OLMET, THIERS, NOIRETABLE AND SURROUNDING AREA

VISCOMTAT

Located at over 600 meters above sea level, Viscomtat enjoys an exceptional natural setting at the heart of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park. The Saint-Taurin Church, formerly the chapel of a now-vanished castle, is renowned for its excellent acoustics, highly appreciated by musicians.

The commune is also committed to energy transition, with the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of the school and the post office, made possible through financial support from the Regional and Departmental Councils.

Climate

Viscomtat has a mountain climate, according to a study by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) based on climatological data from 1971 to 2000. In 2020, Météo-France confirmed this classification, identifying the area as having a mountain or foothill climate, located in the North-East climatic region of the Massif Central.

This region receives an annual rainfall between 800 and 1,200 mm, evenly distributed throughout the year, creating a lush natural environment favorable to local biodiversity.

Healthcare

• Doctor

• Dentist

• Nurses

• Pharmacy available 17 km away in Noiretable

• Emergency services in Thiers (19.1 km)

Shops & Services

• Post office: open every morning, Monday to Friday

• Tobacco bar

• Grocery store

• Intermarché supermarket in Noiretable (17 km)

Education

• Preschool

• Primary school

• Middle school in Noiretable (17 km)

• High school in Thiers (10 km)

Real Estate

The commune of Viscomtat, located in the Puy-de-Dôme department, has a high proportion of homeowners among its residents.

• Homeowners: Around 82.4% of residents live in homes they own.

• Tenants: About 13.7% of residents rent their homes.

• The remaining residents live in free or other types of housing.

This high ownership rate reflects the residential stability of the commune and its appeal for those seeking a long-term home in a rural and natural setting.

Cultural Events

🎯 24-Hour Archery Challenge
Held annually since 2000 on the third weekend of July, this sporting event gathers enthusiasts and spectators for competitions and demonstrations in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

🐝 Insect Festival
Organized by the Cité de l’Abeille (Bee City) since 2011, this festival takes place every August, celebrating nature, music, arts, and local crafts, immersing visitors in the fascinating world of insects.

🎭 Theatre with La Fraternelle
The La Fraternelle association offers theatrical performances throughout the year. In February 2020, the group staged the comedy Boeing-Boeing by Marc Camoletti — a lively, humorous piece that was well received by audiences.

🖼️ Exhibitions at La Casa dard d’art
Near the Bee City, La Casa dard d’art is an artistic venue hosting exhibitions year-round. In 2024, several photography exhibits showcased the work of artists such as Nicolas Anglade and Djamel Farès.

📚 “Savoir & Partage” Library
Managed by the association of the same name, the municipal library is a place of cultural exchange and learning. It regularly organizes workshops, readings, and events for children and adults, enriching the cultural life of the village.

📩 Contact: mairie-de-viscomtat@orange.fr

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Discover Thiers: A Historic City in Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Located in the Puy-de-Dôme department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Thiers is a vibrant town with a population of 11,633, known as the Thiernois. Part of the Thiers Dore et Montagne community, Thiers is renowned for its rich historical and artisan heritage. The town's postal code is 63300.

Strategic Transport Links:

Thiers is situated at a key crossroads between Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, and Lyon, making it a dynamic hub on the border between the Limagne plains and the Forez mountains. Its location allows for easy access to major French cities: 135 km from Lyon, 107 km from Saint-Étienne, 42 km from Clermont-Ferrand, 421 km from Bordeaux, and 392 km from Paris.

Healthcare:

The Thiers Hospital Center, established in 1988, is a critical health facility in the region with 428 beds and over 600 staff members. It collaborates with the Ambert Hospital to provide comprehensive care across the Thiers-Ambert area. Key healthcare providers in the town include:

• Doctors: 9
• Dentists: 5
• Nurses: 14
• Pharmacies: 5
• Emergency services: 1

Shopping and Commerce:

Thiers boasts 30 stores and boutiques, a shopping gallery, and supermarkets offering all essential services for residents and visitors.

Education:

• Nursery schools: 1
• Kindergartens: 8
• Primary schools: 8
• Middle schools: 2
• High schools: 2

Cultural Events:

Thiers hosts a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year:

• Pamparina Festival: A vibrant music festival in early July featuring diverse performances in an open-air setting.
• Cultural Season "Terre de Culture": Starting in September, this season-long event offers artistic and cultural experiences for audiences of all ages.
• Rencontres Arioso Summer Festival: A collaboration with the Conservatoire Georges Guillot, showcasing concerts and emerging musical talent.
• Le Moulin Bleu: A renowned cabaret music hall, blending classic French cuisine with captivating shows.

