Blot-l'Église offers a range of activities for a stay: a marked circular hiking trail, the Rocher Charlemagne climbing area, and insights into regional crafts and oil production. The activities also differ in what can be planned in advance: the circular route has a stated length and difficulty level, seasonal restrictions apply to climbing, and guided tours of workshops are available by arrangement.
Hiking among the hills and the Sioule
The “De la Faye à la Sep” circular hike is 13 kilometers long, of moderate difficulty, and marked in yellow. It starts at the car park by the La Faye picnic area on the D50 in Blot-l'Église. The route is open year-round when weather conditions are suitable. Its length, difficulty and markings give you specific details to help match the hike to your plans.
Along the way, the trail passes through the hills, hollows and valleys typical of this part of the Combrailles, as well as hedgerows, woodland and ponds. Views extend to the Chaîne des Puys, the Limagne and the Bois-Noirs. The circular route thus combines a clearly specified distance with varied landscapes and named viewpoints.
The fourth stage of the Boucle du Pays de Menat offers a different kind of route. It leads from Blot-l'Église to the hamlet of Les Fougeroux, descends into the Gorges de la Sioule and later follows the Sioule to Les Garachons. Unlike the “De la Faye à la Sep” circular hike, this is a section of a multi-stage route; no length or difficulty level is specified here for this section.
Climbing at Rocher Charlemagne
The Rocher Charlemagne climbing area comprises nine sectors. The routes are between 10 and 40 meters high and range in difficulty from 4a to 8a+. Access is via the D122, followed by a path along the Sioule to the crags. The sectors, route heights and stated grades give you a sense of the climbing area.
In sectors A, B, C and D, take the peregrine falcon's breeding season into account: climbing there is often prohibited from February 1 to June 20. Check the seasonal restrictions before your visit, especially if you are planning your trip around climbing.
Crafts and the oil mill
The Maison des Art’isans brings together permanent workshops, a shop run by an association, and an event space for regional crafts. Classes and workshops are offered on site. Several artists welcome visitors by appointment for guided tours of their workspaces. If you would like to plan a visit, check the schedule and arrange a time.
Another glimpse of local craftsmanship can be found at the Huilerie de Blot. Its oil mill dates from 1857; it produces eleven varieties of virgin oil and still uses the original 1.6-tonne millstone. Workshops and oil production thus offer different ways to explore the area, alongside outdoor activities.
In connection with the Huilerie de Blot, producers' markets are held on May 1 and August 15, as well as a Christmas market in late December. Dates may vary from year to year, so check the event dates for the year of your trip.
The natural environment of the Gorges de la Sioule
The commune of Blot-l'Église is part of the Gorges de la Sioule Natura 2000 site. The Gorges are also home to the Blot-l'Église bat roost, located in a steeply sloping woodland. Together with the trails through hills, valleys and woodland, this natural area provides another setting for the landscape that defines the village.
Discover more destinations: Messeix, Montpeyroux, Orcival, Villeneuve, Aubière, Saint Gal Sur Sioule, Espinasse, Saint-Beauzire.
See the wider travel guide: Puy-De-Dôme.
