Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
France
Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Thiers

Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle - Top 20

Attractions and places to see around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle are situated in the Puy-de-Dôme department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks. The town is located at an altitude of 640 meters on the slopes of the Bois Noirs, characterized by wooded, green landscapes. Visitors can explore historical sites like a 15th-century Gothic church and a 1698 public fountain, alongside natural features such as the Plan d'eau des Prades and the Puy de Montoncel. Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle tourism also highlights the region's historical connection to the cutlery industry.

Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

  • The most popular attractions is Puy de Montoncel, a summit that is an extinct volcano, peaking at 1,287 meters above sea level. From its summit, visitors can enjoy views of other Auvergne volcanoes like Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, and Puy-de-Sancy.
  • Another must-see spot is Hell's Hollow, a historical site featuring old Thiernoise cutlery factories converted into a center of contemporary art. This meander of the Durolle showcases the region's industrial heritage.
  • Visitors also love Thiers — Cutlery Capital, a town known for its cutlery heritage. Thiers is recognized as the French capital of cutlery and the largest European cutlery basin.
  • Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and industrial heritage. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from summits and lakes to museums and historical buildings.
  • The attractions around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle are appreciated by the komoot community, with 31 upvotes and 16 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 16, 2026

Puy de Montoncel

Highlight • Summit

The Puy de Montoncel is an extinct volcano, peaking at 1,287 meters above sea level. In a notebook I wrote about him:

“Its slopes are covered with a majestic thorn forest, with an archaic, sometimes primal beauty. The rare paths that cut through the woods wind along the slopes, in the shade of the green giants. These paths are the veins of the forest. They are the tunnels of abundant oxygen. From meadows to groves, I have the impression of floating on an ocean of nature.

At the top of the puy, I find an empty plateau of trees as if blown by the wind, and covered with thick thatch. A huge iron cross rises in the sky, looks mischievously at the wind turbines which on the neighboring ridges come alive to the sound of the air.

I sit on a large carpet of green grass, real velvet to rest my body from this first and sweaty ascent. I light a pipe and happily observe the volcanoes of Auvergne which stir up the horizon. Their supple and rounded shapes give the impression of observing distant hills. Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, Puy-de-Sancy, I have fun guessing the roofs on which I trudged the previous year. »

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

Hell's Hollow

Highlight • Structure

Down here in the valley are the "ruins" of the old cutlery factories; over the years they had to make way for more modern production facilities...

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Usine du Creux, Vallée des Usines, Thiers

Highlight • Historical Site

Spectacular, the Valley of Factories is a pleasant way to climb to the summit of Thiers while avoiding main road traffic. The richness of the industrial heritage is remarkable.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Rouets Valley

Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site

For a magnificent longer hike: From Hell to spinning wheels livradois-forez-rando.fr/pedestre/de-lenfer-aux-rouets
Also visit the cutlery museum in Thiers (almost 3 hours).
In total a busy day to visit thiers and the valley, super interesting and beautiful

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Thiers — Cutlery Capital

Highlight • Other

Thiers is one sub-prefecture of the department. French capital of cutlery; it is also the largest European cutlery basin.

To have :
- Cutlery Museum
- Upper town, in particular the Antonin Chastel square with its jacquemart
- Saint-Genès church, Saint-Symphorien church and Moutier abbey dwelling, Saint-Jean du Passet church
- Orangery Park
- La Pamparina, international street music festival taking place every year on the first weekend of July.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

MTB Trails around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

Cycling around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

Hiking around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

Gravel biking around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

Tips from the Community

JakobusPilger
September 26, 2025, Creux de l’enfer

Given the long tradition of craftsmanship in Thiers (Wikipedia reports: "The town's heyday began with the arrival of cutlery. Legend says that Auvergnatian crusaders brought this art from the Orient to Thiers. The first cutlers are documented to have settled in Thiers in the 14th century; they used the steep gradient of the Durolle River to power their blacksmith's hammers. This trade quickly brought prestige and wealth to the town."), a town twinning with Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) would be a good fit from a thematic perspective. This town in the Bergisches Land also has a long tradition of craftsmanship in this field. This is presented in two museums. If you are interested, see: =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/267474 (Industrial Museum "Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs" of the Rhineland Regional Association) =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/366316 (German Blade Museum)