Sports and Leisure:

The Iloa Leisure Center, part of a Natura 2000 zone, provides a natural haven for visitors with activities such as swimming, aqua gym, and aqua biking. Thiers also offers various sports facilities, including soccer and tennis teams, a sports complex, and an equestrian center.

Economy and Connectivity:

Thiers is a thriving economic hub with 1,505 businesses, and it's famously known as the French capital of cutlery. The town has excellent fiber optic coverage, with approximately 80% of households connected.

Real Estate in Thiers:

The real estate market in Thiers is composed of 56.8% houses and 43.2% apartments, with 43.7% of residents renting. 32.6% of properties have five or more rooms, making it a great destination for families. The median income in Thiers is €19,010.

Climate:

Thiers enjoys a temperate climate with an annual average temperature of 10°C. Winter temperatures drop to 4.9°C, while summers average around 15.2°C. The town experiences 145 rainy days per year, with 1232 mm of precipitation. Thiers receives around 1938 hours of sunshine annually.

Tourist Attractions:

In addition to its urban parks, Thiers boasts several castles with beautiful landscaped gardens. A must-visit is the Creux de l’Enfer, a contemporary art museum housed in an old factory, listed among the top 10 sites in the region.

Thiers is also surrounded by charming neighboring towns like Orléat, La Monnerie-le-Montel, Vollore-Ville, and Courpière, offering scenic views and enriching your experience of the region.

For more information, visit Auvergne Destination or the Thiers City website.

Discover Noirétable: A Scenic Commune in the Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Noirétable is a picturesque commune in the Loire department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, located 24 km east of Thiers and 43 km northwest of Montbrison. Its proximity to the A72 highway, connecting Clermont-Ferrand to Saint-Étienne, makes it easily accessible via Exit 4, just 5 km south of the town.

Strategic Location:

Noirétable is positioned along the D1089 departmental road, previously known as the N89, which historically connected Lyon to Bordeaux. This strategic location places Noirétable between two significant towns: Thiers to the west and Feurs, 44 km to the southeast.

Natural and Ecological Riches:

In 2010, a study by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) classified Noirétable’s climate as a mountain fringe climate. Météo-France updated the classification in 2020, placing Noirétable in a mountain climate zone, within the Northeast Massif Central region, characterized by 800 to 1,200 mm of evenly distributed annual rainfall.

Between 1971 and 2000, the area had an average temperature of 9.5°C, with an annual rainfall of 1,017 mm. More recent data from 1991 to 2020 recorded by the nearby Col de la Loge weather station shows a lower average annual temperature of 7.2°C and higher precipitation levels at 1,273.4 mm per year.

Healthcare Services:

• Doctors: 5
• Dentists: 4
• Nurses: 3
• Pharmacies: 2
• Emergency services: Available in nearby Thiers or Montbrison.

Shopping and Amenities:

• Supermarket: 1
• Bakery: 2
• Butcher: 1
• Veterinarian: 1
• Post Office: 1
• Bank: 2
• Hairdresser: 3
• Restaurants: 3 (including 1 Casino)

Education:

• Preschools: 2
• Primary schools: 2
• Middle school: 1
• High school: 1 (general, technological, and agricultural programs)

Real Estate:

Out of the 717 residential properties in Noirétable, 491 households are homeowners, representing a 68% ownership rate. This rate has slightly declined from 69% over the last five years.

Cultural Events and Traditions:

Noirétable hosts numerous traditional and popular festivals year-round, bringing together locals and visitors for community celebrations during all seasons.

Historic Pilgrimage Site: L'Ermitage

L'Ermitage, established near a miraculous fountain, has been a pilgrimage site since 1288, drawing worshippers from Auvergne, particularly from Thiers and the Dore Valley. The site has been managed by various religious orders over the centuries, including the Sulpicians, Benedictines, Franciscans, and the Missionaries of La Salette since 1889.

Surrounding Villages:

Noirétable is surrounded by several charming communes such as Chabreloche, Cervières, Les Salles, Viscomtat, Vétré-sur-Anzon, Vollore-Montagne, La Chamba, and Saint-Jean-la-Vêtre. These neighboring towns add to the beauty and appeal of the region, offering stunning landscapes and opportunities for exploration.