Basalt cliffs, painted church art and hiking trails of varying lengths and durations give Saint-Victor-La-Rivière several ways to shape a stay. The routes in particular can be compared by length and approximate duration: from the shorter trail to Puy de Bessoles to the longer loop through the Courbanges forest. There are also insights into volcanic geology and a church whose paintings span several centuries.

Hikes by duration and distance

The “Sur les pas d'un géologue” geological trail is a moderately difficult 4.8-kilometre loop. It takes about two hours to walk, with 179 metres of ascent and 180 metres of descent. Information boards explain the geology from the Jassat Valley to the area's youngest volcano, Puy de Tartaret. The loop thus combines specific route details with a clear focus: the geology of this landscape.

From Clermont-Ferrand, reach the starting point via the N89 to Aydat, then take the D5 and D635 towards Courbanges. It is on the right, 150 metres past the church and cemetery.

A longer loop leads through the Courbanges forest: it is moderately difficult, 11 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours and 15 minutes. The route has 350 metres of elevation gain and is marked in yellow. From the plateau dotted with burons, there are panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys, the Sancy and Château de Murol.

The hike to Puy de Bessoles is 4.6 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 30 minutes. It starts in the village of Roche Romaine and follows the Chamina markings. Trail conditions and markings may change; check the current markings before setting out. Based on the approximate walking times, three different time frames can be compared: around one hour and 30 minutes to Puy de Bessoles, about two hours on the geological trail and approximately three hours and 15 minutes in the Courbanges forest.

Basalt, views and nature

Puy de Bessoles offers exceptional panoramic views of Murol, its castle and the silhouette of the Chaîne des Puys. Roche Romaine is a basalt rock on the southeastern slope of Puy de Bessoles, in the municipality of Saint-Victor-La-Rivière. Its basalt flows have been dated to the Miocene epoch of the Tertiary period and are approximately ten million years old.

Dry-stone huts have been preserved at Roche Romaine. They are thought to date from Gallo-Roman times and are known as “cases celtiques.” The Courbanges forest also offers a chance to see distinctive nature on a hike: the trail passes two protected species, the Turk's cap lily and the “lisière cordée.”

Those who prefer mountain biking will find another described route in the moderately difficult Circuit bleu Courbanges. The route passes through the Courbanges forest and starts in Saint-Victor-La-Rivière. From the village of Courbanges, there are views of the Chaudefour Valley.

Church art spanning several centuries

Saint-Victor Church adds a historical perspective to the natural and geological highlights. The main part of the church was built in the 12th century. Restoration work carried out from 1989 to 2000 revealed painted decorations from the 12th, 14th and 17th centuries. The main structure and the paintings both date in part to the 12th century, while the interior decoration also spans two other centuries.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lapeyrouse, Egliseneuve-D'entraigues, Condat-En-Combraille, Olliergues, Ennezat, Champeix, Beaumont, Olby

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