Montpeyroux travel guide
Visit Montpeyroux (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)
Photo Gallery Book a visitThe village of Montpeyroux is 15 kilometres south of Clermont Ferrand and 15 kilometres north of Issoire, next to the A75 motorway in central France (in the Puy de Dome department of the Massif Central).
It is classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
Explore Montpeyroux
Montpeyroux is a very pleasant place to stop as you hurtle along the motorway towards the south of France - a few minutes exploring the attractive narrow streets and alleys and you forget that you still have a couple more hours journey ahead of you!
Originally a wine growing region, the area around Montpeyroux suffered greatly from the phylloxéra outbreak in the 19th century which devastated many vineyards in France. More recently, with the enthusiasm and backing of the village since the 1950's, Montpeyroux has had a revival, based largely on tourism.
Most of the houses in the village are built from the local white stone after which the village takes its name (Montpeyroux = stony hill / 'mont pierreux') and stands 460 metres above sea level. This raised postion means the village has far-reaching views across the surrounding region.
The centre of the village contains a 13th century fortress tower (donjon), that towers over Montpeyroux village. An attractive 14th century clock gate can also be seen, remaining from the days when the village was surrounded by a fortified wall.
With a maze of small streets to explore, and small gardens to peep into, Montpeyroux has been largely restored in recent years and is now one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
In the 'centre' there are also a few restaurants, art galleries etc and places to sit and quietly pass the time. (I ate in La Vigne restaurant, which is highly recommended)
Note that parking in the village itself is not possible, but there is a large free car park just on the edge of Montpeyroux, just moments away from the vilage itself.
Local highlights
The nearby villages of Saint-Saturnin, Usson and Saint-Floret (among others) are also worth a visit and close to Montpeyroux, and the town of Issoire also has a pleasant town centre.
The 'Grand Site' of Puy-de-Dome is a little west of Clermont-Ferrand.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Puy-de-Dome guide and the Auvergne guide.
Photos of Montpeyroux
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Hotels in Montpeyroux
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Map of Montpeyroux and places nearby
Visit near Montpeyroux with France This Way reviews
Issoire
Best known for its romanesque church, Issoire is a very pleasant and unspoiled town to explore
Issoire guide
Saint-Saturnin
With ancient narrow streets, an imposing church and its position on the side of a steep valley Saint-Saturnin is among our favourite Auvergne villages
Saint-Saturnin guide
Saint-Floret
The tiny village of Saint-Floret with its ruined castle and frescoes is now listed among the 'most beautiful in France'
Saint-Floret guide
Billom
It is the half-timbered houses and medieval gateways that provide the charm in the centre of Billom
Billom guide
Usson
One of the least developed of the 'most beautiful villages in France' (a good thing!) the quaint centre of Usson is overlooked by a large statue of the Virgin Mary
Usson guide
Sauxillanges
The principal monuments in Sauxillanges, the monastery and the castle, are not open to the public but the village is still pleasant for a look when you are in the region
Sauxillanges guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Puy-de-Dome
Tourist classifications for Montpeyroux
Montpeyroux is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Montpeyroux, Issoire, Auvergne, 63114, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.6236, longitude 3.205
Plan your visit to Montpeyroux, Puy-de-Dome
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Issoire: recommended detour (9 km)
- Jardins du château d'Hauterive: remarkable garden (9 km)
- Eglise de Saint Austremoine d'Issoire (Issoire): religious monument (10 km)
- Saint-Saturnin: most beautiful village (10 km)
- Eglise Notre Dame (Saint-Saturnin): religious monument (10 km)
- Jardins du château de la Batisse: remarkable garden (12 km)
- Jardins du château d'Opme: remarkable garden (14 km)
- Usson: most beautiful village (15 km)
- Villeneuve-Lembron Chateau: national monument (16 km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame (Saint-Nectaire): religious monument (18 km)
- Clermont-Ferrand: secteur sauvegarde (20 km)
- Clermont-Ferrand église Notre-Dame-du-Port (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (20 km)
The French version of this page is at Montpeyroux (Francais)