Walk along the banks of the Allier | Pont-du-Château

A long walking route along the river, designed to be 100% accessible by train using sustainable transport

Linking Pont-du-Château station to Le Cendre / Le Vernet station (or vice versa), the ‘Les rives d’Allier’ trail offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Europe’s last wild rivers and its(…)

A long walking route along the river, designed to be 100% accessible by train using sustainable transport

Linking Pont-du-Château station to Le Cendre / Le Vernet station (or vice versa), the ‘Les rives d’Allier’ trail offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Europe’s last wild rivers and its tributary, the Auzon. Easily accessible from Clermont-Ferrand station, this linear walk offers a full day of immersion in the heart of a preserved and surprising ecosystem.

Highlights of the walk :
• Sustainable transport concept : An extremely practical ‘station-to-station’ route, allowing you to make the outward or return journey by train without using a car.
• Immersion in unspoilt nature : A peaceful walk along the banks of the Allier and Auzon rivers, amidst riparian woodland, riverbanks and wetlands.
• A route that changes with the seasons : The perfect way to cool off on summer’s days or enjoy the hushed atmosphere and fiery colours of autumn.
• Very gentle terrain : A route with no steep gradients, following the natural course of the river.

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Departure : SNCF Pont-du-Château stop, follow signs for “Rive d’Allier” / Le Cendre station, follow signs for “Pont-de-Cournon”.

The easiest way to take this tour is to leave your car at Clermont station, then take the train in the direction of Thiers to the “Pont-du-Château” stop. Return from Le Cendre station, direction Clermont. The reverse is also possible.

Practical information & Technical details :
• Start / Finish : Pont-du-Château SNCF station (51 Avenue de Cournon – 63430 Pont-du-Château) — Finish at Le Cendre – Le Vernet SNCF station (or the reverse route).
• Markings : Yellow circles in both directions

Make sure you bring a supply of water and a packed lunch for the day. Remember to check the TER train timetables before you set off.