Créé par Romane, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
The 7 Most Beautiful Villages Around Clermont-Ferrand
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Nestled in the heart of Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand is surrounded by true gems of French heritage. These exceptional villages, often classified among the most beautiful villages in France, offer a journey through time through their cobbled streets, medieval castles and preserved architecture. Let's discover together these 7 most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand that are absolutely worth the detour during your exploration of Auvergne.
1. Montpeyroux – The medieval jewel of Auvergne's volcanoes
Just 25 minutes drive from Clermont-Ferrand, Montpeyroux (63114 France) stands proudly as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop offers breathtaking views of the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys and the Forez mountains.
The history of Montpeyroux dates back to the 12th century, and its architectural heritage testifies magnificently to this. The village takes its name from its constructions of blonde arkose, a local volcanic stone that gives it this characteristic golden color. While strolling through its medieval streets, you will discover its imposing 13th-century keep, remnant of a once impregnable fortress.
Don't miss visiting the Saint-Barthélemy church, jewel of Auvergnat Romanesque art, nor the ancient fortifications that testify to the village's defensive past. The surrounding vineyards complete this idyllic picture, producing renowned Auvergne wines.
Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Clermont-Ferrand on foot and independently
Before setting off to discover these magnificent villages, why not explore their starting city? Discover Clermont-Ferrand with an audio-guided itinerary that will take you through the treasures of the "Black Diamond of Auvergne". This 5.3 km route reveals in 2h10 the secrets of this city with exceptional heritage, with 21 audio commentaries to enrich your visit.
2. Lavaudieu – The Romanesque pearl of Haute-Loire
Located about 45 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, Lavaudieu is a picturesque village in Haute-Loire that has preserved its charm of yesteryear. Classified among the most beautiful villages in France, this medieval town was born around a Benedictine abbey founded in the 11th century.
The Romanesque cloister of Lavaudieu constitutes the true treasure of the village. Unique in Auvergne, it is the only complete Romanesque cloister preserved in the region. Its galleries with sculpted columns frame a peaceful garden where it is good to meditate. The abbey's refectory, adorned with a remarkable 14th-century fresco representing the Last Supper, completes this exceptional visit.
The village's cobbled streets wind between old houses with slate roofs, creating an authentic and preserved atmosphere. The abbey church and the abbess's lodge testify to the past wealth of this religious community.
3. Charroux – Bourbonnais authenticity and its legendary mustard
An hour's drive from Clermont-Ferrand, in Allier, Charroux is the only village in this department classified among the most beautiful villages in France. This fortified medieval city has preserved its authentic character and gastronomic reputation.
The village is world-renowned for its Charroux mustard, made according to a traditional recipe that mixes mustard seeds, vinegar and Saint-Pourçain white wine. This specialty, produced since the 18th century, has obtained numerous gastronomic awards and is the pride of the inhabitants.
While wandering through the streets of Charroux, you will discover its half-timbered houses, its medieval ramparts and its belfry. The Saint-Pierre church, with its carved Romanesque portal, also deserves careful attention. The Château des Ducs de Bourbon, although partially in ruins, testifies to the village's past strategic importance.
4. Saint-Saturnin – The royal village of Puy-de-Dôme
Labeled Small City of Character, Saint-Saturnin is located less than 30 km south of Clermont-Ferrand. This village with a medieval heart is dominated by its imposing royal castle, former residence of the barons of the Tour d'Auvergne.
The castle of Saint-Saturnin, 13th-century fortress, belonged to queens Catherine de Médicis and Marguerite de Valois. Its round towers and ramparts offer an exceptional panorama of the volcanoes of Auvergne. The village's architecture, built of arkose and volcanic stone, gives it remarkable harmony.
The Romanesque church of Saint-Saturnin, with its comb bell tower characteristic of Auvergnat Romanesque art, constitutes another jewel of local heritage. The cobbled streets and old houses create a picturesque atmosphere that invites strolling.
