The 6 things to do in Usson

Would you like to visit Usson in the Puy-de-Dôme? Discover the 6 essential things to do in this most beautiful village of France!

Among the most beautiful French villages , Usson ranks among the great must-have from Auvergne . Nestled on a volcanic piton, this village dominates the Val d’Allier. This privileged position justified the construction of one of the most important castles in Auvergne.

Queen Margot, the first wife of King Henry IV, was exiled for nearly 20 years in this castle and then in the village. At the turn of its streets, you will enjoy sublime panoramas on the volcanic massifs of Cantal, Cézallier, or on the Dôme chain.

Would you like to discover this picturesque village of Auvergne? Then discover in this article the 6 essential things to do in Usson during your stay!

1. The Church of Saint Mary

By continuing your ascension to the top of the village, you will reach the Church of Saint Mary. If you come to visit Usson, you must not fail to enter this sublime place. Built in the 12th century, the building has been redesigned several times since. On the outside, you will enjoy its mixed architecture and above all, its Gothic portal with painted decoration. Inside, you can discover many small architectural details.

The highlight of the visit will surely be the discovery of the so-called chapel of the Queen. In particular, you will see a painting of La Resurrection of Lazarus which dates back to the 15th century. You can also admire a painting on wood The Crucifixion . Dating from 1518, this major Renaissance work is the work of the Bernese painter Niklaus Manuel .

2. The Summit of the Butte d’Usson

In 1633 he was awarded a royal ordinance concerning the destruction of the main fortresses of Auvergne. The aim is to affirm the monarchical power over local nobility. At the top of the Butte, you will discover what remains of the old castle of Usson. This place is a must-see in Usson, it will probably be the highlight of your visit.

You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Puys chain, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez Mountains. You will also discover a monument to the Virgin. This statue, erected at the top, is designed to protect the aviators!

3. Les Orgues Basaltiques

By descending from the Butte, you will arrive at the Monument to the Deaths of the First World War. Do not go back to the Church of Saint Mary and its place, but rather go left to turn the Butte.

You can then admire another must-see in Usson: the Basaltic Orgues. This geological formation is composed of vertiginous regular columns. It results from the slow process of lava cooling, which contracted to become rock. At the top of these hexagonal prisms, you can also observe the bases of the old castle wall.

4. All around the Butte

To finish visiting Usson, we recommend you make a full tour of the Butte. On the path that will invariably bring you back to the Church of Saint-Maurice, you can admire the old East quarter.

In the middle of the vegetation you can see some ruins and murtes. By continuing your path, you will reach the remains of the north-east ramparts. This area houses pieces of the old fortified enclosure and some old homes. In this place you will also enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains of Livradois and the volcanoes of the County.

5. Hiking from Usson

Among the essential things to do in Usson, and even in Auvergne, there are obviously many hikes. Who doesn't want to walk in beautiful landscapes? This is the best way to discover some hidden wonders.

At the foot of the village, near the Tourist Office, you can start two beautiful walks to visit Usson and its surroundings. Other beautiful hikes also await you in the region. Enjoy your stay in Auvergne to discover them!

6. Place de la Reine Margot

Hanging to a volcanic piton, Usson is a true fortress, all downhill. The first step of your ascent will be the Place de la Reine Margot. In this place you can admire the Fountain dedicated to this queen. The main source of the village can be seen as a carved coat of arms in the city.

All around, and especially by taking your ascent, you can admire various old houses, including the so-called House of Captains. These buildings and the neighbourhood retain details of the architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries.

How to get to Usson?

Usson is located south of Clermont-Ferrand , east of the Regional Natural Park of Livradois-Forez. The city of Issoire is also only 5 minutes By car from the village. Unfortunately, there is no practical public transport to easily reach Usson. If a TER line allows easy access to Issoire from Clermont-Ferrand, you will then have to go to the village on foot (2 hours walk), by bike (40 minutes) or car .

If you want to go to Clermont-Ferrand, know that the city is served by an Intercity line from Paris , a TER line from Lyon , but also by bus from Bourges . From Clermont-Ferrand, you can then borrow a local TER to the city of Issoire. The journey only lasts 35 minutes .

Whether to visit Usson easily or to discover the Auvergne, we recommend you come by car or by bike . If you come by car, then you can borrow the A75 from Clermont-Ferrand. The highway passes through Issoire and not far from Usson. The journey only lasts 45 minutes .

From Lyon, you can also borrow the A89 to Clermont-Ferrand. From Montpellier or Beziers , you can follow the A75 to Auvergne. The journey to Clermont-Ferrand lasts only 3 hours since Montpellier and 2 hours from Lyon.

Where to stay in Usson?

If you plan to visit Usson, you obviously ask where to stay. Fortunately, this beautiful village of Auvergne does not lack housing options.

Travelu·rs·ses can opt for a hotel, a charming gite or a flowery campsite. They can also choose to stay at home thanks to the platform Airbnb . To find the offer that meets your criteria, think of using a Compare hotels .