Translated by Google

0

0

Given the long tradition of craftsmanship in Thiers (Wikipedia reports: "The town's heyday began with the arrival of cutlery. Legend has it that Auvergnatian crusaders brought this art from the Orient to Thiers. The first cutlers are documented to have settled in Thiers in the 14th century; they used the steep gradient of the Durolle River to power their blacksmith's hammers. This trade quickly brought prestige and wealth to the town."), a town twinning with Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) would be a good fit from a thematic perspective. This town in the Bergisches Land also has a long tradition of craftsmanship in this area. This is presented in two museums. If you are interested, see: =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/267474 (Industrial Museum "Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs" of the Rhineland Regional Association) =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/366316 (German Blade Museum)

Translated by Google

0

0

Spectacular, the Valley of Factories is a pleasant way to climb to the summit of Thiers while avoiding main road traffic. The richness of the industrial heritage is remarkable.

Translated by Google

1

0

Dgé
June 8, 2025, Puy de Montoncel

great ride but remember to charge the batteries before leaving.....

Translated by Google

0

0

The Puy de Montoncel is an extinct volcano, culminating at an altitude of 1,287 meters. In a notebook, I wrote about it: "Its slopes are covered with a majestic thorn forest, with an archaic, sometimes primal beauty. The rare paths that cut through the woods wind along the slopes, in the shade of the green giants. These paths are the veins of the forest. They are tunnels of abundant oxygen. From meadows to groves, I feel as if I'm floating on an ocean of nature. At the summit of the puy, I find a plateau devoid of trees as if blown by the wind, and topped with a thick thatch. A huge iron cross rises into the sky, looking mischievously at the wind turbines on the neighboring ridges, which come to life with the sound of the air." I sit down on a wide carpet of green grass, a veritable velvet to rest my body after this first, sweaty climb. I light a pipe and cheerfully observe the Auvergne volcanoes that swell the horizon. Their supple, rounded shapes give the impression of observing distant hills. Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, Puy-de-Sancy, I amuse myself by guessing the roofs I was clambering over the previous year.

Translated by Google

0

0

Bettina
December 27, 2024, Creux de l’enfer

Down here in the valley are the "ruins" of the old cutlery factories; over the years they had to make way for more modern production facilities...

Translated by Google

2

0

A city steeped in history where you can take a break during your outings! Cutlery is the heart of the city and Thiers knives are the most beautiful in the world! You owe it to yourself to leave with yours! For more advice, don’t hesitate to follow us on all networks @chouchou_team

Translated by Google

0

0

The Puy de Montoncel is an extinct volcano, peaking at 1,287 meters above sea level. In a notebook I wrote about him: “Its slopes are covered with a majestic thorn forest, with an archaic, sometimes primal beauty. The rare paths that cut through the woods wind along the slopes, in the shade of the green giants. These paths are the veins of the forest. They are the tunnels of abundant oxygen. From meadows to groves, I have the impression of floating on an ocean of nature. At the top of the puy, I find an empty plateau of trees as if blown by the wind, and covered with thick thatch. A huge iron cross rises in the sky, looks mischievously at the wind turbines which on the neighboring ridges come alive to the sound of the air. I sit on a large carpet of green grass, real velvet to rest my body from this first and sweaty ascent. I light a pipe and happily observe the volcanoes of Auvergne which stir up the horizon. Their supple and rounded shapes give the impression of observing distant hills. Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, Puy-de-Sancy, I have fun guessing the roofs on which I trudged the previous year. »

Translated by Google

2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle?

