The Route des Métiers du Livradois-Forez is a unique journey to the heart of the craftsmanship and heritage of this sumptuous territory of Auvergne. Created in 1987, this route’s mission is to highlight the traditional trades and cultural heritage of Livradois-Forez. It offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich artisanal and cultural heritage in an unusual way by following your own pace.
The route has 35 dedicated members, each making their own unique contribution to the overall experience. Visitors can expect to visit artisans, discover sometimes unusual museums, explore ancient castles and meet local producers. Each stage of this route is an opportunity to discover and appreciate local know-how, from traditional craftsmanship to modern production methods.
The trade route: Local producers and benevolent nature
Visit the Les Sens en Herbe farm or the Terres d’Alchemin Distillery to explore the world of organic essential oils and organic hydrosols. Take part in a 1 hour guided tour, which will take you through the fields of medicinal plants, the distillery, and to meet the animals. Learn the secrets of distillation and product usage. As for Florent, from the Source Distillerie in Chalmazel, he invites you to discover his range of artisanal alcohols, flavored mustards and honey, all from wild mountain plants.
Why not take the opportunity to stop off at the beekeepers of Livradois-Forez? Lilo Nectar located at an altitude of 900m offers visits to the honey house and honey tastings. The City of Bees, in addition to visits, has also set up workshops around beeswax. Note that from July 2024, La Casa dard d’art will open its doors. You can discover temporary exhibitions by local artists there.
The trade route: artisans and traditional know-how
There is something fascinating about traditional know-how. We become aware of this every time we open the door to a craftsman’s workshop. This is what we suggest you do with this course. Come knock on the door of Robert David cutlery or Atelier le bonne temper. You will be able to discover the artisanal manufacturing techniques of a beautiful knife made in Auvergne. Why not let yourself be tempted by a presentation of a profession that has become extremely rare today: the singer? You cannot leave Livradois-Forez without leaving with beautiful pencils made sustainably by Ile aux Crayons from local species such as birch, willow, hazel or fir.