Attractions and places to see around La Monnerie-Le-Montel, a commune in the Puy-de-Dôme department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, offer a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The region is historically significant for its cutlery industry, with many sites reflecting this past. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from river valleys to mountain peaks, within the Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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A very beautiful viewpoint; in good conditions, you can see the Alps.
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Given the long tradition of craftsmanship in Thiers (Wikipedia reports: "The town's heyday began with the arrival of cutlery. Legend says that Auvergnatian crusaders brought this art from the Orient to Thiers. The first cutlers are documented to have settled in Thiers in the 14th century; they used the steep gradient of the Durolle River to power their blacksmith's hammers. This trade quickly brought prestige and wealth to the town."), a town twinning with Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) would be a good fit from a thematic perspective. This town in the Bergisches Land also has a long tradition of craftsmanship in this field. This is presented in two museums. If you are interested, see: =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/267474 (Industrial Museum "Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs" of the Rhineland Regional Association) =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/366316 (German Blade Museum)
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Given the long tradition of craftsmanship in Thiers (Wikipedia reports: "The town's heyday began with the arrival of cutlery. Legend has it that Auvergnatian crusaders brought this art from the Orient to Thiers. The first cutlers are documented to have settled in Thiers in the 14th century; they used the steep gradient of the Durolle River to power their blacksmith's hammers. This trade quickly brought prestige and wealth to the town."), a town twinning with Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) would be a good fit from a thematic perspective. This town in the Bergisches Land also has a long tradition of craftsmanship in this area. This is presented in two museums. If you are interested, see: =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/267474 (Industrial Museum "Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs" of the Rhineland Regional Association) =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/366316 (German Blade Museum)
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great ride but remember to charge the batteries before leaving.....
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The Puy de Montoncel is an extinct volcano, culminating at an altitude of 1,287 meters. In a notebook, I wrote about it: "Its slopes are covered with a majestic thorn forest, with an archaic, sometimes primal beauty. The rare paths that cut through the woods wind along the slopes, in the shade of the green giants. These paths are the veins of the forest. They are tunnels of abundant oxygen. From meadows to groves, I feel as if I'm floating on an ocean of nature. At the summit of the puy, I find a plateau devoid of trees as if blown by the wind, and topped with a thick thatch. A huge iron cross rises into the sky, looking mischievously at the wind turbines on the neighboring ridges, which come to life with the sound of the air." I sit down on a wide carpet of green grass, a veritable velvet to rest my body after this first, sweaty climb. I light a pipe and cheerfully observe the Auvergne volcanoes that swell the horizon. Their supple, rounded shapes give the impression of observing distant hills. Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, Puy-de-Sancy, I amuse myself by guessing the roofs I was clambering over the previous year.
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Down here in the valley are the "ruins" of the old cutlery factories; over the years they had to make way for more modern production facilities...
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The region is rich in cutlery heritage. You can explore the Thiers — Cutlery Capital, home to the Museum of the Coutellerie, which showcases seven centuries of local knife-making. The Vallée des Rouets (Valley of the Rouets) along the Durolle River offers walking trails to see historical water-powered mills. Additionally, Hell's Hollow features old cutlery factories, some converted into a contemporary art center.
To delve into the traditional craft, visit the Museum of the Coutellerie in Thiers, which preserves the heritage of knife-making techniques and designs. In La Monnerie-Le-Montel itself, the conservatory Les Vieilles Lames offers a glimpse into cutlery craftsmanship with ancient machines and tools, guided tours, and demonstrations.
Yes, the Château d'Aulteribe in Sermentizon is a notable historical residence. It combines medieval and romantic architectural styles and is exceptionally well-furnished with collections spanning the 15th to 19th centuries, including furniture, tapestries, and paintings. Its park is also a registered national heritage site.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Puy de Montoncel. As the highest peak in the Bois Noirs forest massif, it stands at 1,287 meters and offers clear views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts Dore, and on clear days, even the distant Mont-Blanc massif.
The region, being part of the Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez, offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and cycling, especially around Puy de Montoncel, which is on the GR3 long-distance hiking trail. The Vallée des Rouets also provides picturesque walking trails.
Absolutely. For cycling, you can find routes like the 'Haras and return via the plain loop from Thiers' or the 'Vallée des Rouets – Saint Agatha loop from La Monnerie-le-Montel'. Mountain bikers can explore trails such as 'Circuit n°31, Pierre Folle' or the 'Toller Trail loop from Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle'. You can find more details on these routes in the cycling, road cycling, and MTB guides for the area.
Yes, the Base de Loisirs Iloa (Iloa Leisure Center) near Thiers is a great option for families. This 70-hectare center offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and a Blue Flag-certified beach for swimming during summer holidays, with supervised bathing and nautical activities. The walking trails in the Vallée des Rouets are also suitable for family strolls.
On a rainy day, you can explore the region's rich cultural and historical sites indoors. Options include the Museum of the Coutellerie in Thiers, the Les Vieilles Lames conservatory in La Monnerie-Le-Montel, or the beautifully furnished Château d'Aulteribe. For entertainment, Le Moulin Bleu in Thiers offers cabaret music-hall shows.
The Vallée des Rouets is noted as dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful nature and historical sites along the Durolle River with your canine companion, provided they are on a leash.
Yes, the La Loge des Gardes ski resort is located in the heart of the Bourbonnaise mountain range. Situated at an altitude of 1,100 meters, it offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, as well as a long zipline for thrill-seekers.
La Monnerie-Le-Montel is part of the Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez, a regional natural park. This park provides access to diverse natural landscapes, including forests, rivers like the Durolle, and various hiking trails. It's an ideal area for outdoor activities and experiencing the region's natural beauty.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and rich industrial heritage. The panoramic views from Puy de Montoncel are highly rated, as is the historical insight gained from exploring the old cutlery factories in places like Hell's Hollow and the Vallée des Rouets. The unique history of Thiers — Cutlery Capital is also a major draw.


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