Discover Merlines for hiking and cycling

Merlines is best explored during a stay through its trails, waterways and weekly market. For active days, hiking and cycling routes with different distances and estimated times take centre stage; several fishing and water sports activities are permitted at Lac de l’Abeille. There is also a historic parish church and regional bus connections. You can decide which of these options will shape your stay based on your preferred activity and the time available.

Exploring on foot and by bike

The Le circuit des Ermites circular hiking trail is 10.6 kilometres long and takes about 3.5 hours. It starts and ends at Aire de Sully in Merlines. Along the way, the route follows the Chavanon and passes through woodland. As well as the distance, you can factor in an approximate time when planning your day. The duration is a guideline; check the route conditions before setting out.

Another hiking option is Le pont romain (raccourci). The trail offers several views of the Puy de Sancy, the highest volcano in mainland France. This route description therefore has a different focus from Le circuit des Ermites: here, the viewpoints take centre stage, while the other route follows the Chavanon and passes through woodland.

The La Vallée du Chavanon cycling loop is an easy 14.5-kilometre circuit with an estimated duration of about one hour. It passes through a wooded natural landscape; a forest track has replaced the former Béziers–Paris railway line. In terms of time, the stated hiking route takes considerably longer, even though the cycling loop covers a greater distance. These figures help you plan the two options as different blocks of time. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Another landscape feature is the Chavanon: it flows below the former railway line, and its entire course is designated as a Natura 2000 site. Woodland, river and former rail connections are therefore among the features described in the surrounding area, without implying that the routes follow the same path.

Activities on the water

Category 1 fishing, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding are permitted at Lac de l’Abeille. If you are planning a stay by the lake, check the local rules before your trip. Another activity is available at the Site permanent d'orientation de l'Etang de l'Abeille permanent orienteering course, which has four routes. The green route is 3 kilometres long, the blue 4.5 kilometres, the red 5 kilometres and the black 6.5 kilometres. The distances offer a concrete comparison between the four routes; the shortest and longest differ by 3.5 kilometres.

Church, market and getting there

The Eglise paroissiale Saint-Blaise, Sainte-Madeleine parish church adds a historic dimension to the natural and activity-related attractions. It was probably built in the 15th century and extensively restored by Jules Rouffiat between 1880 and 1883. The probable construction date and the dated restoration mark two distinct phases in the church’s history.

A market takes place every Thursday morning at Place de la République. If your stay falls on a Thursday, you can include it in your day’s plans; check the market times locally before your trip.

Regional buses on line P46 run from Gare de Merlines (Eygurande-Merlines) station to Clermont-Ferrand, Le Mont-Dore and Ussel. Check the timetables before your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Merlines, the activities described offer different points of reference: time on hiking trails, a cycling trip, a visit to the lake or the weekly market. The bus connections add specific destinations served by the regional line to this information about the area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rosiers-D'egletons, Voutezac, La Chapelle-Aux-Brocs, Monceaux-Sur-Dordogne, Meilhards, Forgès, Chamberet, Le Pescher.

For the broader travel overview: Corrèze.