Our take
The river that flows a stone's throw from Lac Pavin before heading off to the Allier. Just under fifty kilometres between the Monts Dore and Issoire, with Saurier and Saint-Floret set by the water.
The river that runs down from the Monts Dore to the Allier: just under fifty kilometres, through Besse, Saurier and Saint-Floret, a village tucked against the rock by the water.
A river and tributary of the Allier, rising at 1,580 m on the slopes of the Puy de la Perdrix, in the Monts Dore. It passes below Lac Pavin, collecting its outflow, then crosses Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, Saurier and Saint-Floret before joining the Allier near Issoire. Its course runs just under fifty kilometres. At Saurier, on the other side of the 15th-century chicane bridge, a path follows the bank to the salt springs, in about ten minutes. Further down, Saint-Floret, a small town of character, spreads over both banks, linked by the pont de la Pède and its oratory.
Why we love it
- The water that changes colour with the light, between green and cold blue
- The rocks that narrow the valley at the entrance to Saint-Floret
- Saint-Floret, tucked against the rock along the river, beneath the keep of its castle
- Saurier's 15th-century chicane bridge, with its little oratory
Top tip
At Saurier, cross the 15th-century bridge and head up the path that runs along the river: in about ten minutes, you are at the salt springs. Avoid it after a storm, the water rises fast.
Before you go
- At Saint-Floret, the Tête de Lion spring path runs along the river and climbs a little: bring good shoes
- Lac Pavin flows into the Couze: you can see both in the same day.
- Avoid it after recent heavy rain, the river rises fast and the current can take you by surprise
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
15°/5°
1 mm · 32 km/h
Tomorrow
15°/1°
dry · 5 km/h
Tue 27
22°/11°
dry · 14 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
- La Couze Pavin, France
63320 Saint-Floret
What visitors say
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Your logbook
Around La Couze Pavin
2 spots in and around Saint-Floret, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
A place to see, a night to spend?
Hotels, gîtes and B&Bs within 20 km of Saint-Floret. Availability and online booking.
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On foot
On footHikes around La Couze Pavin
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