Between Clermont-Ferrand and Le Puy en Velay, perched on the hillside of a volcano, above the Allier valley.

Mountains, river, nature, these all go towards making this unspoilt area in the south of the Auvergne a tiny corner of paradise, which you will enjoy discovering
Blassac
The castle of St Ilpize

The region is ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding. ( stables 5km away). The micro climate of the area means that the Allier valley is exceptionally sunny. The river offers possibilities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking ( canoes and kayaks are available for rental nearby on a half day or full day basis). Nature lovers, birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts should be able to see kites, buzzards, owls, herons and many others species, some protected, and all sorts of particularly beautiful butterflies.
If you like historic monuments there is an abundance of castles and old churches around. The nearest is Saint ilpize castle, seat of the Dukes of Auvergne during the 13th century, from where they controlled the Allier valley , main way of communication. Also of note is Blassac and its church with rich mural paintings, Lavoute Chilhac, with a clunisian abbey and its medieval bridge, Chilhac with its basaltic organ rocks, Ally and its windmills, Brioude, Lavaudieu, La Chaise Dieu, worldwide known for its sacred music festival; and many other places which will surely delight you.
Bridge of St Ilpize
Markets

Monday : a small market in Paulhaguet.

Tuesday and thursday : a larger one in Langeac.

Saturday : an important one in Brioude.

Sunday : a tiny one in Lavoûte-Chilhac.
Shops

A mobile shop comes to the village every thursday with bread, vegetables, meat, eggs, cheese.....

Bakeries in Villeneuve and Lavoûte-Chilhac.

Grocery where you may find quite everything, and a post office in Lavoûte-Chilhac (5 km)

One supermarket Ecomarché in Paulhaguet (7 km)

Two in Brioude : Casino and Champion ( 20 km)

Two in Langeac : Atac and Super U ( 12 km).
Doctors and Pharmacies
Doctors in Brioude, Lavoute Chilhac, Langeac and Paulhaguet
1 pharmacy in Lavoute Chilhac and 1 in Paulhaguet
Cafés and Restaurants

Café in Lavoûte-Chilhac with every wednesday an evening concert : mainly jazz.

Nice restaurants around :

Langeac : Le Trèfle à 4 feuilles
Brioude : Le Café de la Poste
La Chomette (5 km) : La crèche (in a old farm)
Vieille Brioude : Les Glycines
and also in Villeneuve, Lavoute, St Cirgues, Lavaudieu ....

In Haute loire one 3 stars cooker and some more very nice tables !!! Enjoy it.....