions between mountains, plains, rivers and volcanoes.

There is no better way to explore these wide-open spaces than along the many paths which pass close to your gite. You can go on foot, by bike, on horseback or quad – everything is possible. The beautiful colours of springtime transform the dark landscape into Harlequin’s sparkling coat during summer.

To enjoy some truly breathtaking views, go to the top of the hills at Montpensier, Montgacon or to the slopes of Puy Saint-Jean. Another hill well worth climbing is Mirabel which has lots of diverse scenery and many rare plants including 19 species of orchids. It is part of the Natura 2000 network and a conservation area, as is Val de Morge, whose river banks are lined with the woodland home of many species of butterflies and birds including the hobby and the eagle owl.

The River Allier also has an extraordinarily rich and diverse environment. It can be discovered on foot, by bike or by kayak and is very popular with fishermen. In fact, the Limagne area teems with rivers and streams where trout, pike and zander rule supreme.

Pays de Limagne – and area remarkable for its architecture and history

Limagne has some exquisite buildings for those who like to see how the other half once lived : Domaine Royal de Randan, which was the last royal estate created in France for the Orleans family, has wonderful collections and immense listed grounds; the Château de Tournoël castle was the scene of quarrels between the great families of Auvergne; Château de Portaberaud is a delightful folly dating from the Age of Enlightenment; Château de Chazeron was once home to knights and barons; Château d'Effiat has a magnificently decorated interior and a remarkable garden ‘à la Française’.

There is no shortage of fine religious architecture in the area either ! Romanesque and Gothic churches include those of Thuret (an absolute must !) and Aigueperse, the collegiate church of Ennezat and the Abbey of Mozac which is one of the prestigious European Cluniac sites as is the church of Marsat. The village of Marsat is part of the heritage treasures of the Art and History district which also includes Riom, another essential place to visit.

Riom ancient capital of the Duchies of Auvergne

The ancient capital of the Duchies of Auvergne has a historic centre, houses and mansions, remarkable fountains dating back to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the 18th century. Other treasures can be seen in the Musée Mandet (art and decorative arts from Antiquity to the present day, 16th – 19th century paintings and sculptures, design) and the Musée Régional d'Auvergne which is dedicated to rural life in Auvergne during the 19th century. This Auvergne of bygone days can also be seen by discovering the dovecotes which are the emblems of the area.

Discover Puy de Dôme with Gites de France Puy de Dôme : Puy de Dôme, Livradois-Forez, Clermont-Ferrand City Guide, Chaîne des Puys.