Located in the heart of Auvergne, France, the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park is a true paradise of greenery and biodiversity. With its 300,000 hectares, it covers three departments and offers much more than just forests and lakes. You will find winding rivers, majestic volcanoes and picturesque villages not to be missed! With more than 160 municipalities, the park is rich in architectural treasures, gastronomic and handicrafts that will leave you speechless. Ready to explore all its secrets? Immerse yourself in this green guide to discover all the secrets of the Livradois-Forez Park!
Park must-sees: eco-responsible routes between nature and heritage
The Livradois-Forez Park offers the ideal setting for sustainable adventures, discovering the most beautiful places in the region. Put on your hiking boots and follow the famous Mulattieri trail, which will take you to the top of the Puy de Dôme volcano. Here you will find a breathtaking view and the remains of the ancient Roman temple of Mercury, built in the 2nd century.
Another must-see symbol of the region is the medieval town of Thiers. We recommend you to visit it on foot to enjoy all its charm. This picturesque village is known for its long tradition in cutlery and crafts. After exploring the alleys and craft shops, the surroundings of Thiers are truly unmissable, especially the valley of the Rouets. Walking in nature, you will have the opportunity to observe the ancient rouets: water mills used by cutlers to sharpen the blades of their products.
A wonderful route on foot by bike connects the famous municipalities of La Chaise-Dieu, Allègre, Saint-Paulien and Puy-en-Velay. This trail is a true immersion in the history, architecture and nature of the Livradois-Forez Park. But not only: also spirituality is at the center of this path. You can visit the beautiful abbey of La Chaise-Dieu or the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Puy-en-Velay, which is part of Santiago’s routes.
Finally, you cannot miss a visit to the natural site of the Hautes-Chaumes du Forez. A wild adventure, discovering the biodiversity of a region shaped by centuries of pastoralism. You will have the opportunity to admire grasslands, peat bogs and forests that are home to numerous animal and plant species. It is also the perfect place for mountain bikers, with numerous trails running through this majestic place.
Local flavors to enjoy
The Livradois-Forez Park is not only a refuge of unspoilt nature, but also a cradle of artisan knowledge and local flavors, to be discovered in the many weekly markets of the Forez. Among the delicacies not to be missed, there is the famous Fourme d’Ambert DOP, a blue-flavoured cheese named after the pretty town of Ambert. A visit to this municipality is a must to fully appreciate the Fourme d’Ambert, tasting it directly from local producers.
Another emblematic cheese of the Forez is the Fourme de Montbrison, cousin of that of Ambert. Let yourself be seduced by its delicately woody aromas during a gastronomic detour in the picturesque historic town of Montbrison.
But not only cheese! Another typical product of the territory is the Garlic Rosa di Billom, cultivated in Auvergne for centuries. This speciality stands out for its sweet and unmistakable taste, due to the characteristics of the volcanic soils of the Limagne.
Among the traditional dishes, you can not miss a good truffade of Auvergne, with potatoes and fresh tomme. And for dessert? The pompe aux pommes is a typical soft cake, covered with caramelized apples, which you must taste. For a lighter dessert, delight yourself with a pachade, the region’s traditional crêpe, often stuffed with fresh fruit.
The sustainable actions of the Livradois-Forez Regional Park
The Livradois-Forez Park implements concrete actions for the protection of the environment and biodiversity. In particular, since 2018 the park has been involved in a Green and Blue Contract project aimed at protecting and enhancing green spaces. This objective is achieved through the recovery or re-qualification of humid and forest environments, or by actions in favour of an agriculture more attentive to biodiversity, among other things.
In addition, the park always proposes numerous educational projects for young and old, with the aim of raising awareness on issues of sustainability and biodiversity protection.
Click here to read more about the green initiatives promoted by the park and upcoming events!
Where to stay for a sustainable stay in the Livradois-Forez Park
For an eco-friendly stay in the heart of the park, choose Auberge Les Liards. This old 15th century farm is located on an ancient volcano, from which to admire the wonderful surrounding landscapes. Let yourself be captivated by the rural atmosphere of the auberge and the farm animals, just a few steps from the accommodation. If you want to enjoy a moment of relaxation, Les Liards offers a banya, a Russian sauna to regenerate body and soul. Take advantage of the organic products from the lush nature surrounding the auberge. This place is the ideal choice for a dream stay in the Livradois-Forez Park, while respecting the environment.
In conclusion, the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park is the perfect destination to live a unique and responsible experience immersed in nature!
