Nature and gardens

Sustainable tourism and family adventures

Discover the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, a jewel of the Auvergne region that embodies the spirit of sustainable tourism. Through its varied landscapes, this territory is a celebration of biodiversity. It invites you to explore, where observing, learning and understanding nature becomes a playful adventure. Guided tours reveal the ecological and cultural richness of the park. Prepare yourself for an immersion in respect for the environment, where the joy of discovery mingles with the preservation of our planet.

Nature invites you to Livradois-Forez in Auvergne

In the heart of the Auvergne region, the Livradois-Forez offers a captivating ecological diversity that attracts those in search of tranquility and reconnection with the natural world. This region, with its varied landscapes, is a call to disconnect for all those who aspire to get away from the daily hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in restorative calm.

The natural heritage of Livradois-Forez is rich and diverse, including mysterious peat bogs, wetlands rich in biodiversity and imposing rocky gorges. Contemplate peaceful ponds, sumptuous forest massifs and high plateaus where the wind whispers ancient stories.

These ecosystems offer a daily spectacle that can be contemplated from the doorstep or terrace of one of the many tourist accommodations, or during a leisurely stroll.

Among the natural treasures of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, five sites stand out for their beauty and the unique experience they offer. Don’t miss the vast wilderness of the Hautes-Chaumes or the ancestral forest of the Comté. Looking for a little magic? Visit the mysterious Rez de Sol, also known as the dragon’s stone.

Varied biodiversity within each ecosystem

Mountain forests, where the fir takes refuge in cool, damp areas, are home to rare species of mosses and lycopods, as well as birds such as the Hazel Grouse and Tegmalm’s Owl. Large mammals such as roe deer and wildcats can also be found here.

The Hautes-Chaumes, meanwhile, reveal a landscape of callune and bilberry heaths and alpine meadows from an altitude of 1,200 metres. These expanses, shaped by a harsh climate, are home to plant and animalspecies similar to those found in the high mountains or northern tundras. Agropastoralism plays a key role in preserving these environments, where nature reclaims its rights in the absence of human activity.

The rivers and alluvial zones of Livradois-Forez, from the wild torrential waters to the calmer waters of the plains, are home to exceptional aquatic and riparianbiodiversity. The River Dore, in particular, is home to precious species such as pearl mussels, otters, salmon, dippers and bank swallows, enriching the landscape with their presence.

The bocage landscape, with its mix of meadows, hedges, woods and waterholes, is a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna. They provide an ideal habitat for numerous species of birds, frogs, insects and orchids.

Finally, mountain bogs and wetlands reveal a world of plants adapted to extreme conditions, such as carnivorous sundews, butterworts, cranberries and flooded lycopods. These environments, essential for water regulation and biodiversity, are home to numerous springs and streams, playing a crucial role in the Livradois-Forez ecosystem.

Nature at the service of our planet with Jardin pour la Terre

Imagine a place where you can circumnavigate the globe without a plane, where every step takes you from one continent to another. You can cross oceans on foot, leaping from Europe to South America in just a few strides. Welcome to the Jardin pour la Terre d’Arlanc, a 6.5-hectare botanical paradise where plant spaces are designed to reproduce continents, and lawns metamorphose into seas and oceans. This miniature planet, born of Laurence Médioni’s fertile imagination in 1997, is a sanctuary unique in Europe. It offers an educational and entertaining perspective on our environment. Spanning 6.5 hectares, the garden reveals an astonishing botanical diversity, with a stunning collection of 20,000 plant varieties.

It’s not every day you get to discover carnivorous plants, taste exotic flowers or get lost in a miniature jungle in the heart of the Auvergne. Thanks to an enthusiastic nature guide, young and old alike can touch, smell and even taste plants from the four corners of the globe, all acclimatized to thrive in our climates.

Cultural programming

With art exhibitions that change with the seasons, shows and concerts for children and adults, the garden comes alive with a rich cultural life. Guided tours enrich the experience and emphasize environmental preservation. They offer visitors interactive learning opportunities around biodiversity, observation of flora and fauna, and even edible picking and tasting. The garden is also a place for experimentation and environmental awareness, offering practical workshops ranging from building nesting boxes to using essential oils and making homemade cosmetics. Pets on a leash are welcome. Le Jardin pour la Terre un is accessible to all, including people with disabilities. So, are you ready for the journey?

Eco-responsible guided tours in Auvergne for young and old

You can walk anywhere in the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park on your own. But why not take advantage of the expertise of local guides. They’ll help you better understand this unique biodiversity. These excursions are designed to fully immerse visitors. These are educational trips where discovery and learning go hand in hand with adventure. Our professional guides have an in-depth knowledge of and passion for the Livradois-Forez region.

Nature tours

Guided tours help you understand the complexity and fragility of local ecosystems. On a guided hike or duringdiscovery workshops, you’ll be introduced to the mysteries of the park’s biodiversity. Afterwards, the whole family can play at naming each tree and plant encountered on your walks.

Visits and walks all year round

You can go mushroom-hunting in autumn or watch nature awaken in spring. Why not take an excursion to discover the wild orchids of the puy de Pileyre in Chauriat. Or head to theIloa base if you’d like to enjoy a Beaver walk in Thiers. An adventure for 4-10 year-olds accompanied by their parents. A fun way to discover the beavers’ strange way of life!

Are you more of a night owl?

The night-time tours,“L’heure des chouettes” at Saint-Germain-L’herm, offer a different perspective on the park, inviting visitors to listen to and experience nature under a starry sky. The discovery of nocturnal walking will take place gradually between dusk and night with a mountain guide.