Serpentinite and Rare Habitats
Puy de Wolf is a hill with a volcano-like appearance. Its serpentinite rock has greenish reflections. As a Natura 2000 site, Puy de Wolf encompasses rare and distinctive habitats as well as rare and distinctive flora and fauna; some plant species are endemic to the area.
At the summit, there is an orientation table and a panoramic view over the valley. This brings together geological features, distinctive habitats and views across the landscape in one place. Visitors interested in nature and geology will find several specific aspects here that can be considered together.
Pilgrim Routes Through Firmi
The Way of St James, GR 65, crosses Firmi on its route from Le Puy-en-Velay towards Decazeville and Livinhac-le-Haut. The Conques–Toulouse route also passes through Firmi, linking the Via Arles with the route to Santiago de Compostela. The two routes have different points of reference as described here: for GR 65, the focus is on the places named along its route; for Conques–Toulouse, it is the connection to the Via Arles and Santiago.
Archaeology and Industrial History
The archaeological collections from Girmou are on display at the La Serpentine cultural centre in Firmi. They come from excavations at a Gallo-Roman villa built around 50 BC. This provides a way to place an early chapter in the town’s history in context through a specific archaeological find.
Another chapter began on 24 December 1828: in Firmi’s mining basin, industrial iron and steel production began with the first casting at La Forézie. The historical span therefore runs from a villa dating to around 50 BC to the precisely dated start of industrial production.
Plant Knowledge and Farm Work
Le Sentier des Plantes grows and processes certified organic aromatic and medicinal plants, as well as fruit, on a farm in Firmi. From mid-May to mid-October, guided visits take place on Thursdays and by reservation only. They lead to the growing areas or, depending on the weather, to the processing workshop. The programme includes an introduction to the Paysan-Herboriste profession, explanations of the working methods, a tasting of the products and a farm shop.
Another opportunity to discover the world of plants is at the Une Sorcière sur le toit farm; visits are by appointment. The visit covers an organically managed agroforestry plot and the areas where plants are gathered. Visitors also learn about the properties and uses of wild and cultivated medicinal plants, as well as methods for extracting their active compounds. While Le Sentier des Plantes focuses on cultivation and processing, Une Sorcière sur le toit also explores knowledge of medicinal plants and their active compounds.
Picnics and Fishing at La Forézie
The Plan d'eau de la Forézie has picnic tables and a children's playground. Fishing is permitted in the lake all year round; it is classified as a second-category fishing water. If you plan to fish there, check the applicable local regulations beforehand. As facilities may change, it is also advisable to check their condition before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Mur-De-Barrez, Belmont-Sur-Rance, La Selve, Coupiac, Privezac, Rodez, Cantoin, Veyreau
For the overview of the wider region, see: Aveyron.
