The best running trails around Vertolaye

This path lives up to its name, especially in spring when the meadows it crosses are adorned with their most beautiful colors.

A breathtaking view that is worth the effort and wild landscapes! What a natural spectacle, wow! Undeniably one of the places not to be missed in Auvergne.

I have been cycling this route for over 40 years and I never get tired of it.

Nestled in the heart of Puy-de-Dôme, in Auvergne, the Fossat Valley reveals itself as a living picture of nature and history. This haven of peace, less known and more secret than other famous sites in the region, offers a panorama of gentle hills, green plateaus and small valleys carved out by time and the elements. Surrounded by majestic puys, these extinct volcanoes which outline the horizon, the valley vibrates to the rhythm of the seasons, changing colors and atmospheres according to the continental climate influenced by the mountains. The green carpet of dense forests and meadows is a setting for diverse fauna and flora, testifying to the richness of the mountain ecosystems of Central Europe. The valley, a silent witness to bygone eras, keeps within it the vestiges of a rich history, from antiquity to the Middle Ages, telling stories of peoples and cultures who have succeeded one another on this land. In this valley, time seems to stand still, with small farms perpetuating traditional methods, cultivating the land and raising animals with ancestral respect for the environment. It is a land of flavors and know-how, where local products are an invitation to discover local gastronomy. For the adventurer and nature lover, the Fossat Valley is an ideal playground. Hiking trails wind through the landscape, offering stunning views and moments of serenity. Mountain biking, walking, and nature observation find a perfect setting, far from the hustle and bustle of major tourist destinations. With its cold winters and mild summers, the valley invites contemplation and escape, to live to the rhythm of nature and to appreciate the simplicity of a life far from urban hustle and bustle. The Fossar Valley, discreet and authentic, is a hidden gem of Puy-de-Dôme, a place where time stops to give way to the quiet beauty of Auvergne.

The highest point of the Forez mountains, Pierre-sur-Haute rises to an altitude of 1,634 meters. At the summit, terrestrial and military broadcasting antennas were erected by NATO during the Cold War. They are still in operation today.

The Col de la Loge peaks at an altitude of 1,253 meters. In winter, it is the gateway to long and beautiful cross-country ski trails which head towards the heart of Livradois-Forez. In summer, hikers take it to enjoy the serenity of the woods that populate the surrounding area.

This is the highest point of the Monts du Drill, a few minutes from the Col du Beal, it offers a 360° panorama of the entire region.

Very nice connection between Le Béal and Les Supeyres!