Via Allier à vélo – Étape 08 – Pont-du-Château > Vic-le-Comte

Don’t miss :
> Read about a day out with friends : www.auvergne-destination.com/experiences/une-journee-entre-amies-sur-la-via-allier/

● Vertaizon (off-course) : Notre-Dame Gothic church : this ancient church sits atop a volcanic mound. Formerly attached to a feudal castle demolished on Richelieu’s orders.
● Clermont-Ferrand (off route) : the capital of the Auvergne region, Clermont-Ferrand is a dynamic, student-focused city. A tramway line links the two old centers of Clermont and Montferrand. Highlights : Gothic cathedral, Romanesque basilica, Montferrand medieval quarter, L’Aventure Michelin, Royat-Chamalières spa…
● AOC Côte d’Auvergne wine production in Dallet, Mezel, Vertaizon, Chauriat, La Roche-Noire, Mirefleurs, Laps, Saint-Maurice-ès-Allier, Vic-le-Comte : the Côtes d’Auvergne protected designation of origin (AOC) includes 5 local names in addition to the generic appellation : Madargue, Châteaugay, Chanturgue, Corent and Boudes. Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main grape varieties grown. Info : Fédération Viticole du Puy-de-Dôme.
● Chauriat (via the alternative route) : Village forts : at the end of the Middle Ages, village forts developed : almost 140 forts have been identified in the Grande Limagne area. These fortified complexes were created in response to the insecurity that prevailed from the end of the 13th century, and which developed during the Hundred Years’ War. As the lords were no longer obliged to defend their villages, the inhabitants organized themselves to reinforce the buildings. Saint-Julien church : a former Cluniac building.
● La Roche-Noire / Pérignat-sur-Allier : Ecopôle du val d’Allier : embraced by the meander of the Allier known as the “Gondole”, the ecopôle du val d’Allier covers 140 ha. Formerly gravel pits, it has gradually been rehabilitated as a natural area. The area is bordered by an alluvial forest of willows, oaks and poplars.
● Busséol (by the variant) : fortified castle : once the stronghold of the Counts of Auvergne and the most historic royal estate in the province. It is now furnished and inhabited. The fireplace dates from the 12th century. In the inner courtyard, an exceptional garden with a beautiful panorama.
● Vic-le-Comte : a must-see in this “Petite Cité de Caractère” town is the church of Saint-Pierre : the choir is the former 16th-century Sainte-Chapelle, whose exterior is adorned with a cornice of fantastic animals. Inside, it is topped by an Italianate tribune which, like the Renaissance altarpiece, was perhaps commissioned by Catherine de Médicis.
● Markets : Pont-du-Château : Thursday and Saturday mornings / Mur-sur-Allier (Mezel) : Thursday mornings / Vertaizon : Friday mornings / Chauriat : Wednesday mornings / Pérignat-ès-Allier : Saturday mornings / Vic-le-Comte : Thursday mornings