Aubusson-D'auvergne: Lake, Hiking Trails and Heritage

Those planning a trip to Aubusson-D'auvergne can get to know the area through several specific themes: Lac d'Aubusson d'Auvergne, hiking trails and the cultural heritage of its churches. The lake brings together a large expanse of water, a leisure facility and a connection to the Natura 2000 protected area. La Catiche complements these highlights with guided nature and heritage activities.

Lakeside Leisure at Lac d'Aubusson

Lac d'Aubusson d'Auvergne has a water surface of 28 hectares and is the largest man-made lake in Livradois-Forez. It lies in the heart of a Natura 2000 area. The leisure facility by the lake is also considered the largest leisure facility in Livradois-Forez. These two regional comparisons refer to different things: the man-made lake and the leisure facility. Several hiking trails start at the Lac, making the lake a starting point for walks as well. The leisure facility also includes an orienteering course with 60 checkpoints. A map is available at the Maison du Lac.

Hiking Trails and Nature Experiences

The route description dated August 2, 2026, describes “Lac et sous-bois” as a very easy, blue-marked circular hiking route of the PR and PDIPR type. The route is 5.4 kilometers long and starts and ends at Lac d'Aubusson. A route listing from August 2026 names the Notre-Dame d’Espinasse church as the destination of the Espinasse hiking route. This makes it possible to distinguish between the trails by their specific characteristics: a marked loop starting and ending at the lake, and a route to the church. For “Lac et sous-bois,” the loop format, distance and trail marking are specified; for Espinasse, the church is the destination.

Every July and August, La Catiche runs nature and heritage walks at Lac d'Aubusson for children aged four to ten, accompanied by their parents. Check the dates and booking arrangements for these seasonal walks for the year of your trip. The tourist description of La Catiche in Aubusson-d'Auvergne, updated on January 21, 2026, mentions educational and leisure activities for families and groups; guided group visits are available on request. In the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park’s “Balades nature et patrimoine” program, La Catiche offers a chance to discover otters, bats, beavers and dragonflies.

Church and Heritage

The Notre-Dame d’Espinasse church is listed in its entirety as a historic monument; it was listed on July 15, 1985. It was rebuilt in the 15th century. The two dates mark different aspects: the rebuilding as part of the building’s history and the later listing as a historic monument. The church remains an important regional pilgrimage site; public access is restricted. A 16th-century reliquary is housed in a church in Aubusson-d'Auvergne, according to a Ministry of Culture listing dated June 9, 2026. Another listing, dated June 3, 2026, places the painting “Déploration du Christ” in Saint-Blaise Church.

Discover more destinations: Tauves, Randan, Issoire, Fournols, Boudes, Saint-Germain-l'Herm, Saint-Beauzire, Chambon-Sur-Lac

For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.