5. Usson – The village of Queen Margot
Perched on a volcanic hill 40 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, Usson is inseparable from the history of Marguerite de Valois, nicknamed Queen Margot. This village classified among the most beautiful villages in France served as the queen's place of exile from 1585 to 1605.
Although the castle of Usson was demolished on the orders of Cardinal de Richelieu, the village has retained its medieval character. The remains of fortifications and old houses testify to its prestigious past. The Romanesque church of Saint-Maurice, with its typically Auvergnat architecture, deserves a thorough visit.
The panorama from Usson is absolutely breathtaking: on clear days, you can admire the entire chain of volcanoes of Auvergne, from Puy-de-Dôme to Cantal. This exceptional viewpoint explains why this site was chosen to build a fortress from Gallo-Roman times.
6. Blesle – The monastic treasure of Haute-Loire
About 1 hour from Clermont-Ferrand, Blesle is a charming medieval village in Haute-Loire, classified among the most beautiful villages in France. This city of character was born around a Benedictine abbey founded around 880 by Ermengarde, Countess of Auvergne.
The architectural heritage of Blesle is remarkable: the Saint-Pierre church, with its octagonal bell tower, the remains of the abbey and the half-timbered houses create a harmonious ensemble. The cobbled streets wind between the ancient residences, offering multiple photographic perspectives.
The village also preserves traces of its defensive past with the remains of its ramparts and the Mercœur tower. The peaceful atmosphere of Blesle, nestled at the bottom of the Allagnon valley, makes it a place of rejuvenation appreciated by visitors.
7. Saint-Floret – The sentinel of Couze Pavin
Last stop on our circuit of the most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand, Saint-Floret nestles against the rock along the Couze Pavin. This Small City of Character, located 35 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, is protected by the keep of a 13th-century fortress.
The medieval village of Saint-Floret fascinates with its preserved architecture. The keep, remnant of the fortress, dominates the stone houses with slate roofs. The Romanesque church, with its 14th-century frescoes, constitutes a true jewel of Auvergnat religious art.
The cobbled streets of Saint-Floret, lined with old houses with volcanic stone facades, create an authentic atmosphere. The village was once a stop for pilgrims traveling to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle via the Arverne route.
Preparing your visit to the most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand
To discover these Auvergnat wonders in the best conditions, we recommend starting with Clermont-Ferrand with an audio-guided circuit. This approach will allow you to better understand regional history before setting off to discover the surrounding villages.
Each village deserves half a day of visiting to be fully appreciated. Plan good walking shoes, as cobbled streets and elevation changes are frequent. The best periods to visit these villages are spring and autumn, when crowds are smaller and colors particularly beautiful.
Don't hesitate to be guided by the Ryo application during your visits, which offers audio-guided circuits to enrich your discovery of Auvergnat heritage.
In conclusion, these 7 most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand offer an exceptional condensation of French heritage. From Montpeyroux to Saint-Floret, passing through Lavaudieu and Charroux, each village tells a unique story while contributing to the cultural richness of Auvergne. These authentic destinations, easily accessible from Clermont-Ferrand, constitute essential stops for all lovers of heritage and history. Let yourself be seduced by these medieval jewels and treat yourself to a break from time in the heart of the volcanoes of Auvergne. For an optimal experience, follow the Ryo audio-guided itineraries that will reveal all the secrets of these exceptional villages.
What is the distance between Clermont-Ferrand and Montpeyroux?
Montpeyroux is located about 25 minutes drive from Clermont-Ferrand, about 25 kilometers. It is the closest village in our selection of the most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand.
Can you visit all these villages in one day?
It is not recommended to visit all 7 villages in a single day. Each village deserves at least 2-3 hours of visit to be fully appreciated. Plan rather 2-3 days to discover all of these Auvergnat wonders.
Which villages are classified "Most Beautiful Villages of France"?
Among our selection, Montpeyroux, Lavaudieu, Charroux, Usson and Blesle are classified "Most Beautiful Villages of France". Saint-Saturnin and Saint-Floret are labeled "Small Cities of Character".