on foot | Vacances en Auvergne – Maison du Tourisme du Livradois Forez

In search of letting go on a hike in Livradois-Forez

When you’re out and about, hiking makes you feel free and light, for maximum disconnection. Put on your shoes in the morning and walk to another stopover for the night. This is how you let go of everyday habits. You get rid of superfluous material constraints, without giving up comfort!

The mountains of the Livradois and Forez regions are beautiful and accessible. The gradients can be steep, but never daunting. So there’s a wide range of itineraries to suit all tastes, from beginner to sporty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an occasional walker, you’ll find a circuit to suit your needs. Depending on the time you have available and your stamina.

Walking in inspiring natural surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, is also a contemplative experience. A way of clearing the mind. To rediscover your senses in the face of breathtaking landscapes and nature at its most vulnerable.

Tour de Pays en Livradois-Forez

In Livradois-forez, you'll be on 4 itinerant trails

GR®3, in the Forez mountains, on the Hautes Chaumes ridge125 km over 7 days

The GR®3, sentiers de la Loire, was the first itinerary to be certified by the French Hiking Federation in 1947. Of the 1,200 km of this legendary route from the Loire estuary to its source, 125 km cross the Forez and Livradoismountains between Chabreloche and Retournac. Through quiet forests of beech and fir, the walker overlooks the Loire along the ridgeline. With magnificent views of the river at the bottom of the valley, in the majestic company of large birds of prey.

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A walking tour of the region, from the Forez mountains to the Livradois mountains120 km over 6 days

The Tour du Pays du Livradois-Forez loop offers a 120 km challenge to be covered in six days for a complete discovery of the region. Admire the Chaîne des puys from the Col des Supeyres and the Col du Béal. It also passes through small, welcoming, typicaltowns with surprising architectural features. This GR® de Pays is an itinerary for walking in the heart of nature, with steep ascents, passes and summits offering spectacular panoramas.

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Le Chemin de Montaigne, GR®89 - the most philosophical of all Livradois-Forez hikes117km over 6 days

On the GR®89, chemin de Montaigne, meditative and pedestrian paths come together to follow in the footsteps of an illustrious thinker. In other words, this long-distance hiking trail follows in the footsteps of Michel de Montaigne from Rome to Bordeaux. A Renaissance philosopher and writer of “Essais” as well as a “Journal de voyage”. In 1581, he crossed the south of France and Auvergne, including 117 km in the Forez region from Thiers. Interpretation desks line the walk, allowing hikers to discover the history, life and work of the philosopher.

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In the southern Livradois-Forez: the GR®de pays - Robe de bure et cote de mailles163 km over 9 days

Halfway between hiking and pilgrimage, the GR® de Pays Robe de bure et cotte de maille takes hikers on a nine-day, 163 km tour of the southern Livradois-Forez region. In other words, discover an impressive medieval heritage. Follow in the silent footsteps of the knights and monks of the Middle Ages, from Domeyrat castle to La Chaise-Dieu abbey. Everything about this almost mystical peregrination calls for calm. From the silence of the priory at Lavaudieu abbey, designated one of France’s most beautiful villages, to the cool breaks.

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Find accommodation for your touring trip

On the itinerary or in the immediate vicinity of the paths, the range of accommodation for hikers allows you to organize your stay according to its duration. You can then multiply the number of walking friends and the length of the stages. Refuges or gîtes, hotels, campsites– these are all suitable for hikers. Just as the managers are used to welcoming them for a well-deserved and tasty rest, they are often also adept at walking in the great outdoors. Catering, luggage and personaltransport, information and advice: our service providers make life easier for walkers, and offer personalized hiking holidays.

Waymarking is carried out and checked every year by the association Randonnée en Livradois-Forez. They ensure that hikers are well oriented and safe.

“Green” for GR de Pays trails,
“red and white” for long-distance trails.

Let these colored markings guide you on your journey, so you can walk with peace of mind.

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A network of mountain guides

For your hike, set off with a network of enthusiastic mountain guides, ready to guide you through the Livradois-Forez region. These guides are more than just guides. Their passion for nature and their love of the region shine through in every hike they organize. The guides are there to tailor the experience to your needs and desires.

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Touring in all its forms

Touring on foot

In search of letting go on a hike in Livradois-Forez