Ceyrat can be explored with two interests in mind: getting active outdoors and discovering its architectural and local history. The Parcours de santé, the Gorges de Ceyrat and Montrognon showcase different aspects of nature; chapels, churches and a reconstruction of an ancient bakery add a historical focus.

Hikes and trails

The Parcours de santé de Ceyrat is an easy route covering 6 to 7.2 kilometres and taking 2 hours and 30 minutes. It consists of three routes in total. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

The Les vestiges de Montrognon hike starts in Ceyrat and leads to the remains of Montrognon’s medieval tower. It can be reached by T2C bus line 4, getting off at the “Ceyrat Mairie” stop. Check the timetable before departure. This makes it possible to factor public transport into your hiking plans.

ViaBoisCeyrat is a dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists, away from motor traffic. Work began in 2024, after which the route was completed. The Les 4 ruisseaux route leads to the Dolmen de Samson; a marked hiking trail through the Gorges de Ceyrat also reaches it.

Natural landscapes and views

The Gorges de Ceyrat follow the valley of the Ruisseau de Saint-Genès, which cuts into the eastern edge of a granite plateau southwest of Clermont-Ferrand. The gorges are designated a Zone Naturelle d’Intérêt Écologique, Faunistique et Floristique (ZNIEFF).

The slopes of Puy de Montrognon are home to plant and insect species of Mediterranean origin, including numerous orchids protected by the European Natura 2000 network. The 699-metre summit of Montrognon offers views of Clermont-Ferrand, the Limagne plain and the Chaîne des Puys.

History in buildings and places

The Tour de Montrognon is the only surviving remnant of a castle that Count Robert 1er Dauphin d’Auvergne had built in 1190. The Les vestiges de Montrognon hike leads to the remains of Montrognon’s medieval tower, linking a named trail with a historic destination.

A mill has stood at the site of La Tranchère, also known as Le Mounat, since at least the 17th century. A reconstruction there, inspired by Gallo-Roman archaeological finds and the remains of Pompeii, depicts an ancient bakery. The structure measures 8 × 4 metres and includes an oven and a hand mill.

The Chapelle Notre Dame de la Délivrance dates from 1872. Its vaulted interior features exposed masonry made of dressed stone; the flooring is made of the same material. The Église Saint-Martin has medieval origins and was altered in the 19th century. It preserves statues listed as historic monuments, as well as a classified barrel organ.

The Église Notre-Dame de la Nativité was originally built as a small 17th-century chapel. Together with the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Délivrance and the Église Saint-Martin, it offers a range of historical periods to explore in Ceyrat’s architecture.

Discover more destinations: Laqueuille, Saint-Victor-Montvianeix, Espinasse, Saint-Agoulin, Lezoux, Saint-Genès-Du-Retz, Saint-Bonnet-Lès-Allier, Marsac-en-Livradois

For the regional travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.