Briffons: Church, Hiking Trails and Étang Mabrut

If you are looking for a hotel in Briffons, the local cultural and landscape attractions can help you choose a destination. The Church of Sainte-Madeleine, two hikes, Étang Willy Mabrut and a farm shop offer different highlights: historic architecture, trails with named destinations, a body of water associated with fishing, and baked goods made with grain from farms in Briffons and Romagnat.

Church of Sainte-Madeleine: Building History and Stained Glass

The Church of Sainte-Madeleine dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, while its stained-glass windows were created in the 19th century. All the windows were made by the renowned master glassmaker Félix Gaudin, and they are dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Since 21 August 1992, the church as a whole has been listed as a historic monument. The listing applies to the entire building, not just the windows. The date refers to its protected status, not its year of construction. The windows’ dedication to Mary Magdalene also creates a thematic connection with the name Sainte-Madeleine.

Two Hikes, Different Points of Reference

The “Le moulin de Combas” circular route is 13.5 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and marked in yellow. This route takes you to the Moulin de Combas, a turbine mill. The trail is not limited to the mill: it also highlights small historic heritage features such as wayside crosses, bringing together technical history and local heritage. If you are planning based on distance and difficulty, the 13.5-kilometre length and moderate rating provide concrete guidance. After storms, check trail conditions locally.

The “De Briffons à l’étang Mabrut” hike starts in Briffons and leads to Étang Mabrut. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the Massif du Sancy. The two routes offer different points of reference when choosing between them: the circular route has a stated distance and moderate difficulty, while the second hike features its destination at Étang Mabrut and views of the Massif du Sancy. Their heritage highlights also differ: Sainte-Madeleine combines building history with stained glass, while the route at Combas highlights a turbine mill and small wayside crosses.

Étang Willy Mabrut: Body of Water and Fishing Season

Étang Willy Mabrut is located in the hamlet of Farges, in the commune of Briffons. The 3.4-hectare pond forms a dam on the La Clidane stream. During the fishing season, it is stocked at the beginning of each month with brown and rainbow trout; carp are also present. As stocking may vary by season, check the current conditions before a fishing trip.

Bread and Brioche Direct from the Farm

The “Vente à la ferme – Pains Bio et Brioches” farm shop in Briffons offers bread and brioche made with grain grown on farms in Romagnat and Briffons. Products are sold directly from the farm. If you are planning a visit to shop, check availability beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Les Pradeaux, Manglieu, Puy-Guillaume, Biollet, Orbeil, Beaumont, Saint-Jean-des-Ollières, Vertolaye.

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