Activities and Visits

Culture	Nature	Events	Practical Info

Culture

Lavoûte-Chilhac and its Priory

Lavoute Chilhac, a clunisien site, is fascinating not only for the surrounding nature, but also for its ancient priory and its Saint Cross church from the 15th century. Visit lavoute chilhac or Visit an older version of lavoute chilhac

The Castle of Domeyrat

The Domeyrat castle perched on its rocky foundation dominates over the Senouire River and the beautiful and rugged Senouire Valley. There is a theatrical presentation which is full of humour and is extremely entertaining for the whole family. You'll be impressed by the actor's authentic costumes and the breathtaking views of the valley as you learn about the life and times of the Middle Ages in this remote part of Auvergne. visit their Website.

Abbey of Lavaudieu

The magnificant monastary of Lavaudieu, located in the serene village of Lavaudieu, also in the Valley of the Senouire, is the only monastary in Auvergne to have saved its Roman cloister. Monastary of moniales, the priory of Saint Andre de Comps (primitive name of Lavaudieu until 1487), was founded by Saint Robert in 1050. It was a branch of the monastary of the Chaise Dieu. Once having visited the Abbey, you can stroll around the beautiful and serene village, a laberynth of little streets and magnificantly restored homes.

The Paleonthology Museum in Chilhac

Volcanoes, though considered as destructive natural force, can also slow down the inescapable work of erosion. In Chilhac the remains of certain varieties of faune in a volcanic flow dating from 1.9 million years ago, have been conserved. They are consequently considered to be some of the most ancient. Tél : 04.71.77.47.26

The Windmills of Ally

In Ally, you will discover one of the largest windmill parks in France. There are guided tours where you can see the windmills that have been restored from the XIX century as well as the mines of Rodde. An impressive visit and a wonderful view of the Valley! Visit the website

The Wild Salmon Conservatory in Chanteuges

The Salmon Conservatory helps one to understand the actions that are being taken to assure the repopulation of Europe's larger rivers. There is also an exhibit which explains the life and biological cycle of salmon. Chanteuges is a beautiful village not to be missed! www.fondation-saumon.org

The Tourist Train of the Gorges of the Allier River

A unique and marvelous experience for the whole family. Travel on one of the mostmagnificant railway lines in France and visit the savage Allier, where no man has gone before. visit the website

Activities and Visits

Culture	Nature	Events	Practical Info

Nature

League for the Protection of Birds

In Lavoute Chilhac, the LPO or League for the Protection of Birds, presents numerous expositions, paintings, photos and walks (some at night), to discover and explore the diversity of species inhabiting the Valley of the Allier.

Protected Naturel Site

The High Valley of the Allier River is a natural site, protected and part of the program, Natura 2000. There are many ways to discover this natural environment, whether through the many hiking paths, biking paths, the little beaches next to the river, you will discover that there are many animals, insects and species of faune that one can not find elsewhere.

Kayak, Canoe and Adventure Sports

For those who are more active, whether young or less young, the area offers a multitude of activites for all styles and tastes. Try a day in Langeac at the Le Parcours Aventure en Forêt, a wonderful escape into the forest for all ages, even the little ones. Or spend the day on the river, one can rent canoes and kayaks in Lavoute Chilhac or Chilhac. www.canoe-valdallier.com For the real thrill-seekers, you can always try bunjy jumping off the bridge in Villeneuve, it is definitely stimulating!www.sportival43.com

Fishing in the Allier River

The Allier and Senourie rivers attract many fishers, young and old. There are a multitude of peaceful spots and coves to pass the day, tranquilly, as you await your next catch. To find out more about the rivers and the different species of fish that inhabit them, go to the website:, www.unpf.fr/43

Activities and Visits

Culture	Nature	Events	Practical Info

Agenda

It might be the countryside but there's still plenty to do and see...festivals and concerts...

Brioude

du 11 juillet au 26 juillet c'est le 4ème Biennale d'Aquarelle à Brioude, voir les tableaux, visiter les peintres, stages pour adultes et enfants...
www.brioude.fr | www.brioude.fr

Celebration of the Marquis de Lafayette in Langeac

La Belle Journée de Marquis de Lafayette in Langeac, in the end of July, is a magical festival your children will love. Loads of people are dressed up in costumes, from the noble to the peasants, there is street theatre and singing, open air restaurants and "bars." You can even participate by renting a costume or bringing your own along. It is a truely unique experience that shouldn't be missed!

Classical Music Festival in La Chaise Dieu

A reknowned music festival, in August, that attracts composers and musiciens from around the world. Located for the most part in La Chaise Dieu ( a village not to be missed), there are also concerts in Brioude and other villages in the Haute Loire.....

Music Festival in Blesle

In the medieaval village of Blesle, you can pass your weekend listening to some amazing musiciens, with a plethora of styles, whether rock , jazz, classic or folk , there is something for everyone and even for the little ones! It is a wonderful ambiance where people go from one concert to another from one part of the village to another.

The Renaissance Festival of the King of the Bird or Les Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau

We can't forget the magnificant festival in Le Puy en Velay, in September, with music galore and costumes one cannot imagine, it is a wonderful experience for the entire family. Not to be missed!

Activities and Visits

Culture	Nature	Events	Practical Info

Useful Info

Public Transportation

Train stations in Langeac (12kms) and Brioude(24kms)

Aulnat Airport near Clermont Ferrand (about 90 kms from the rentals)

Outdoor Markets

Monday morning: Central square in PaulhaguetLundi matin : Place centrale de Paulhaguet

Tuesday and Thursday: Langeac (Thursday market is bigger than Tuesday)

Saturday:Brioude (very lively and fun)

Sunday morning: little market during the summer in Lavoute Chilhac

Supermarkets

Langeac : Super U, LIDL

Paulhaguet : Ecomarché

Brioude : Carrefour, Casino

Restaurants

Auberge d'Ally in Ally (11kms from Lavoute Chilhac)

Le Prieurie in Lavoute Chilhac

Le Pêcheur in Lavoute Chilhac

Le Pelle au Four in St. Cirgues (about 1km from Lavoute Chilhac)

Cafe de la Tour in Lavoute Chilhac, concerts on Wednesday nights during the summer

Le Chabrot in Paulhaguet

Doctor and Pharmacy

Paulhaguet and Lavoute Chilhac both have a pharmacy and general practitioners.

Internet Access

Tourist Office in Lavoute Chilhac- has free access to internet

Cafe/terrace bar in front of town hall in Langea- you can hook up your computer and surf away!