Saint-Georges-de-Mons: Trails, Water and Local Produce

Saint-Georges-de-Mons lies on a crystalline plateau at an average elevation of 715 m. The commune covers 3,500 ha, crossed by small valleys. The most important is the Viouze Valley. The commune borders the Sioule gorges to the west and the Chaîne des Puys to the east. This landscape gives your stay a clear setting: trails wind through the Viouze Valley, with views along the way of structures at the Fades Reservoir.

Hikes in the Viouze Valley

The Vallon de la Viouze route leads from Saint-Georges-de-Mons through the valley; the Viouze flows into the Sioule. Along the route, you can enjoy views of the Fades Dam and the Fades Viaduct, built in 1909. To help you find the starting point: parking for this route is on the D19 in Saint-Georges-de-Mons, near the stadium and the Super U.

Another option is the Les 3 étangs circular walk. It is 13 km long, takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, and is marked in yellow. It starts on Avenue de La Libération, near the town hall. By comparison, the Vallon de la Viouze circular walk is longer, at 17 km, with a stated duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes. It is marked in green. The distance, duration and trail-marker colour help you distinguish between the two routes when planning your day.

Waterfall and trail history

The Vallon de la Viouze is also home to the Cascade du Moulin de Pagès. It is easily reached on foot from the hamlet of Feuillade in the commune of Saint-Georges-de-Mons. The walk there is considered easy, but includes some uphill sections. This makes it different in length and character from the two longer circular walks.

On the Les 3 étangs route, you will pass the Rouissoirs des Bruyères. They are called rouissoirs, or retting ponds in English. The term names the structure you encounter along this trail; it is a distinctive landmark along the route.

Water activities and age guidance

The Centre Aquatique Combrailles Sioule et Morge has a large pool measuring 25 m × 12.5 m and a smaller one measuring 6 m × 12.5 m. For children, there is a paddling pool for under-6s and a waterslide with a splash pool for children aged 6 and over. If you are planning a visit with children, these age limits are a helpful guide to the activities described.

The programme also includes aquabiking and aquajogging. These activities are available year-round, except during the summer holidays. This restriction is important for your plans: they are not part of the stated offering during that period.

Fruit and farm produce

Les Petits Fruits des Volcans is an organic producer of soft fruit. Its range includes blueberries, strawberries and currants, as well as products made from them or produced on the farm: jams, coulis, compotes, syrups, smooth soups, herbal teas and honey. Fresh and processed products are sold directly at the farm.

If you would like to pick your own fruit, this is possible depending on the season and with advance booking. Picking your own fruit and buying ready-made products are two different options: a field visit depends on both the season and a reservation, while direct sales include fresh and processed products. Along with the walks, circular routes and water activities, these options give you a range of activities to plan your trip around.

Discover more destinations: Super Besse, La Bourboule, Egliseneuve-D'entraigues, Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines, Nébouzat, Mirefleurs, Saint-Genès-Du-Retz, Saint-Pierre-Roche.

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