Fournols – Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

Fournols combines hiking routes with a tangible connection to cultural history: the Croix grecque dates from the 13th century, while Les Pierres Folles and Le puy du Sapt offer different distances and time commitments. To plan your stay, you can compare a shorter, very easy circuit with a longer, moderate hike. The high forests of the Haut-Livradois also shape the character of the longer route.

Cultural history: the Croix grecque

The Croix grecque in Fournols is a former cemetery cross dating from the 13th century. One side depicts Christ on the cross, while the other shows the Virgin Mary with the Child. The cross has been listed as a historic monument since July 22, 1963. The 13th century indicates when it was created; 1963 marks its later listing as a historic monument. Its former cemetery function adds a second historical connection to its religious imagery. Its date, former function, and two depictions help place the monument in context.

Two hikes, different time commitments

The Les Pierres Folles circular hike leads to the site of the same name and both starts and ends in Fournols. It is 5.5 kilometers long, marked in blue, rated very easy, and listed as taking about one hour and 45 minutes. Parking is available for this route at the holiday village; it is also designated for families and mountain bikes (VTT). As access may depend on local conditions, it is advisable to check these before setting out.

Le puy du Sapt starts at Place de la Mairie, 63980 Fournols. The hiking route is 8 kilometers long, takes about three hours, is of moderate difficulty, and is marked in yellow. Weather conditions may affect whether it is accessible, so take this into account when planning.

High forests and viewpoints

Le puy du Sapt passes through the high forests of the Haut-Livradois and offers views of the Forestier ponds, the Croix des Sucs, and La Colombière. The high forests are considered an ideal habitat for the Tengmalm’s owl and the black woodpecker. Thus, in addition to the named viewpoints, the hike also has a connection to forest habitat. If you want to consider both views and forest nature when choosing a hike, Le puy du Sapt brings these two aspects together.

When choosing between the hikes, distance is not the only consideration: Les Pierres Folles is the circuit that starts and ends in Fournols; Le puy du Sapt starts at Place de la Mairie and passes through the high forests to the named viewpoints. Along with the difference between very easy and moderate difficulty, this lets you weigh up the time required, difficulty, and landscape.

Summer 2026 market dates

In summer 2026, the Marché Guinguette des Initiatives Locales took place every Tuesday from July 14 to August 18 in the town hall square in Fournols, from 6 to 9 p.m. The program included local producers, crafts, food and drinks, as well as concerts and entertainment. The dates given refer to the summer 2026 edition.

Discover more destinations: Giat, Manglieu, Orcet, Bongheat, Échandelys, Mazaye, Vernet-La-Varenne and Volvic.

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