At the confluence of the Allier and Couze rivers stands the 14th-century Vieux pont over the Couze. The single-arch bridge probably dates from the late 14th century and has been classified as a Monument historique since 27 April 1908. Its arched form describes the structure, while the approximate date indicates when it was built; its protected status adds a legal classification to both details.
Bridge and chapel: different periods of construction
The Ancien sanctuaire de Saint-Genes in Coudes is an 11th-century church. The small building has a nave and a semicircular apse; it has been classified as a Monument historique since 22 March 1965. In terms of age, Saint-Genes predates the bridge. Its architectural form also has a different emphasis: here the nave and apse take centre stage, while there it is the single bridge arch.
The Béal and the history of a spring
The Béal, also known as a bief, is a canal diverted from a river. It is used to irrigate meadows, orchards and gardens, as well as to supply mills. In Coudes, the Chemin des jardins runs alongside the Béal. A path and a canal therefore meet along the same watercourse, whose functions illustrate how water is used in the landscape.
The Source du Champ Robert offers a different picture: its springhead is carved from lava stone, and its water is iron-rich and high in mineral salts. The spring also has a history of use. From the late 19th century, its water was commercially exploited, and up to 30,000 bottles a year were sold in the 20th century. This former marketing activity is part of the spring’s history; it does not indicate that the water is sold today.
Hiking, bridge history and climbing
Sur le chemin de l'Arkose is a moderately difficult hike covering 8.5 kilometres. It is listed as taking 2 hours 30 minutes, with 210 metres of elevation gain. The route reaches the first houses in Coudes and continues through the village along the edge of gardens. Distance, duration and ascent provide different points of reference for planning; the moderate difficulty rating adds information about the level of challenge.
The Chemin des jardins has a different focus: it runs alongside the Béal, whereas the distance, duration and ascent are specified for Sur le chemin de l'Arkose. This makes it possible to distinguish a hike with stated key details from a path by the water, without treating them as the same offering.
The suspension bridge in Coudes also has its own history: it was originally built in 1844, destroyed during the Second World War and later rebuilt. This sequence of construction, destruction and reconstruction offers a different historical perspective from the medieval bridge and the 11th-century church.
The Site d'escalade les Rochettes in Coudes has 16 climbing routes. The granite routes are 15 to 18 metres long and graded from 2b+ to 6b+. Length and grades describe different aspects of the routes: the climbing distance and their stated difficulty. Alongside its architectural history and paths, Coudes therefore also offers specific climbing details to help with planning.
Discover more destinations: La Tour-D'auvergne, Condat-En-Combraille, Viscomtat, Saint-Étienne-Sur-Usson, Pontaumur, Vernines, Nébouzat, Chaptuzat.
For the overview of the wider area: Puy-De-Dôme.
