Micro-adventure in Livradois-Forez

Discover weekends in the heart of the Livradois-Forez region of Auvergne!

Immerse yourself in the unspoilt nature of the Auvergne with unforgettable weekends in the magnificent Livradois-Forez region. Whether you’re into hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great outdoors, this region offers a multitude of authentic experiences to discover.

First, choose the spirit: alone with yourself or in a tribe?

The spirit of micro-adventure is to take a small step out of your routine, a moment where you can escape without necessarily going far. It’s an adventure on a human scale, the kind you can experience in a weekend, or even a day, close to home. There’s no need for big money or complicated preparations: just an idea, a handful of free hours and off you go.

A two- or three-day adventure far, far away from your habits, but geographically close to home, without planes, without a large budget. The essential thing is to break the routine, reconnect with the present moment and rediscover that little thrill of adventure, just for a little while.

A natural gem hidden in the heart of the Auvergne, the Livradois-Forez is an adventure playground for all nature lovers. Ever-changing landscapes, silent forests and valleys, breathtaking panoramas: the Livradois-Forez is the perfect spot to get started.

Would you prefer to spend a weekend on your own, or 3 days with a group in the Auvergne? The possibilities are as vast as the starry skies overhead.

Then find your spot

Micro-adventure is much more than just an activity-filled getaway. It’s a time to unplug, escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, savor every moment and recharge your batteries in the fresh air. Livradois-Forez will be your refuge, the perfect place to reconnect with simple, true things.

Roaming on foot & bivouacking

A very special form of travel, to connect fully with nature, discover yourself, open up and explore new horizons. Every day, you change scenery: mountains or forests, valleys or lakes, churches or castles. And for your nights too: bivouac in the wilderness, almost under the stars, country inn or cosy hotel.

The weekend tour : Égliseneuve-près-Billom – Saint-Jean-des-Ollières – 2 days and less than 40kms. You’ll see the Madet Valley, the Mauzun castle and the Etang des Maures, not to mention magnificent views of the Chaine des Puys, Monts Dore and Monts du Forez.

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Hiking and creativity

The Pierre Pamole sector circuit is a great opportunity to discover a wide range of landscapes. With a 16 km route that you can easily complete in 4 h 30, this experience will leave you with unforgettable memories. You start off in Vollore-Montagne, pass through Noirétable and Viscomtat before returning to your starting point.

You didn’t want to choose between sport and culture, now you can do both by choosing to express all your creative talents! Try your hand at making your own knife, jewelry or, why not, stained glass!

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Bivouac in Livradois-Forez

Bivouac means pitching your tent at dusk and taking it down at sunrise. Depending on the area, there may be specific restrictions. In Livradois-Forez, French regulations apply. These define prohibited areas and practices with regard to fire, for example.

Read the recommendations drawn up by the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, as well as the FFR memo: the hiker’s charter.

It comes with a few practical recommendations

make sure you’re well equipped (clothing, appropriate footwear, a good sleeping bag, etc.)
a small first-aid kit (you can never be too careful),
a flashlight,
something to eat and drink, so as not to lose energy.

And a few common-sense rules: a bivouac site must not be marked by your presence, and your presence must not disturb the local wildlife.

Livardois-Foerezan app for hiking

A hiking portal and mobile app offer hikes in Livradois-Forez suited to all abilities. 200 routes are listed, and the app is constantly evolving.

Enjoy life: breaks and gourmet pleasures

But hiking or biking also means joining the discreet but very friendly community of hikers. They greet each other as they cross the paths, and meet up again at the end of the day on the terrace of an inn or stopover gîte. Those who generously recount their encounters with the local fauna, who have spotted a fox or a deer. She’s the one who tells us where to find an extraordinary cheese. The one who sometimes remakes the world. All this over a refreshing meal, hosted by hosts happy to welcome you and help you discover their region.

What’s more, the Livradois is a veritable treasure trove of history and culture. The castles that dominate the landscape, the churches that tell of centuries gone by and the small villages that seem frozen in time are all there to remind us of the soul and traditions of this beautiful region. So, during your three days in the Auvergne, take the time to stroll around, explore these unique places and soak up the spirit of the Livradois.

Markets and local produce

So as not to overload your backpack, you’ll want to stop off at the local markets to stock up on fruit and vegetables, charcuterie, sweets and fresh bread for a fabulous picnic of local flavors. Livradois-Forez gastronomy is a feast for the senses, not to be missed on your getaway. Take advantage of your visit to feast on Auvergne specialties, meet local artisans and share simple, warm moments around a good table.

Committed to preservation the environment

Well aware of the need to protect its natural capital, Livradois-Forez has set up a number oflocal initiatives to encourage environmentally-friendly tourism: eco-labeled accommodation, eco-tourism circuits, activities to raise awareness of the importance of protecting nature… immersion in a happy ecology.

Eco-responsible accommodation

Eco-responsible restaurants

Visit, protect and respect Livradois-Forez

Adventurous living

In midsummer, you’ll find wild berries galore. Later in autumn, mushrooms await you. And then there are the wild plants, for which you may need to learn a few things before setting off! What can you do with wild garlic, hogweed, fiddleheads and nettles? Here you’ll find passionate gatherers who’ll teach you how to create a real banquet!

Experience the natural sanctuary of the forest

The Livradois, Forez and Bois Noirs forests are among the most important in the Massif Central. Populated by fir and beech in the mountains, oak and hornbeam in the plains, they are a protective cocoon for exceptional fauna and rare flora. To help you recognize these treasures of biodiversity, the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park has published short species identity sheets.

Touring in all its forms