Would you like to visit Usson in the Puy-de-Dôme? Discover the 6 must-see things to do in France’s most beautiful village!
One of the most beautiful villages in France, Usson is one of the must-sees in the Auvergne. Nestled on a volcanic peak, this village overlooks the Val d’Allier. This privileged position justified the construction of one of Auvergne’s most important castles.
Queen Margot, first wife of King Henri IV, was exiled for nearly 20 years to this castle and then to the village. As you stroll through its streets, you’ll enjoy sublime panoramic views of the Cantal and Cézallier volcanic massifs, and the Dômes mountain range.
Would you like to discover this picturesque Auvergne village? In this article, discover the 6 must-see things to do in Usson during your stay!
1. Saint-Maurice Church
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Père Igor
As you continue to climb to the top of the village, you’ll come to the Church of Saint-Maurice. If you’re visiting Usson, you can’t fail to enter this sublime site. Built in the 12th century, the building has been altered several times since then. On the outside, you’ll appreciate its mixed architecture and, above all, its Gothic portal with painted decoration. Inside, you’ll discover many small architectural details.
The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Queen’s chapel. Here you’ll see a 15th-century painted panel of The Resurrection of Lazarus. You can also admire a painting on wood of The Crucifixion. Dating from 1518, this major Renaissance work is the work of Bernese painter Niklaus Manuel.
2. Summit of the Butte d’Usson
Photo credit: Facebook – Amis de l’Église Saint Maurice d’Usson d’Auvergne
In 1633, it was awarded a royal decree for the destruction of the main fortresses in Auvergne. The aim was to assert monarchical power over the local nobility. At the top of the Butte, you’ll discover what’s left of Usson’s ancient castle. A must-see in Usson, it’s sure to be the highlight of your visit.
Up there, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Chaîne des Puys, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez mountains. There’s also a monument to the Virgin Mary. This statue, erected at the summit, has the mission of protecting aviators!
3. Basalt Organs
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Accrochoc
On your way down the Butte, you’ll come to the Monument aux Morts de la Première Guerre Mondiale. Don’t go straight back to Église Saint-Maurice and its square, but turn left to walk around the Butte.
You can then admire another must-see in Usson: the Basaltic Organs. This geological formation is made up of vertiginous, regular columns. It is the result of the slow cooling process of lava, which contracts to become rock. Atop these hexagonal prisms, you can also see the bases of the ancient castle wall.
4. All around the Butte
Photo credit: Flickr – Titanet
To complete your visit to Usson, we recommend a complete tour of the Butte. On the way back to the Eglise Saint-Maurice, you can admire the old eastern quarter.
In the midst of the vegetation, you’ll spot a few ruins and low walls. Continuing on your way, you’ll come to the remains of the north-east ramparts. This area is home to pieces of the old fortified enclosure and a number of old houses. From here, you’ll also enjoy a fine panoramic view of the Livradois mountains and the Comté volcanoes.
5. Hiking from Usson
Photo credit: Flickr – Titanet
Among the must-do things to do in Usson, and indeed in the Auvergne region, there’s of course plenty of hiking. Who doesn’t want to walk through beautiful countryside? It’s the best way to discover some hidden wonders.
At the foot of the village, near the Tourist Office, you can start two superb walks to visit Usson and the surrounding area. There are plenty of other great walks in the region too. Make the most of your stay in the Auvergne to discover them!
6. Place de la Reine Margot
Clinging to a volcanic peak, Usson is a veritable fortress, all sloping. The first stop on your ascent is the Place de la Reine Margot. Here, you can admire the fountain dedicated to this queen. The village’s main spring, it features a coat of arms carved with the town’s coat of arms.
All around, and particularly as you continue your ascent, you’ll be able to admire a number of old mansions, including the Maison des Capitaines. These buildings and the surrounding area have preserved details of 16th- and 17th-century architecture.
How do I get to Usson?
Usson lies to the south of Clermont-Ferrand, to the east of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park. The town of Issoire is also just a 5-minute drive from the village. Unfortunately, there are no convenient public transport links to Usson. While a TER line provides easy access to Issoire from Clermont-Ferrand, you’ll then have to get to the village on foot (2 hours’ walk), by bike (40 minutes) or by car.
If you want to get to Clermont-Ferrand, the city is served by an Intercités line from Paris, a TER line from Lyon, and by bus from Bourges. From Clermont-Ferrand, you can then take a local TER train to the town of Issoire. The journey takes just 35 minutes.
Whether you want to visit Usson easily or discover the Auvergne region, we recommend that you come by car or by bike. If you’re coming by car, you can take the A75 from Clermont-Ferrand. The freeway passes through Issoire and not far from Usson. The journey takes just 45 minutes.
From Lyon, you can also take the A89 to Clermont-Ferrand. From Montpellier or Béziers, you can follow the A75 to Auvergne. The journey to Clermont-Ferrand takes just 3 hours from Montpellier and 2 hours from Lyon.
Where to stay in Usson?
If you’re planning to visit Usson, you’re obviously wondering where to stay. Fortunately, this beautiful Auvergne village has no shortage of accommodation options.
In particular, travelers can opt for a hotel, a charming gîte or a flower-filled campsite. They can also choose to stay with a local thanks to the Airbnb platform. To find the offer that matches your criteria, consider using a hotel comparator.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes