About twenty kilometers from Le Puy-en-Velay, the Corbœuf ravines create an unexpected landscape amidst the lush green hills of the Haute-Loire. Cliffs of red, ochre, white, and blue-green clay rise in fine layers, carved by water and time. This stunning mineral palette has earned the site its nickname, the "Auvergne Colorado."
The ravines were formed from sediments deposited nearly 40 million years ago, at a time when a vast lake covered part of the Puy and Emblavez basins. Over the course of geological and climatic upheavals, the waters disappeared, leaving behind thick layers of clay.
Erosion has gradually sculpted this fragile material into a succession of ridges, folds, and narrow valleys. The colors reveal the different compositions of the soil and vary according to the light, humidity, and seasons. After rain, the hues become deeper. Under the sun, they appear almost powdery.
Classified as a remarkable natural site, the Corbœuf ravines are as precious as they are vulnerable. It is forbidden to descend into the canyon, but several viewpoints allow you to observe the landscape without damaging the clay formations.
Your discovery can begin in the village of Rosières, by taking the path of the "Galoche." This former railway line, built at the end of the 19th century, once connected Lavoûte-sur-Loire to La Voulte-sur-Rhône. Until 1952, a steam train carried passengers and goods through the rugged terrain of the Velay region.
Transformed into a greenway, the path now winds through the woods and passes the old Rosières station before reaching the edge of the ravine. The arrival is gradual. The landscape opens up, the trees pull back, and the first colorful layers appear behind the vegetation.
A loop of about an hour and a half allows you to circle the site and discover its different perspectives. The trail is accessible, but good shoes are recommended, especially after rain when the ground becomes more slippery.
To explore the landscapes of Haute-Loire from the center of Le Puy-en-Velay, discover the rooms at Auberge Laplace and other walking ideas in our Journal.
