Olliergues: Art, crafts and trails along the Dore

Olliergues combines craft traditions and contemporary art with historic buildings and a long circular trail along the Dore. You can tailor your trip to different interests, such as art and local history or a hiking route that passes through Olliergues. The Dore is a recurring point of reference, linking the art centre, bridge ruins and trail.

Art and crafts in Olliergues

The Musée des Métiers et Traditions du Pays d’Olliergues is housed in the Château d’Olliergues. It presents local craft traditions through several different areas, including a frame saw, a clog-maker’s workshop, a wheelwright’s workshop, a weaving area and the basketry industry. The range extends from a saw and workshops to weaving and basketry. If you are interested in crafts, the museum offers several different topics to shape your visit around.

The Centre d’art d’Olliergues, also known as Nouvelles galeries, offers a different artistic perspective. This four-storey contemporary art centre is located in an unusual setting along the Dore and was created by visual artist David Spanu. Guided tours of the centre are available for a maximum of six people. If this type of visit is important to your plans, check the current options in advance.

History and distinctive architecture

The Saint-Martin Chapel also tells the story of change in the town’s history: it was Olliergues’ 15th-century parish church and became a chapel after the Revolution. The bridge over the Dore provides a different historical highlight. Its ruins date from 1612. Three arches with openings of different sizes and a humpbacked roadway define its shape. At the bridge, you can examine the architectural details, while the chapel’s history reflects a change over time in its function.

A seasonal treat and a long circular trail

Latite Paysanne offers a selection of colourful, fruity sorbets made from whole fruits. Tastings are available at farm sales from May to October. If you would like to plan a tasting, bear in mind this seasonal period and that tastings are tied to farm sales.

The Chemin de Sainte-Agathe is a 100-kilometre circular trail that passes through Olliergues along the banks of the Dore. The stated distance refers to the entire circular route, not just the section through the town. Weather and trail conditions can affect access, so take them into account when planning your outings. The circular trail offers a different focus from a visit centred mainly on art, crafts or historic architecture.

This distinction can help you decide on your trip: would you like to focus on the town’s cultural attractions, or include a longer hiking route in your plans? Olliergues brings both perspectives together, though they offer different experiences. When looking for a hotel in Olliergues, you can first consider which focus best suits the reason for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Arlanc, Saint-Sauves-D'auvergne, Saint-Jacques-D'ambur, Saint-Germain-Lembron, Coudes, Medeyrolles, Gouttières, Vernines.

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