Top 5 Natural Monuments around Paslières
Natural monuments around Paslières offer diverse landscapes for outdoor exploration. The region features unique sites blending local folklore with natural elements, providing a rich cultural and historical experience. Visitors can explore various natural sites and enjoy numerous opportunities for hikes and walks in a pleasant natural environment. The area is characterized by its forests, river valleys, and elevated viewpoints.
Best natural monuments around Paslières
- The most popular natural monument is Puy de Montoncel, a summit that is an extinct…
Last updated: June 21, 2026
Puy de Montoncel
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“Its slopes are covered with a majestic thorn …
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Creux de Saillant Waterfall
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Other small waterfalls can be found upstream as well as downstream of the main waterfall. …
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Panorama of Rez de Sol
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Gorges of the Credogne
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Le Rocher de Borbes – Panoramic View and Metal Sculptures
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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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the climb is quite steep for beginners
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The Puy de Montoncel is an extinct volcano, peaking at 1,287 meters above sea level. In a notebook I wrote about him: “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 the tunnels of abundant oxygen. From meadows to groves, I have the impression of floating on an ocean of nature. At the top of the puy, I find an empty plateau of trees as if blown by the wind, and covered with thick thatch. A huge iron cross rises in the sky, looks mischievously at the wind turbines which on the neighboring ridges come alive to the sound of the air. I sit on a large carpet of green grass, real velvet to rest my body from this first and sweaty ascent. I light a pipe and happily observe the volcanoes of Auvergne which stir up the horizon. Their supple and rounded shapes give the impression of observing distant hills. Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, Puy-de-Sancy, I have fun guessing the roofs on which I trudged the previous year. »
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The Rez de Sol is an enormous vein of quartz which offers a magnificent panorama from its summit.
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Following the Credogne valley, you will find the Creux de Saillant waterfall along the D114. Other small waterfalls can be found upstream as well as downstream of the main waterfall. Unfortunately, while the whole is very easily visible from the road, access itself is quite difficult.
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Magnificent little road with little traffic along the Credogne. Many picnic possibilities at the water's edge.
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Built in 1985 during the Symposium of monumental metallic sculpture, this sculpture in heavy sheet metal cut with a torch takes place in a place offering a panorama on the plain of Limagne and the volcanoes of Auvergne. Magnificent at sunset.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most notable natural monuments to visit around Paslières?
The region around Paslières offers several unique natural monuments. Among them, the Puy de Montoncel stands out as an extinct volcano with a majestic forest and panoramic views of the Auvergne volcanoes. Another must-see is the Panorama of Rez de Sol, a viewpoint formed by a large quartz vein offering expansive vistas. For a more serene experience, the Gorges of the Credogne provide a scenic drive along the river with many picnic spots.
Are there any family-friendly natural monuments or activities near Paslières?
Yes, the Gorges of the Credogne are considered family-friendly. This area features a scenic road with little traffic along the Credogne river, offering numerous possibilities for picnics by the water's edge. It's a great spot for a relaxed outing with children.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Paslières?
Paslières and its surroundings are characterized by diverse natural features. You can explore summits like the Puy de Montoncel, which is an extinct volcano covered in forest. There are also impressive viewpoints such as the Panorama of Rez de Sol, gorges like the Gorges of the Credogne, and waterfalls, including the Creux de Saillant Waterfall. The region is rich in forests and river landscapes.
Are there any natural monuments with historical or cultural significance in the Paslières area?
While not a grand natural monument, Paslières has a unique local point of interest deeply rooted in folklore: a stone bearing a wolf's paw print. This legendary stone is associated with Saint Bonnet and the founding of the local church, said to be visible near a cross on a hill. It offers a blend of local heritage and a natural feature, making it a site of cultural and historical interest.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Paslières?
The natural monuments around Paslières are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Château de Lavaure loop from Paslières' or 'Les Deux Bondes – Étang Tuilier loop from Puy-Guillaume'. For mountain biking, routes like 'Étang d'Iloa – Lac de Courty loop from Paslières' are available. You can explore more options for hiking, MTB, and gravel biking in the area.
What is the difficulty level for reaching the natural monuments?
The difficulty varies. For instance, the Puy de Montoncel and the Panorama of Rez de Sol are generally considered intermediate, with the climb to Rez de Sol being quite steep for beginners. The Creux de Saillant Waterfall is challenging to access directly, though visible from the road. The Gorges of the Credogne offer an easy, scenic drive.
Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the region?
Absolutely. The Panorama of Rez de Sol provides a magnificent panorama from its summit, offering expansive views. Additionally, Le Rocher de Borbes offers a panoramic view of the Limagne plain and the Auvergne volcanoes, especially stunning at sunset, and features interesting metal sculptures.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments around Paslières?
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscapes and the blend of natural beauty with local charm. The majestic forests and views from the Puy de Montoncel are highly praised. The scenic drives and picnic opportunities along the Gorges of the Credogne are also very popular, especially for families. The unique local folklore associated with certain sites adds a special dimension to the experience.
Can I find waterfalls near Paslières?
Yes, the Creux de Saillant Waterfall is located along the Credogne valley. While the main waterfall is easily visible from the D114 road, direct access can be quite difficult. You might also discover other smaller waterfalls upstream and downstream in the same area.
Is the Puy de Montoncel an active volcano?
No, the Puy de Montoncel is an extinct volcano. It peaks at 1,287 meters above sea level and is known for its majestic forest-covered slopes and the panoramic views of the Auvergne volcanoes from its summit.
Are there opportunities for picnics at the natural monuments?
Yes, the Gorges of the Credogne are particularly well-suited for picnics. The scenic road along the river offers many possibilities to stop and enjoy a meal by the water's edge.
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