A stay in Durtol can focus on three different themes: the archaeological history of the Oppidum, the scenery along the hiking trails, and the architectural and usage history of the Château de Durtol. Which of these you put at the centre of your plans will determine whether a single attraction or a two-day hike shapes your itinerary.

The plateau and the Oppidum

The Plateau dit des Côtes de Clermont is an archaeological site with an Oppidum, partly located in Durtol. The natural Les côtes de Clermont plateau was formed by a basalt lava flow 15 million years ago. Excavations at Les côtes de Clermont provide evidence of continuous human presence from the Neolithic period through the Middle Ages. The geological formation predates these archaeological periods by a long time, so the site can be understood both through its landscape and its long history of human presence.

Hikes with different focuses

If you are looking for a hike with an archaeological destination, the Les côtes de Clermont trail leads to the Oppidum. The two-day hike “De Durtol à la Chaîne des Puys en 2 jours” offers a different focus: it passes through varied scenery, from the edge of the Limagne fault to the open expanses of the Dômes plateau, with the Puy de Dôme visible in the background. The route runs through a UNESCO World Heritage area. This gives you a concrete distinction to consider when choosing: the Oppidum is the destination of the Les côtes de Clermont trail, while the two-day hike is defined by its landscape and specified timeframe. From Durtol, you can reach this hike by bus on line 10 from the Square Sabourin stop, or by train from Durtol station. Check the timetables before planning your hiking day.

Views from the Côte de Pégnu

The Côte de Pégnu offers views of the Limagne, the Bois Noirs and the Forez. A hike along the Côte de Pégnu passes through orchards and vineyards, by old chestnut trees on the Bonnabry plateau near Sarcenat, and through pine groves. This gives you a choice between a named viewpoint and a hike featuring a varied succession of landscape elements.

Château de Durtol: architectural and usage history

The Château de Durtol is visible only from the road. The original château was built in the 12th century. It is flanked by two round towers, which were built in the late 17th century. From 1898, the château housed France’s first sanatorium, dedicated to the treatment of “chest diseases”. The towers therefore belong to a later construction phase than the original building; the medical use as a sanatorium came later still.

An annual event in October

The Fête de la Pompe takes place every year in October in Durtol. The festival is organised by the Confrérie des Talmeniers du Bon Pain and the Amis de Durtol d’autrefois à aujourd’hui.

Discover more destinations: Champeix, Murat-Le-Quaire, Aubière, Saint-Jacques-D'ambur, Enval, Antoingt, La Bourboule, Grandval

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