Parent: Hiking, Panoramas and History

Parent combines a settlement history dating back to the Iron Age with hiking trails and viewpoints. This gives you a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: historical context, geological features, and hikes with named destinations and specified distances.

History spanning several eras

The settlement of the commune of Parent dates back to the Iron Age. In 1284, Parent was a fiefdom dominated by a castle and dependent on the Châtellenie de Buron. During the Wars of Religion, the small fort of Parent was besieged in March 1590 by the Duke of Nemours and Sieur Dandelot, accompanied by leaders of the Catholic League.

Panoramic views and geological features

At 653 m high, Puy d’Ecouyat is the only volcanic dyke in the area. From there, panoramic views extend across the Sancy Massif, Montpeyroux and the Chaîne des Puys. The La citadelle de Buron hiking route offers another panoramic experience, with a 180° view across the Cézallier, the Sancy and the Chaîne des Puys. The Sancy and the Chaîne des Puys feature in both views; Montpeyroux and the Cézallier distinguish the respective panoramas.

Choose hikes by distance and destination

La citadelle de Buron is a moderately difficult hiking route covering 11.5 km. It leads to the summit of Puy Rousset, from where you can look out over the ruins of a 13th-century feudal castle. The route combines a named summit, views of the castle ruins and panoramic scenery. Route details may be updated; check them before your hike.

A much longer option is the GR® de Pays: Tour de la Reine Margot – Boucle du Val d’Allier n°2, also rated moderately difficult, at 67 km long. It starts at Parent railway station. The routes can be compared directly by distance: 11.5 km versus 67 km, with both rated moderately difficult.

Getting here and finding your way around

Parent is accessible via the A75 motorway and Gare Parent-Coudes-Champeix railway station. From Parent, you can reach Puy d’Ecouyat on foot via Rue des frères Mirales or Rue du Buisson. These two street names provide specific landmarks for accessing this hiking destination; the panoramic views from the Puy also make it interesting as a viewpoint in its own right.

Parent also has a permanent orienteering course. Check locally before planning your visit to see whether the course is currently available. Alongside the hiking trails, this offers an orienteering activity and several clearly named destinations to suit different interests.

Discover more destinations: Bongheat, Miremont, Les Ancizes-Comps, Mirefleurs, Champeix, Bort-L'étang, Lapeyrouse, Saint-Pierre-Colamine.

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