Best attractions and places to see around Paslières, a commune in the Puy-de-Dôme department of France, offer a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The area is situated in a region known for its landscapes, including the nearby Puy de Montoncel. Visitors can explore local landmarks and access a wider range of cultural and natural attractions in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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Given the long tradition of craftsmanship in Thiers (Wikipedia reports: "The town's heyday began with the arrival of cutlery. Legend says that Auvergnatian crusaders brought this art from the Orient to Thiers. The first cutlers are documented to have settled in Thiers in the 14th century; they used the steep gradient of the Durolle River to power their blacksmith's hammers. This trade quickly brought prestige and wealth to the town."), a town twinning with Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) would be a good fit from a thematic perspective. This town in the Bergisches Land also has a long tradition of craftsmanship in this field. This is presented in two museums. If you are interested, see: =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/267474 (Industrial Museum "Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs" of the Rhineland Regional Association) =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/366316 (German Blade Museum)
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Given the long tradition of craftsmanship in Thiers (Wikipedia reports: "The town's heyday began with the arrival of cutlery. Legend has it that Auvergnatian crusaders brought this art from the Orient to Thiers. The first cutlers are documented to have settled in Thiers in the 14th century; they used the steep gradient of the Durolle River to power their blacksmith's hammers. This trade quickly brought prestige and wealth to the town."), a town twinning with Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) would be a good fit from a thematic perspective. This town in the Bergisches Land also has a long tradition of craftsmanship in this area. This is presented in two museums. If you are interested, see: =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/267474 (Industrial Museum "Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs" of the Rhineland Regional Association) =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/366316 (German Blade Museum)
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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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Down here in the valley are the "ruins" of the old cutlery factories; over the years they had to make way for more modern production facilities...
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A city steeped in history where you can take a break during your outings! Cutlery is the heart of the city and Thiers knives are the most beautiful in the world! You owe it to yourself to leave with yours! For more advice, don’t hesitate to follow us on all networks @chouchou_team
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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 most prominent natural attraction is Puy de Montoncel, an extinct volcano peaking at 1,287 meters. Its slopes are covered with a majestic thorn forest, and the summit offers panoramic views of the Auvergne volcanoes, including Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, and Puy-de-Sancy. The region also features numerous hiking and walking trails that allow you to explore the diverse landscape.
Paslières is rich in history. You can visit the site of the 'Pas du Loup,' linked to a local legend and an ancient church. Other significant civil heritage sites include the Château de Chabanne (built around 1830) and the Château du Chastel (dating from the second half of the 19th century). The tomb of Christophe de Chabrol de Crouzol, a notable historical figure, is also located facing the Saint-Bonnet church.
Yes, just 9 km from Paslières is Thiers — Cutlery Capital, renowned for its historical center and cutlery industry. You can explore the Museum of the Coutellerie and Atelier LE THIERS to learn about the region's knife-making tradition. The Hell's Hollow and Rouets Valley areas in Thiers also showcase the 'ruins' of old cutlery factories along the Durolle river, some now converted into a contemporary art center.
Absolutely. The area around Paslières offers a variety of hiking trails. You can find routes like the 'Château de Lavaure loop' or the 'Château de Montpeyroux loop' starting directly from Paslières. For more options, explore the Hiking around Paslières guide, which details trails for various difficulty levels.
Beyond the historical sites, you can visit nearby Châteldon, a 'Petite Cité de Caractère®' with a medieval castle. Thiers offers the Centre Historique du Monde Sapeur-Pompier / EFMA, and the Hell's Hollow area hosts a center of contemporary art. The region also has other cultural attractions like La Loge Des Gardes and Le Moulin Bleu for performances.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty. The majestic thorn forests and panoramic views from Puy de Montoncel are highly praised. The historical industrial sites like Hell's Hollow, with their unique atmosphere and transformation into art spaces, also receive positive feedback for their interesting blend of heritage and contemporary culture.
Yes, the area provides diverse cycling opportunities. You can find routes ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Vichy Springs Park – View of Vichy loop' or the 'Châteldon Castle – Château de Busset loop'. For detailed information and more routes, consult the Cycling around Paslières guide.
Consider exploring the Legend of the Pas du Loup, a local point of interest with a hiking trail leading to it from the Salle des Fêtes, passing near the Abbey of Montpeyroux. Additionally, the Château d'Aulteribe near Sermentizon is recognized as a unique heritage site and offers a glimpse into the region's rich past.
Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts will find several trails. Options include loops around 'Étang d'Iloa', 'Plan d'Eau des Prades', or 'Étang des Graviers'. These routes typically range from moderate difficulty. More information on these and other trails can be found in the MTB Trails around Paslières guide.
The region's natural beauty, especially around Puy de Montoncel, is best enjoyed during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and exploring the thorn forests and volcanic landscapes. Always check local conditions before planning your visit, especially for higher elevations.
While specific family-friendly highlights are not detailed, the numerous walking and hiking trails, particularly easier loops like 'Les Deux Bondes – Étang Tuilier loop', can be suitable for families. Exploring the historical sites and the natural features like the forests around Puy de Montoncel also offer engaging experiences for all ages.
Many natural areas and trails in the region, such as the Rouets Valley, are generally dog-friendly, though it's often required to keep dogs on a leash. It's always advisable to check specific trail regulations or local signage before heading out with your pet.


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