Vernet-La-Varenne is located in the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park. Highlights for a stay include Château de Montfort and the region’s amethyst, as well as hiking, cycling and the seasonal Plan d’eau du Vernet. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are mainly looking for culture, outdoor activities or a summer experience by the water. If you are looking for a hotel in Vernet-La-Varenne, you can plan around these interests and check seasonal offerings in advance.
Château de Montfort and Maison de l’Améthyste
Château de Montfort is a castle dating from the 12th century that was remodeled in the 17th century. It overlooks the town center and the lake at Vernet. The Maison de l’Améthyste is located on the ground floor of the castle; temporary exhibitions are held upstairs during the summer season. The exhibition program may vary.
Through its activities and tours, the Maison de l’Améthyste introduces visitors to the amethyst typical of the region. You can visit the Geosite museum free of charge and at your own pace. Reservations for a time slot are required for all other activities. Visit requirements therefore vary depending on whether you are exploring the museum or planning another activity.
Choose hikes by duration and distance
The easy Le moulin de la Rode loop trail is 11.5 kilometers long and takes about three hours and 30 minutes. The route passes the remains of the Moulin de la Rode. The Circuit de la chapelle des Fiallins is 13 kilometers long and is listed as taking about four hours. The estimated times are close, even though the stated distances differ.
For a longer route, try the blue loop trail No. 14, Entre le Vernet et Chaméane: it is 24.2 kilometers long and starts in Vernet-La-Varenne. The route crosses hilly terrain west of the Monts du Livradois and passes numerous viewpoints. Both the ascent and descent are listed as 720 meters; the duration ranges from two hours and 35 minutes to five hours and ten minutes, depending on your pace. Check local route conditions before setting out.
For mountain biking, numerous marked routes start at Espace VTT No. 1. Mountain bikes, e-mountain bikes, electric scooters and helmets are available to rent there. Another way to explore the area’s rural and sporting heritage is the permanent orienteering course at La Geneste Haute. Its 60 checkpoints are permanently marked.
Lake, seasonal activities and weekly market
The artificial Plan d’eau du Vernet covers three hectares and is also located in the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park. It is the only lake in the Pays d’Issoire where supervised swimming is available daily from 1 July to 31 August, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check that seasonal lifeguard supervision is in place before your trip. Pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent at the lake in July and August; check that they are currently operating as well.
The local food scene includes a regular producers’ market on Monday mornings at Place Saint-Roch in Vernet-La-Varenne, featuring food and regional products. As dates should be checked again before your trip, it is best to plan your market visit based on the day of the week and the latest information.
If hiking is your main priority, the stated distances and time ranges can help you choose your routes. You can then look for hotels in Vernet-La-Varenne based on the focus of your trip, while keeping the different seasonal and visiting conditions in mind.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Viscomtat, Saint-Bonnet-Lès-Allier, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Chastel, Charbonnier-les-Mines, Bertignat, Egliseneuve-D'entraigues, Manglieu, Saint-Floret.
Return to the main travel guide: Puy-De-Dôme.
