The medieval Pont du 15e siècle and the iron-rich mineral springs reveal two different sides of Saurier: architectural history and nature. The picturesque, once-fortified village lies along the Couze Pavin. When planning your trip, you can focus on historic buildings, choose a hike to Pic de Brionnet, or explore the signposted trail to the mineral springs. These destinations and trails offer different reasons to discover Saurier, without forming one single set itinerary.
Hiking to Pic de Brionnet and the mineral springs
The circular hike to Pic de Brionnet starts in Saurier, is 9.5 kilometres long and is rated moderate. It is marked in yellow. The starting point is at a car park in Saurier, just beyond the bridge over the Couze. At Pic de Brionnet, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views over the Couzes and the surrounding mountain ranges. The details about length, difficulty rating and trail markings will help you assess this hike as a trip in its own right.
Another destination is the mineral springs of Saurier. A signposted themed trail leads to them from the old bridge over the Couze Pavin. The water is rich in iron and leaves white and red mineral deposits. This trail therefore focuses not on a circular hike with a viewpoint, but on the springs’ distinctive character. Both options are associated with Saurier, but suit different interests in exploration.
Bridge, chapel and church
The Pont du 15e siècle is classified as a historic monument. The medieval bridge’s structural features also catch the eye: two structures stand on its piers, and a small chapel opens onto the bridge. The bridge is therefore more than just a landmark on the way to the springs; its construction and connection to the chapel make it a destination in its own right for anyone interested in architectural history.
The Chapelle de Brionnet dates from the 17th century and is designed in the style of mountain architecture. Its nave has a semicircular arch; the choir is covered by a barrel vault and has a calotte vault. The Sainte-Radegonde church offers a different architectural perspective: it has Romanesque sections, including a nave and transept, as well as an adjoining polygonal apse dating from the 15th century. The nave and transept refer to different parts of the church building; the polygonal end stands out for its many-sided shape. The buildings thus differ both in their design and in their historical period.
By bicycle or to the paragliding launch site
The Circuit du Cézallier cycling loop runs from Murol to the old fortified village of Saurier. Along the way, it invites you to stop at Puy du Brionnet; from the chapel on Mont Brionnet, you can enjoy views of the surrounding area. The stop is suggested, not specified as a mandatory part of a route. This distinguishes the cycling route described here from the hike to Pic de Brionnet: one runs from Murol to Saurier and invites you to stop along the way, while the other is a 9.5-kilometre circular hike starting in Saurier.
There is also a paragliding launch site near the Chapelle de Brionnet, with a short take-off area and a long landing stretch along the Couze Pavin. From Saurier, take the D28 to get there. After about four kilometres, there is a turn-off and parking; from there, it is about a five-minute walk to the chapel. This description provides a clear point of reference for visiting the launch site, while the hike and themed trail offer other ways to get to know the landscape and sights of the area.
Discover more destinations: Baffie, Saint-Gervais-DʼAuvergne, La Godivelle, Les Ancizes-Comps, Teilhet, Saint-Pierre-Le-Chastel, Aydat, Durtol.
Back to the main travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.
