Nature
Saint-Austremoine is part of the 3,099.52-hectare ZNIEFF Type 1 “Vallée de la Cronce” and the 65,624.57-hectare ZNIEFF Type 2 “Haute Vallée de l’Allier”.
The “Vallée de la Cronce” ZNIEFF encompassing Saint-Austremoine features riverside alder and ash forests as well as gorge forests. Otters and white-clawed crayfish can be found in the watercourses. Part of the Saint-Austremoine municipal area lies within the “haut val d’Allier” Natura 2000 protected area, a bird protection area with the designation FR 8312002.
Renting a holiday apartment in Saint-Austremoine can be part of your own travel planning.
Getting Around
Several signposted hiking trails can be accessed from Saint-Austremoine or its immediate surroundings. The 8.26 km hiking loop “Point de vue boucle à partir de Saint-Austremoine” starts in Saint-Austremoine. The Petite Randonnée trails offer views of the valleys and neighbouring villages.
In the area around Saint-Austremoine, the Allier gorges can be explored by canoe or kayak, allowing visitors to see rocks, villages and the natural river landscape from the water. Saint-Austremoine is listed among the participating municipalities on the “8 - Autour de la vallée de la Cronce” cycling route.
Surroundings
Lavoûte-Chilhac is located in the immediate surroundings of Saint-Austremoine. It is one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” and has a Cluniac priory founded in the 11th century as well as a medieval bridge.
Chilhac is also located in the immediate surroundings of Saint-Austremoine. This village, awarded the distinction “Petite Cité de Caractère”, features impressive basalt organ pipes and a palaeontological museum.
Getting There
Saint-Austremoine is primarily accessible by car; local public transport is limited.
Other places: Vernassal, Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas, Saint-Georges-Lagricol, Autrac, Solignac-Sous-Roche, Venteuges, Villeneuve-D'allier, Brioude
