Gorges de la Monne

South of Clermont, the Monne plunges between Olloix and Cournols and carves out a wild, cool corridor, listed and protected since 1979 and now in a Natura 2000 zone. You go down into the gorges, the river takes on the look of a torrent, and the path runs alongside it among jumbled boulders.

On the way you pass a waterfall, the Marmite des Géants (a basin carved into the rock) and the Riberolles bridge, which the path crosses. On the slopes, oaks, ash trees and maples shelter seven protected plants, including the martagon lily, and both the European otter and the eagle owl frequent the gorges.

The start is at the car park on the edge of the village of Olloix, behind the chapel. Allow a loop of 5.5 km, about 1 hour 30, with three handrails along the water. It goes up and down, between sections with ropes and very slippery sections, and the hike becomes very difficult after heavy rain: put on proper footwear.