Visitors choosing Montpeyroux for a stay can explore its culture and walking trails through a range of distinct highlights: an accessible viewing platform at the keep, a church built from arkose, and two circular walks of clearly different lengths. Individual guided tours are also available on request. This makes it easy to shape your stay around whether you want to focus on architectural history, a shorter circuit or a longer hike.

Keep, Gate and Church

The keep, “Donjon du XIIIème siècle” (13th-century keep), combines historical significance with a specific vantage point. Its upper platform is accessible and offers a 360-degree panoramic view. Nearby stands the gate, “Porte du XIVème siècle” (14th-century gate), which was designated a monument historique in 1951. Together, the two structures offer different points of interest: the view from the platform and the history of the historic gate.

The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption adds a focus on architecture and craftsmanship. It is built from arkose, and its Neo-Romanesque architecture follows the floor plan of the great pilgrimage churches of the Auvergne. The church features a set of stained-glass windows, including “The Three Wise Men,” a window dated 1879 by Martial Mailhot. Those interested in architectural forms will find another way to explore Montpeyroux’s architecture here, alongside the keep: the materials, floor plan and stained glass each offer their own point of interest.

Two Circular Walks with Different Levels of Difficulty

The “Autour de Montpeyroux” circular walk is easy and suitable for families. It is 5.0 kilometres long, takes about two hours and includes 160 metres of ascent. The start and finish are at the village car park; along the way, the route passes a medieval gate. It is therefore the shorter of the two walks described, combining a manageable distance with a point of interest from the village’s historic streetscape.

“Sur le chemin de l’Arkose” is the longer, moderately difficult circular walk: it is 8.5 kilometres long, takes about two and a half hours and includes 210 metres of ascent. The route passes arkose outcrops and offers views of the Sancy Massif and the Chaîne des Puys. Comparing the figures makes the choice clear: compared with the shorter walk, this one is 3.5 kilometres longer, has 50 metres more ascent and takes about half an hour longer. Check the latest route information before setting out, as the route and figures may be updated.

Arkose Landscapes and the History of Winegrowing

The “Sur le chemin de l’Arkose” walk also passes through Pailhat landscapes that recall Montpeyroux’s former winegrowing economy. Alongside the arkose outcrops and views of the two mountain ranges, the walk therefore also offers a connection to the area’s historic use. Those choosing a walk based not only on distance and ascent but also on the landscape and historical context will find a different focus here than on “Autour de Montpeyroux.”

Another option is an individual guided tour with “Les chemins de l’arkose – Eva et Yvan Bernard.” Tours are available on request. This is a separate option for travellers who would like to include a guided tour in their exploration of Montpeyroux; making an enquiry is part of the offer.

Discover more destinations

Augnat, Chastreix, Saint-Victor-Montvianeix, Chaptuzat, Olby, Aydat, Puy-Guillaume, Blot-l’Église

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