Pays des Combrailles and Valley of the Sioule

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.