Patrimoine
The volcanoes, the rivers, the forests and the people who have farmed here for generations have all contributed to the rich character of the region.
Visit some of the villages and attractions listed here and don't forget to enquire at the local tourist offices where a wealth of information is to be found. Links to tourist websites can be found to the left.
Where? The heart of the Haut Allier is to be found in four distinct regions, all sharing the beauty of the area but each unique in its own special way. From the "haut" plateau to the deepest gorge...
Click on one of the regions below for more information or have a look at the site "Patrimoine de France", in French and rather dry but informative:
Around Langeac - On the river Allier, Langeac is the hub for venturing along the valley to discover charming villages, wonderous geology, a wild river and some peace and quiet.
Around Lavoûte-Chilhac - Between Langeac and Brioude the warmth of the villages here reflect their history and Lavoûte Chilhac is the "capital" with its 11th century priory built mid-stream.
Around Paulhaguet - The historical centre of the region with timber framed houses the remains of the old town walls and a 12th century priory.
Around Sauges - Apart from the superb views of the Allier this village offers much history both religious and commercial.
around Langeac
Chanteuges - Here you will find a 12th century abbey that was rebuilt in the 15th. A lovely village perched on a rock overlooking the Allier where one can find a pleasant quiet beach and a "real" campsite.
Chazelles - A smaller version of the above built overlooking the Desges. Ruins of the 12th and 14th century chateau of Montpeyroux. Close to the village the river boasts a dam with a unique fish ladder.
Desges - Lovely views of the Desges valley from this village with a Romanesque church.
Langeac - The main town of the Allier gorges Market on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Excellent restaurants, don't forget the "Agastache" with its original and real food. There is a 15th century church with much to interest those curious as to the regions religious inheritance. There is a camp site and the "île d'amour" an island mid-stream for those evening strolls. The train for the scenic route along the Allier gorge departs from here. For all information on the town and the surrounding area click here - in French.
Mazeyrat d'Allier - 14th century church which was rebuilt in the 16th. There are also two private chateaux - Chassagnon and Cluzel.
Pebrac -An old abbey built in 1062 dominates the village along with its 15th century church. A quiant place nestled in the Desges Valley.
Pinols - On the edge of the Margeride offering a view across to the Ally wind farm.
Prades - Mix geology, pleasure and history and you have Prades. Towering volcanic rocks surround the village and its river beach. Plenty of walks from here, fishing and canoeing.
Siaugues Ste Marie - Remains of a 14th century feudal chateau. Close by is the Limagne a peat bog and natural heritage site. The surrounding area offers lovely views West over the Allier valley and up to the Durande at 1299m.
St Arcons d'Allier - Small rocky village boasting perhaps the most expensive hotel in the area - but the village is worth a visit even if you cannot afford the tarif at the hotel! There is also a river beach adjoining that of Chanteuges.
St Berain - Breathtaking views of the Allier valley.
St Julien des Chazes - Village along the banks of the Allier. Popular with tourists with its 15th century church and basaltic organs.
Tailhac - A village atop a rock with a panoramic view over the Auvergne. The dolmen the "Thuile aux fées" is nearby.
around Lavoute chilhac
Ally - Recently more well known for its wind farm on a 1000m plateau Ally boasts a 12th century church, panaramic views and a windmill museum.
Arlet - A 16th century triptych is displayed in the village's 12th century church.
Aubazat - With its 13th century wall paintings and 15th century wood carvings the church in this village is worth a visit.
Blassac - Apart from the superb views of the Allier this village offers much history both religious and commercial.
Cerzat - Troglodytic dwellings out date the church of the 12th century here and the nature lover will enjoy the lake of the "Pie de Roi" in the nearby caldera.
Chilhac - An old walled medieval town dominating the Allier built on one of the last lava flows from the ancient "Deves" volcanoes. There is also a museum of paleontology.
Cronce - Lovely views of the Cronce valley envelope the history found in the ruined castle and 16th century church.
Ferrussac - 12th and 13th century churches overlooking the Ramade Valley.
Lavout Chilhac - A magnificent 11th century priory built in mid stream was rebuilt in the 18th century. Apart from the churches there is a medieval bridge and an ornithological museum.
around paulhaguet.
Chavaniac Lafayette- Home of the Marquis de La Fayette, probably better known to Americans than the British. Here one can visit his chateau which was rebult in the 20th century. Virtual visit.
Collat - This village was a stopping off place for monks on route from La Chaise Dieu to the Allier gorge and the Priory at Chanteugues.
Domeyrat - Lovely romanesque church and the remains of a 14th century chateau - visit the site here.
The bridge over the river Senouire here dates from the middle ages.
Frugieres le Pin - Museum dedicated to the French Resistance during WWII along with its romanesque church.
Paulhaguet - This is the historical centre of the region and one can still find some timber framed houses alongside the remains of a 12th century priory and the old town walls.
around saugues
Mont de Mouchet - This rather wild site is the highest mountain (1497m) in the Margeride and was "home" to the French Resistance in WWII where today one can find a museum and appreciate the rather splendid views.
Monistrol d'Allier - A romanesque church and a hydro-electric station sit side by side the iron bridge cast in the same foundry as the Eiffel tower. Explore the outskirts of the lovely small town and find the old pilgrims chapel dedicated to Mary - the spouse of Jesus and even old troglodyte dwellings and basaltic organs.
Saugues - Visit the "Tour des Anglais" and find out why it was so called. Saugues is both an agricultural and religious centre being on the pilgrim route de St Jaques. It also houses an excellent museum devoted to the Gévaudan Beast - click here. What was the beast? Read more here.