Arlanc is a village in the Puy-de-Dôme in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 55 km east of Issoire and 13 km north of La Chaise-Dieu in the Haute-Loire.
The municipality is part of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, in average mountain (the altitude of its territory oscillating between 550 and 950 m).
Bordered by the mounts of Forez and Livradois, the city developed between the Dore and the Dolore, surrounded by woods and agricultural plains.
The seat of a small seigneury with a castle that fell into ruins before the Revolution, Arlanc was a stronghold of lace making in the eighteenth century, and in the 19th century industrial units (textiles, sawmills) Population (more than 4 300 inhabitants in 1850 against about 2 000 today).
Agricultural activity was also fairly diversified.
Arlanc remains a small town of character with interesting heritage and natural environment of quality. Equipped with cultural and leisure facilities, it has plenty of attractions for lovers of green tourism.
Besides the Church of St. Peter, dating from the twelfth century and enlarged in the fifteenth (creative side chapels) and fine example of Romanesque style, a discovery of the historical heritage of the city obviously goes through the castle of Mons.
Italian style, this residential palace was built in the seventeenth century on the ruins of the medieval fort.
In addition to the architecture of the building itself, the visits include original permanent exhibitions: one of them is so dedicated to the art of prints from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century, another has 140 views optics. Animations and thematic workshops are planned also in season. Open from April to September. Price: 3.50 and 6 euros. Inquire +33 4 73 95 78 55 or +33 6 26 31 89 30.
Devoted to another piece of local history, the Museum of Lace in hand, in the vaulted cellars of the town hall, and evokes technical tools used since the sixteenth century and many exceptional pieces. Each week, lace gather to share and pass on this knowledge to visitors in addition to occasional entertainment for family audiences. Open May to September (and the rest of the year on reservation for groups). Entrance: 1.50 and 3.50 euros. Information and reservation at +33 4 73 95 00 03.
Another area of interest must, Garden To Earth: development of 6 hectares of a huge world map which is thus presented a collection of more than 2000 varieties of plants within their continent of origin. Change of scenery in a bucolic... The tour includes fun activities for children and nightly entertainment in summer (sound and light). Open mid-May to late September. Price: from 3.50 to 6.50 euros depending on period and age. Inquire +33 4 73 95 00 71.
In a different kind, the discovery of the city and Livradois of landscapes can be done in an original way through the tourist train that takes the old railway tracks lined overpasses and tunnels in this area that does not lack relief! Schedules and information +33 4 73 82 43 88.
Another way of understanding the rich natural environment for lovers of hiking or cycling, many routes and marked trails have been built of varying difficulty. Brochures and information +33 4 73 95 03 55.
Finally, big and small always find material to combine relaxation, water fun and playful and friendly atmosphere at the leisure of loumas, open from late June to late August. A swimming pool aqua recreation (swimming pool, swimming against the current, slide) rubs shoulders with leisure amenities such as a mini golf course.
Admission: 1.50 to 3.50 euros. Contact +33 4 73 95 09 45.
The last Saturday in April, the plant market.
From the end of May to mid-August, the Mystères et Bulles de Mômes festival offers shows and animations (puppets, dance, theater...) designed especially for young audiences.
The second Sunday of June, exhibition of old vehicles (with animations and exchange of spare parts).
The second weekend of July, fairground attractions, torchlight procession, marching bands and fireworks on the program of the patronal festival.
The first Sunday of October, autumn fair.
Finally, to appreciate the local terroir, go to the weekly market, every Monday morning.
