Pays des Combrailles and Valley of the Sioule
With its unspoilt, contrasting scenery, Pays de Combrailles is a rich, fertile, tranquil area where each season has its own special light, colours and stunning contrasts.
Pays des Combrailles and Valley of the Sioule : another side of Auvergne
Water is everywhere in lakes, ponds, waterfalls and rivers. The River Sioule is the ‘belle of the ball’ with its scenery of wetlands, waterfalls, meanders, reservoirs and picturesque gorges, which can be admired during wonderful walks and outings. A charming little road runs alongside the winding river between Queuille and Menat with lovely viewing points and beautiful scenery. Admire the breathtaking view from the Queuille meander, the best-known in Auvergne, before going to explore the spa village of Châteauneuf-les-Bains and its remarkable natural attractions (arboretum, source Lefort); the village of Lisseuil with its miraculous spring and Romanesque church; the medieval castle of Château Rocher overlooking the gorges and meander of Rochocol; Menat with its magnificent medieval bridge and famous abbey, one of the oldest in the region. A wonderful little tour blending nature and heritage which can be rounded off nicely at the Museum of Palaeontology at Menat.
Gorges de la Sioule
To explore the gorges from a different angle, there are numerous paths near the magnificent swirling river. Lots of different trails combining idyllic scenery and curiosities can be followed on foot or horseback, by bike, horse and cart or with a donkey, starting from the many Gites de France properties in the area. Among the essential trails is the circular trail from the Queuille Meander to the Viaduct des Fades, a stone giant which when it was built in the early 1900s was the highest bridge in the world ! Another walk which shows the beauty of the Combraillais landscape is the circular trail around Fades-Besserve dam and its reservoir covering 400 hectares, a popular place for swimming and fishing.
For fans of water sports, fishing or relaxing in lovely scenery, the nearby Etang Philippe (at Saint-Gervais d'Auvergne) or Gour de Tazenat are perfect spots. For some quality relaxation, treat yourself to some wellness treatment and a spa session at Châteauneuf-les-Bains.
The Gorges de la Sioule is a popular site for canoeing, water skiing and wake-boarding trips. Stretches from 4km to 23km are available, starting from Pont de Menat or Pont de Saint-Gal. And if you fancy going up in the world, make a date at Sauret-Besserve for a hot-air balloon trip for two.
The Gorges de la Sioule is also home to many creative artists and local speciality producers who welcome visitors to their workshops, farms etc. One of the curiosities which should not be missed is the Musée du Jambon (museum of ham) at Menat.
Discover Puy de Dôme with Gites de France Puy de Dôme : Puy de Dôme, Livradois-Forez, Clermont-Ferrand City Guide, Chaîne des Puys"
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