Vineyards, villages and volcanoes of the Arverne country

Overnight in hotel

Arriving in Clermont-Ferrand (or Royat), you will do the checking at your hotel.
If you arrive not too late, you can visit the centre of the city with his black cathedral build with lava stone.
Night at your hotel in Clermont-Ferrand.
PS : In principle, if you arrive by car, free parking in Royat so you can leave your vehicle there during your stay.

Night in a Bed & Breakfast / 14,5 km / walking time 4.30 h / Elevation : + 289m / - 536m

In the morning, short taxi transfer to reach the Gergovie plateau.
Gergovie, place of the famous battle which opposed the great chief of the Arvernes "Vercingetorix" and the head of the Roman Empire, the great "Caesar". You can visit Gergovie's house to learn more about all the secrets of this legendary battle.
You will reach the St Saturnin village or St Amant village to spend the night.

Night in Hotel or Cottage Hotel / 16.5 km / walking time 5.00 h / Elevation : + 587 m / - 193 m

Through the country paths, you will evolve on the old lava flows of the young volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys.
These volcanoes, only 8500 years old, naturally gave birth to two lakes, Aydat and Cassière. It's close to one or the other, that you will spend this evening.

Option : Possibility to spend an extra night here (Aydat or La Cassière) to climb the two volcanoes "La Vache" and "Lassolas" (Distance : between 18 km / walking time : 5 hours / Elevation : + 389 / - 385).

Night in a Bed & Breakfast / around 19 km / walking time 5 to 6 h / Elevation : + 250 m / - 690 m

Today, you will walk down and leave the cool of the lakes. Hiking between meadow, pine forest and oaks.
You'll walk on a bucolic territory where meadow and granite blocks are so many surprising landscapes conducive to photography.
The villages and hamlets are still strong witness to this rural life.
During the evening at the medieval village of St Saturnin, a detour through its romanesque church of the 12th century is highly recommended ...

Night in a Bed & Breakfast / 18 km (or 17 km from St Saturnin) / walking time : 5 h / Elevation : + 515 m / - 498m

A medieval village can hide another!
Through orchards and vineyards, you will visit the small winegrower villages, steeped in history linked to this forgotten heritage. Today's winemakers are keen to revive it with love and respect for nature.
When you arrive in Montpeyroux, Yvan Bernard, a wine specialist in the village, will be able to help you discover this gastronomic heritage ... Of course, to drink ... with moderation... or not!
The whole village is built in Arkoze, this blond stone quarried from the village.
Night in this beautiful village (Label "most beautiful village of France"), under the benevolence of its tower of the 13th century.

End of your stay / 11 km / walking time : 3 h / Elevation : + 180 m / - 307 m

Last stage of your journey in Arverne Country.
You will cross the river "Allier", by the suspension bridge to take a little height. View of Montpeyroux and in the background the Massif du Sancy.
You join the train station Longues and your train to regain Clermont-Ferrand.