Attractions and Places To See around Laurie - Top 20

In Laurie, you can visit the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, a significant spiritual landmark. Just outside Laurie, the village of Blesle is a must-see, recognized as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France'. It developed around a 9th-century Benedictine abbey and features rich residences and half-timbered houses, reflecting its historical commercial activity.

Yes, the Hillbilly Fairgrounds in Laurie is a central hub for family activities. It features a spacious playground for children, a quarter-mile walking trail, horseshoe pits, and pavilions. The fairgrounds also host various events throughout the year, including the Original Hillbilly Fair and the Enchanted Village of Lights. Additionally, Blesle is listed as a family-friendly settlement.

The region offers several stunning natural viewpoints. You can experience the View of Mont Chamaroux and the Cézallier mountains, which provides exceptional panoramic views of summer pastures and the Cantal mountains. The Lake of the Ozarks, just four miles from Laurie, is a major natural attraction for boating, fishing, and swimming. The area also has historical waterways like the Osage River and Gravois Creek.

Cyclists have several options. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the challenging Col de Vestizoux Loop from Blesle or the extensive Volpilière Pass – Lake Bourdouze loop. Mountain bikers can tackle routes such as the Les Cheirs Trail or the View of Léotoing castle – Blesle loop. You can find more details and routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Laurie and MTB Trails around Laurie guide pages.

Yes, there are several trails for running and hiking. The Hillbilly Fairgrounds offers a quarter-mile walking trail. For more extensive options, consider running routes like the Chadecol Organs Loop or the more challenging La Chapelle Sainte Madeleine – Trail loop starting from Massiac. Discover more routes on the Running Trails around Laurie guide page.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can visit the Ozark Distillery for a local spirits experience. For souvenirs and local merchandise, Lake Vibes in Laurie offers a wide selection of Lake of the Ozarks themed items, including apparel and jewelry. You can find more information about Lake Vibes at visitmo.com.

Yes, the Dan Adams Hillbilly Disc Golf Course, located within the Hillbilly Fairgrounds, offers a free 9-hole disc golf experience open year-round during daylight hours. The broader Lake of the Ozarks area is also known for its impressive cave systems, such as Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park and Jacob's Cave, offering unique underground exploration.

The Lake of the Ozarks region, including Laurie, is popular during warmer months for water-based activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the fairgrounds and historical sites without the peak summer crowds. The Enchanted Village of Lights at the Hillbilly Fairgrounds is a festive display typically associated with the holiday season.

The terrain around Laurie and the broader Lake of the Ozarks region is varied. You can find rolling hills and lush greenery. Some routes, like the View of Mont Chamaroux and the Cézallier mountains, feature rocky sections, while others, such as the GTMC; road to Col de Fortunier, offer smoother gravel tracks with panoramic views of summer pastures and mountains.

The region features several mountain passes offering scenic views. The Col de la Vazèze has an elevation gain of 120 meters over 2.3 kilometers from Vins Haut. The Fortunier Pass, accessible from Allanche via Pradiers, offers beautiful views of the Cantal mountains and is known for its connection to the Montade mountain festival.

The Ozarks Amphitheater is a notable venue in the broader Lake of the Ozarks area that hosts various performances and concerts. Within Laurie, the Hillbilly Fairgrounds is a hub for community events, including the Original Hillbilly Fair and the Dragon Lake Renaissance Festival, providing entertainment throughout the year.