The 7 most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand

As you explore the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, you won’t want to miss the beautiful city of Clermont-Ferrand and the surrounding area. The villages surrounding the city are full of history, charm and breathtaking scenery. In this article, we present our selection of the 7 most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand. You’ll discover medieval gems, pearls of the Haute-Loire and fortified towns that will delight history buffs and nature lovers alike.

1. Montpeyroux – A medieval gem

Montpeyroux, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, is a medieval gem perched on a hill overlooking the Allier valley. Its narrow, winding cobbled streets lead you past typical stone houses and artists’ and craftsmen’s workshops. The Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower), dating from the 13th century, is the village’s landmark and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area.

A visit to Montpeyroux would not be complete without a stop at the Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, which houses some magnificent 12th-century frescoes. Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the many footpaths that criss-cross the surrounding countryside and offer breathtaking views of this historic village.

2. Lavaudieu – The Pearl of the Haute-Loire

Located in the Haute-Loire region, Lavaudieu is a picturesque village that has preserved its old-world charm. Its cobbled streets lined with stone houses, its Benedictine abbey founded in the 11th century and its Romanesque cloister make Lavaudieu a must-see for lovers of history and architecture.

The village is also famous for its Jardins de la Bâtisse, a landscaped park with a harmonious blend of different atmospheres and plant species. Take a stroll through the gardens and admire the charming flower-lined lanes that run through the village. Lavaudieu is also an ideal base for exploring the Allier gorges and the surrounding countryside.

3. Charroux – Authenticity combined with heritage

Charroux, also listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, is a medieval village in the Allier department. It is famous for its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and remnants of ramparts that bear witness to its rich past. A visit to the village includes the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, the Clock Tower and the Maison du Prince de Condé, which now houses a museum.

Charroux is also renowned for its traditional mustard, the recipe for which has been jealously guarded since the 18th century. Be sure to stop off at one of the village shops to sample this local speciality and take home a jar as a souvenir.

4. Saint-Flour – The Fortified City

Saint-Flour, in the Cantal region, is a fortified town overlooking the Truyère Gorge and offering superb views of the Cantal mountains. The upper town, surrounded by ramparts, is home to a number of historic monuments, including Saint-Pierre cathedral, the episcopal palace and the Maison Consulaire.

Stroll through the narrow streets of Saint-Flour and you’ll discover a rich architectural heritage, with half-timbered houses and Renaissance residences. The lower town, meanwhile, offers a more modern setting with its shops, cafés and restaurants. Hiking enthusiasts can also explore the Cantal countryside on the many signposted footpaths that leave from Saint-Flour.

5. Arlempdes – The village clinging to the rock

Arlempdes, nestling in the heart of the Loire Gorge, is a spectacular village, truly clinging to the rock. Dominated by the ruins of its medieval castle, Arlempdes offers a breathtaking view of the gorges and surrounding mountains. Its stone houses and narrow streets bear witness to the village’s history and rich heritage.

Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the many footpaths that criss-cross the village and its surroundings, offering exceptional panoramic views and encounters with the local flora and fauna. Don’t forget to visit the Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre, with its beautiful frescoes and medieval sculptures.

6. Billy – The Authenticity of the Combrailles

Located in the heart of the Combrailles, Billy is a typical Allier village that has managed to preserve its authenticity. Its medieval castle, dating from the 12th century, dominates the village and offers an uninterrupted view of the surrounding area. The cobbled streets and stone houses bear witness to Billy’s rich past as a stronghold of the Bourbonnais region.

The village is also an ideal base from which to explore the Combrailles, a hilly, green region with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling and fishing. Nature and heritage lovers will be delighted by a visit to Billy and the surrounding area.

7. Murol – Charm at the foot of the Château

Murol, in the Puy-de-Dôme département, is a charming village nestling at the foot of its imposing medieval castle. The village’s cobbled streets and stone houses reveal a rich and varied heritage, including the church of Saint-Martin and the chapel of Saint-Loup.

Murol castle, dating back to the 12th century, is a must-see on your visit. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it offers panoramic views over the Couze Chambon valley and the Sancy massif. Hiking enthusiasts can also explore the landscapes of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, which surrounds the village.

Why visit Clermont-Ferrand and the surrounding area?

Clermont-Ferrand, located in the heart of the Auvergne region, is a dynamic city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. But the area around Clermont-Ferrand is not to be outdone, with its picturesque villages and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a history buff, a keen walker or simply looking for an enchanting place to recharge your batteries, the villages around Clermont-Ferrand are sure to please.

Don’t hesitate to take the time to discover these pearls of the Auvergne, true witnesses of a rich past and a unique heritage. You’ll be charmed by the landscapes, architecture and authenticity of these villages, which are the pride of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.