The 6 things to do in Montpeyroux

Would you like to visit Montpeyroux in Puy-de-Dôme? So discover the 6 things to do in this most beautiful village of France!

Located in the department of Puy-de-Dôme, in the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Montpeyroux is one of these French villages recognized. This beautiful perched village is known for its high tower dating from the 13th century. Overlooking the latter, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. Montpeyroux is also famous for the stones formerly extracted in his careers: the arkosis. Its warm blonde complexion is thus found in many buildings in the region, especially at the Abbey of Issoire. This beautiful village is discovered through its alleys that marry the curves of the different levels, which are connected by charming stairs. The culture of the vineyard also marks the architecture and culture of Montpeyroux. And travellers can enjoy a glass of wine between two beautiful walks in the area. Would you like to discover this picturesque village of Auvergne? Follow the guide to visit Montpeyroux!

1. The Church of Our Lady, in the heart of the village

Built between 1846 and 1847, this beautiful church is in the heart of the village. If you come to visit Montpeyroux, you should start your walk through this place. Built in Arkosis, its neo-Roman architecture shows the rediscovery of this style in the 19th century. It reproduces the plan of the great pilgrimage churches of Basse-Auvergne. All around you can discover other must-sees in Montpeyroux: Joseph Pérol Square, La Kasbah House, but also the Arkose Space. The latter presents a collection of tools and images on the exploitation of Montpeyroux’s acronym.

You will also admire the fortified gate, which dates back to the 14th century. The latter is one of the vestiges of the ramparts that once surrounded the castle and the medieval village.

2. Le Donjon Médiéval de Montpeyroux

If you come to visit Montpeyroux, you will obviously not make the impasse on its old medieval castle. Overlooking this perched village, this master tower dates back to the 12th century. It is also built in Arkosis. At its top, you will find a platform protected by a round path and a wall created. You will enjoy a 360° view of the area up there. You can then see the nearby village of Coudes, the Puys chain to the west and northwest, as well as the Allier valley to the south.

3. The fortified enclosure

All around the Donjon, you can admire other remains of the fortifications of Montpeyroux. The travellers will discover towers, murderers and vaulted passages, vestiges of the old enclosure protecting the village. You will also enjoy beautiful views of Buron Castle, the parent village and the County volcano.

After this visit, do not miss out on descending near the Place de la Croix du Bras to admire the Maison Vigneronne. It will be time to discover the rest of the village. Belveders are found everywhere, such as in the Montée des Romains.

4. The Carrière de l’Hume

On the outskirts of the village, you can discover the last site of exploitation of the Arkose stone, which was arrested around 1930-1935. If you come to visit Montpeyroux, don't miss stopping there. One can see a restored old winch, a loading dock and traces of stone cutting.

5. The hiking trails of Montpeyroux

Not far from the Carrière de l’Hume are the Cultural Space and the Tourist Office of the village. It is also in this place that two hikes start to do in Montpeyroux.

The first, “on the path of the arkosis”, lasts 2h30 for 8.5 kilometers. This easy path will make you discover the surroundings of Montpeyroux, including the Allier, the Château de Chadieu and the Roche de Gournier.

The second is shorter and will lead you to the village of Montpeyroux, near the Château de Chadieu and near the climbing site “Les Rochettes”.

6. The must-see in the area

If you have already visited Montpeyroux, maybe you can take a ride around it. The perched village is surrounded by many other wonders to discover during your stay in Auvergne. You can include:

• Admire and cross the Suspended Bridge of Coudes ;
• Visit the nearby city of Vic-le-Comte and admire his beautiful Church of Saint Peter;
• Enjoy the many sports activities on the site Crapa’huttenear Issoire;
• Discover the charming city ofIssoire, well known for his church Saint-Austremoine d’Issoire, one of the five major Romanesque churches in Auvergne;
• Visit the village ofUssonAlso classified!

How to get to Montpeyroux?

Montpeyroux is located south of Clermont-Ferrand, between Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne and Livradois-Forez. The town of Issoire is also south of the village. It is fortunately easy to reach this beautiful village from the last two destinations, whether it is train , to bike or car .

• By train : to go to Auvergne, you will obviously have to go to Clermont-Ferrand. The city is served by an Intercity line from Paris, a TER line from Lyon or by bus from Bourges. From Clermont-Ferrand, you can then borrow a local TER to visit Montpeyroux. The journey takes only 50 minutes: 20 minutes to Parent-Coudes Station and 30 minutes walk to the village.
• By car : to discover this beautiful French region easily, we recommend coming by car or by bike. If you come by car, then you can borrow the A75 from Clermont-Ferrand. The highway passes not far from Montpeyroux. The journey lasts only 25 minutes. From Lyon, you can borrow the A89 to Clermont-Ferrand. From Montpellier or Béziers, travellers can also follow the A75 to the Auvergne. The journey takes only 3 hours from Montpellier and 2 hours from Lyon.

Where to stay in Montpeyroux?

If you plan to visit Montpeyroux, you will necessarily ask where to stay. Fortunately, the village does not lack housing options. Guests can opt for a charming gite, a guest house or a flowery campsite whose reservation is accessible via a Compare hotels . You can also choose a homestay through the platform Airbnb .