The region boasts diverse natural landscapes. You can explore the majestic forest covering the slopes of Puy de Montoncel, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views. The area is also characterized by picturesque quartz cliffs and extensive forests, providing numerous opportunities for exploration. Additionally, the 12-hectare Plan d'eau des Prades offers beaches and water-based activities.

What historical sites are there in Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle?

In Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle itself, you can visit a 15th-century Gothic church featuring frescoes by Louis Dussour and a magnificent public stone fountain dating back to 1698, crafted from Volvic stone. The town also has a rich history tied to the cutlery industry.

Where can I learn about the region's cutlery heritage?

The town of Thiers — Cutlery Capital, just 5.3 km away, is renowned as the French capital of cutlery. Here, you can visit the Musée de la Coutellerie (Cutlery Museum) to delve into the history of knife-making. You can also explore the Hell's Hollow and Rouets Valley, which feature old cutlery factories and water-powered grinding wheels.

Are there family-friendly activities in the area?

Yes, the Plan d'eau des Prades is a major attraction for families, offering two beaches, a heated swimming pool, pedal boats, windsurfing, canoeing, climbing, pétanque, electric car circuits, and mini-golf. The marked hiking trails around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle are also suitable for family outings.

What outdoor activities can I do near Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle?

Beyond hiking, the Plan d'eau des Prades provides opportunities for fishing and various water sports. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes available, including road cycling routes, general cycling tours, and gravel biking trails that explore the surrounding landscapes.

Where can I find hiking trails around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle?

Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle is a 'Station Vert' (Green Resort) and offers several marked hiking trails (balisés en marquage violet) that showcase the commune's diverse natural beauty. The slopes of Puy de Montoncel and the Rouets Valley also provide excellent opportunities for walks amidst nature and historical sites.

Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic scenery?

Yes, the Puy de Montoncel, an extinct volcano, offers expansive views of other Auvergne volcanoes like Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, and Puy-de-Sancy from its summit. Additionally, the Belvédère du Calvaire in Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle provides a vast panorama of the surrounding area with an orientation table.

What is the Plan d'eau des Prades and what does it offer?

The Plan d'eau des Prades is a 12-hectare artificial lake that serves as a central hub for leisure activities. It features two beaches, a heated swimming pool, and a nautical base for pedal boats, windsurfing, and canoeing. You can also enjoy fishing, climbing, pétanque, electric car circuits, a stadium, and mini-golf here.

Are there any dog-friendly walks in the area?

Yes, the Rouets Valley is noted as dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the historical cutlery sites and natural beauty with your canine companion, provided they are on a leash.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The panoramic views from Puy de Montoncel and the unique industrial heritage found in places like Hell's Hollow and Thiers — Cutlery Capital are highly valued. The diverse outdoor activities and the tranquil, wooded landscapes also contribute to a memorable experience.

Are there other notable châteaux or gardens nearby?

Yes, within a short drive, you can visit the Château De Vollore in Vollore-Ville, approximately 10.8 km away. The Parc et Jardins du Château de la Barge in Courpière, about 11.4 km distant, also offers a pleasant outing. Further afield, the Domaine Royal de Randan is about 24.2 km from Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle.

Most popular routes around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

MTB Trails around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

Most popular attractions around Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle

Natural Monuments

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

La RenaudieOlmetVollore-MontagneViscomtatAugerollesPuy-GuillaumeLachauxChâteldonLezouxPaslièresCelles-Sur-DurolleLa Monnerie-Le-MontelVollore-VilleCourpièreRisChabrelocheSainte-AgathePalladucSaint-Victor-MontvianeixDoratLimonsNoalhatOrléatEscoutouxArconsatNéronde-Sur-DoreSeychallesCrevant-LaveineVinzellesSermentizonCulhatLemptyJozeCharnatLuzillatSaint-Jean-D'HeursPeschadoiresBulhonAubusson-D'AuvergneSauviatMaringues

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around La Monnerie-Le-Montel

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy