Olloix is a rural commune in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne, located between the city and the mountains. Nature, pilgrimage connections, medieval architectural history and regional cuisine give the area several clearly distinct travel highlights.

Gorges de la Monne: Hiking in a Protected Natural Area

Located between Olloix and Cournols, the Gorges de la Monne is designated a Natura 2000 site. A 5.5-kilometre circular hike leads through the gorge. The circular route and stated distance make it a clearly defined hiking option, while the Natura 2000 designation indicates the protected status of the natural area. These are two distinct considerations when choosing: a well-defined activity and a protected natural area.

The wooded slopes of the Gorges de la Monne are characterized by oak, ash and maple trees. They are home to remarkable flora, including seven protected species. These include the Turk’s-cap lily, red helleborine, yellow star-of-Bethlehem and willow-leaved rockrose. If you do not choose a nature destination based solely on the length of the route, the trees and protected plants offer a separate focus.

Church, Pilgrimage Connections and Commanderie

The church in Olloix houses the tomb of Odon de Montaigut, also known as Saint Gouérand. It is also associated with pilgrims who follow the Via Arverne on the Way of St. James. The Via Arverna includes a section from Clermont-Ferrand to Olloix. The pilgrimage connection and the route section therefore each have their own place in travel plans: one at the church, the other along the named route.

The Commanderie d’Olloix is another historic landmark. It was built in the 12th to 13th centuries and was under the authority of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Its period of construction and connection to the order give this building a different historical context from the tomb and the church’s pilgrimage connections. Those interested in cultural history can consider these themes separately: the tomb and its connection to pilgrims on the one hand, and the medieval commandery and its association with the order on the other.

Regional Cuisine in Olloix

La Maison de la Monne serves homemade regional cuisine in a natural setting. Its offerings include “Monnette,” made with Saint-Nectaire cheese. For travellers who take food into account when choosing a destination, this is a specific culinary landmark alongside the area’s natural and cultural attractions.

To decide whether Olloix fits your travel plans, consider its different highlights: the circular hike offers a specific activity, the protected flora appeals to nature lovers, the church and commandery provide different historical connections, and Monnette represents regional cuisine. Decide what you want your trip to focus on before looking for a hotel in Olloix; then choose a specific option based on your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Amant-Roche-Savine, Teilhet, Gelles, Saint-Genès-La-Tourette, Saint-Flour, Ardes, Sancy, Aubière

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