Royat Arboretum

A 41-hectare forest arboretum at the top of Royat, on the road to the Puy de Dôme (D941), less than 10 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. You are in a state forest, at an altitude of 700 metres, in a woodland crossed by the Tiretaine stream. The story begins in 1862 with a nursery that supplied the plants to reforest the Limagne fault and the Chaîne des Puys. The site became an arboretum from 1934, to study how species from elsewhere adapt to the Massif Central. The result: more than 40 major species, from American conifers to Numidian firs by way of Mediterranean oaks, in an arboretum classed of national interest by the ONF (the national forestry office). Waymarked paths, a few information boards, picnic area, free car park at the entrance. Free and open access, every day of the year. Without a car, the chemin des écoliers climbs from the Breuil stadium in half an hour. Ideal for a family stroll, or for anyone who likes looking at trees up close.