The Valley of Parcelles
Saint-Martin-des-Plains
Dogs allowed
Distance 11Km
Duration 3h00
Hiking route BOUCLE
Marking Yellow
In pictures
Route description
A charming hike that starts from Saint-Martin-des-Plains to meander through cereal plains dotted with small hills. We enjoy beautiful views of the Livradois-Forez and the foothills of the Cézallier.
Starting point – In front of the starting sign, turn left following the brook of Les Parcelles. At the road bridge continue opposite until you reach a crow’s feet.
1 – Continue on the upward path (old building with dovecote), stay on this wide path (view on the Livradois)(…)
Trail highlights
– View of the Livradois.
– Panoramic view of the Cézallier, Sancy massif and Puy de Dôme.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Step 1 : Opposite the start sign, turn left along the Parcelles stream. At the road bridge, continue straight ahead until you reach a crow’s-foot.
Step 2 : Continue on the rising path (old building with dovecote), staying on this wide path (view of the Livradois) as far as Château de Bethel.
Step 3 : Opposite the château, turn left, following a power line. On the ridge (panoramic view of the Cézallier, Sancy massif and Puy de Dôme), turn right at the first track and head downhill. At the road, turn left for 150 m until you reach a track.
Step 4 : Take this road and, at the stop sign, continue downhill on the right. At the entrance to a bend in the road, leave the track for the path on the right, climb to reach a road and follow it to the left along a grassy shoulder (220 m). After the Grange-Fort estate, cut the road off, turn right and keep going straight ahead, ignoring the paths on either side. Pass close to a village (Les Pradeaux). Cut across a tarmac track, continue to a road. Cross the road, take the first bridge on the left, walk along the picnic area and take the first path on the left. At the high-voltage line, turn right, cross the road and continue straight ahead to (l’ancienne tuilerie).
Next step
Step 5 : Go right up onto the plateau (360° panoramic view). At a T junction, fork left (reed beds). At the next crossroads, turn right onto the balcony path, cross a small tarmac road, veer left and go right down the wide path to the village. Return to the starting point.
Proposed and managed by the Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme – PDIPR.
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Opening hours
From 01/01 to 31/12 daily.
Subject to favorable weather.
Comfort, facilities and services
- Pets welcome
Additional information
For your own safety, always take a bottle of water, a hat, warm clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
Depending on weather conditions, certain itineraries are not recommended in bad weather (fog) or are not practicable, or even forbidden, during the winter season.
Some sites are fragile, so stay on the marked trails. Avoid picking wild flowers and disturbing wildlife. Pick up your garbage.
Animals are not allowed on some routes.
Dogs allowed Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herds.
Environment
In the country, Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Access
From Issoire, take the D 996 towards Sauxillanges. On entering Parentignat, at the traffic circle, take the D999 towards Saint-Rémy-de-Chargnat. In the village, turn right and take the D 123 to Saint-Martin-des-Plains.
Downloadable :
Photo credits : API, API, OpenStreetMap / Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme
Updated on 29 May 2026 by Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme