In Blavozy, you can plan your stay around a distinctive local theme: arkose has shaped the history of stone quarrying and is still used today. Two hiking trails offer different highlights, alongside riding lessons, horse-riding outings and multi-day trail rides. To start planning, decide whether you would like to focus on a hike, local history or activities on horseback.
Arkose in the Past and Present
Traces of Gallo-Roman stone quarrying can be found in Blavozy. Arkose was used for Roman columns and later, in the Middle Ages, for crosses and churches. The stone is still in use today: it continues to be used in modern villas and in the restoration of historic monuments. This means the topic spans early quarrying, historic buildings and present-day applications. Local trails explore different aspects of this history, each with its own focus.
Two Hiking Trails, Different Highlights
The PR 699 Le sentier de l'Arkose starts in Blavozy, is 10.4 kilometres long and takes around three hours to walk. Check trail conditions locally before setting out. The route passes the arkose quarries and follows the heights along the Sumène and the riverbank. It includes several crossings, including a footbridge and other bridges. The trail also leads to the village of Salins, where a meeting place and fountains are listed as points of interest along the way.
The PR 698 Le chemin des Escaïnes passes through the old village of Blavozy and showcases buildings made from local arkose. To help visitors explore the village’s history, the trail offers a guidebook, information panels, historical photographs and traditional names for the “escaïnes”. Check local access before setting out; you should also confirm locally whether printed materials are available.
The two trails differ mainly in their focus: the PR 699 takes in quarries, the river and the village of Salins, while the PR 698 connects the old village and its arkose buildings with interpretive materials. Choose according to whether you would rather hike along the Sumène or focus on the historic village centre and its interpretation.
Riding Lessons and Tours
The Écurie de la Bruyère riding centre and pony club in Blavozy offer riding lessons from the age of four, for all levels and a range of interests. There are also horse-riding outings and guided trail rides lasting from two to five days. These trail rides are led by a qualified ATE. The activities on offer range from lessons and outings to multi-day tours. Check the offers again before booking and confirm availability and booking conditions directly with the club.
Duration is a useful point of comparison when planning your stay: the PR 699 is listed as taking around three hours to walk, while the trail rides last from two to five days. If you are travelling for a riding activity, first confirm the specific tour option and its conditions with the club. You can then plan the length of your stay and accommodation accordingly, without assuming that the activities require the same amount of time.
The Mémoires d’arkose Collection
Another way to explore the local theme is through the Mémoires d’arkose collection. You can consult it in Blavozy or borrow it during library opening hours. Check the library’s opening hours before your visit if you would like to use the collection. Unlike the hiking trails, the collection itself is the focus here, so you can explore local history independently of a route.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Saint-Bérain, La Chapelle-Geneste, Cerzat, Montagnac, Sanssac-L'église, Mazerat-Aurouze, Champagnac-Le-Vieux.
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Loire.
