Moulins de Blanlhac
In the heart of the Emblavez, the village of Blanlhac housed up to
17 mills. Some history lovers will guide you on a tour, where you
discover the restored, horizontal mill and watch how flour was
produced. The hydraulic systems, permitting to sharing and use
the water, the small mill and the model of the whole historical site
can be seen.Guided tours every Monday and Wednesday during
July and August at 3 p.m.
Take the D35 and follow it to the village of Chamalières-sur
-Loire. Arriving in the village, a parking is available near
the main road.
Chamalières-sur-Loire
The village :
Located on the Via Podiensis (the way to Le Puy en Velay),
Chamalières-sur-Loire remains a must on the itinerary of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, between Lyon and Le Puyen-Velay (GR3).
The priory :
Dedicated to Saint-Gilles, this priory church is a fine example of
Romanesque art in Auvergne, characterized by its grace and
sobriety, as well as crossed by some Arab influence. The former
Benedictine monastery, founded in 937 was famous for its pilgrimage (thanks to the Holy Nail of Charlemagne). It forms a harmonious architectural ensemble near the river Loire. This Romanesque
church of the 12th century, listed historical monument since 1862,
has a unique acoustic. Concerts are organized specially during
the famous Music Festival de La Chaise-Dieu.
Take the D103 to Vorey, where your trip will end.
Intermunicipal Tourist Office of the Emblavez
CAR CIRCUIT : 1/2 Day
The tour of the Emblavez
2
Intermunicipal Tourist Office of the Emblavez
Reception : Rue Louis Jouvet, 43800 Vorey-sur-Arzon.
[email protected]
www.ot-emblavez.fr
Tél : 04 71 01 30 67
Facebook/offrezvous.lemblavez
From Vorey, in front of the railway-station, take the D28, direction Laroux. Continue and follow the
signs “Suc de Ceneuil”, and park your car at the entrance of the village.
Ceneuil
One of the places to discover the landscapes of the Emblavez:
The suc of Ceneuil, a very old volcanic pipe, allows you to enjoy the landscapes of the Emblavez region. Find out
with the various walks and hiking possibilities and take time to climb on the top. A viewpoint indicator learns you
more about all summits.
After visiting Ceneuil, continue by car and return to the D28. Continue straight on and turn left before
entering the village of Saint-Vincent. Once on the D251, take the road to Lavoûte-sur-Loire. In the
village of Lavoûte, you will find parking at the entrance.
Lavoûte-sur-Loire
The Lavoûte village follows the loop of the Loire who gave its name to Lavoûte-sur-Loire ("volta", loop in latin). At this
place you can understand the importance of the wild Loire in relationship with humans. A tour follows the meanders of
the Loire (Duration: 2 hours; 4.5km; Departure on the parking at the intersection of D103 and D25).
The castle :
The towers of the castle “Lavoûte-Polignac” dominate the Loire since thousand years. This residence of the Dukes of
Polignac contains an important collection of art objects, paintings and archives in relation to their illustrious house. It is
also the first pleasure castle of the Loire. (Opened between Easter and All Saints’ Day ; Adult 7€ - Children (7-14 years)
2.50€).
The church :
The architecture of this Romanesque church from the 12th century is interesting. Inside: Grand wooden Christ, a Romanesque altar, a processional cross, a Reliquary, a Black Madonna and paintings from the 12th century.
Cross the Lavoûte bridge and take the first road to your left on the D7 to Rosières. At the exit of Rosières, turn right to the Ravin
de Corboeuf, then to the left after the Gendarmerie. Finally continue straight on to Chastel.
Chastel
The Hamlet is situated on the northern hillside of a volcano, locally
called « La Roche ».At its top the érosion still permits to see the two
volcano mouths.
Hamlet :
The hamlet Chastel offers still its vernacular heritage. Indeed, you can
find a bread oven, a washtub, a fountain, a craft to shoe or even a
watering place. All these elements of traditional heritage are often
restored by local associations or by the inhabitants of the village, attached to these works.
Ravin de Corboeuf :
The ravin de Corboeuf is a unique natural monument of the Haute-Loire, a fragil canyon of multicolored clays. Also
called French Colorado, you can discover this emblematic site of the Emblavez, thanks to a path between Rosières
and the Galoche (route of a former railway) (Walkingpath PR 17; Duration: 1h10; 3.2km).
Continue your way and take the road left at the exit of the hamlet, the D7. After a few kilometers you
have to turn left to Mézères.
Mézères
The small village of Mézères in circular shape, is built on a mound at an altitude of 953 meters. It dominates the surrounding land by about 50 meters. You access by mounting a spiral street, where you discover the old Romanesque
church and the remains of a medieval castle.
Leave the village and take the first road on the right. Cross Lachaud-de-Mézères and continue to Roiron.
Roiron
La Maison Vieille (The ancient House) :
Take a break at the Maison Vieille, a renovated 18th century farmhouse, which is now a Café
offering small snacks, a bookstore, a boutique and a cultural programme.
Continue in the same direction as arriving to reach the D35. Once at the intersection
with a cross, turn right and continue.
At the next junction, you can go to the "Ferme des Freytis" and enjoy this stop to buy
different specialities at the pork butcher’s shop. In this case, take the D77 to Beaulieu,
but turn to the right when you see the billboard.
Or continue on the D35 towards the next hamlet and turn right at the intersection,
where a washtub is located.