Our take
An industrial site returned to nature a few kilometres from Clermont: 8 km of flat paths around the ponds, hides open to all and 227 species of bird recorded on a migration corridor.
Former gravel pits turned bird refuge on the edge of Clermont: ponds, hides and 227 recorded species along the Allier.
On the doorstep of Clermont-Ferrand, former gravel pits have become a refuge for birds: 140 hectares of open water and meadows along the Allier, between Pérignat-sur-Allier and La Roche-Noire. Ten years of work carried out with LPO Auvergne (the bird protection league) have returned this industrial site to nature.
You follow 8 km of flat paths around the ponds, with hides for spying on grey herons, black kites and common terns. The site sits on a migration corridor: 227 species of bird have been recorded there.
Access is free and unrestricted all year round. Bring binoculars, walk quietly and keep your dog on a lead: that's how you get to see plenty of feathered company.
Why we love it
- Six hides beside the ponds
- Grey herons, black kites, common terns and great crested grebes depending on the season
- Former industrial gravel pits returned to nature in ten years of work
Top tip
Head for the hides early in the morning, binoculars in hand: the wildlife is more active and the paths are still quiet. Also look at the site's programme, where free nature outings are offered.
Before you go
- Early in the morning, in spring or autumn, when migrants stop over on the ponds.
- Swimming is not allowed anywhere on the site, for you or for your dog, which must stay on a lead.
- The programme of free activities, educational walks and photography workshops, runs mostly in summer: look at the calendar before you come.
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
18°/4°
dry · 29 km/h
Tomorrow
16°/3°
dry · 11 km/h
Tue 27
23°/7°
dry · 18 km/h
Source: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). General lowland forecasts, to be cross-checked with specialist mountain forecasts at altitude.
Practical info
- Address
- D1, 63800 Pérignat-sur-Allier, France
63800 Pérignat-sur-Allier
What visitors say
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Around Écopôle du Val d'Allier
Enough to build your day around this address.
Where to eat close by
€€Le Réveil des Volcans
4.9Mur-sur-Allier · 7.4 km away
La Brasserie du Mess
4.4Clermont-Ferrand · 7.8 km away
Where to stay nearby
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On footPérignat-ès-Allier, Paysages empreints du passé antique et médiéval
Start: Pérignat-ès-Allier
- 7.9 km
- +66 m
- 2 h 30 min
On footHikes around Écopôle du Val d'Allier
On footPérignat-ès-Allier, Paysages empreints du passé antique et médiéval
Start: Pérignat-ès-Allier
- 7.9 km
- +66 m
- 2 h 30 min
On foot
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