A weekend in Thiers: between blades and pleasures 😊🔪

Strolling in Thiers is like diving into a medieval setting steeped in stories where the art of the blade reigns supreme. Between half-timbered houses, world festivals of cutlery, and workshops led by passionate artisans, the city offers a subtle blend of living traditions, warm encounters, and gourmet stops. For a weekend, you can enjoy a friendly and refreshing break in the heart of Auvergne, between heritage walks and cozy pauses, where expertise is handed down from master to master.

Welcome to the city where the blade transforms into a work of art and where every alley takes visitors on an adventure through time! Whether you are a history buff, a gastronomy enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, Thiers provides the perfect backdrop for an enchanting weekend. Follow the thread of medieval heritage, share the warmth of local artisans, and taste the pleasures of the table in a city where the cutlery tradition shines brightly. Get ready to wander amidst unique exhibitions, interactive workshops, pastoral walks, and gourmet stops… A stay in Thiers promises a true sensory journey around the blade and the warm hospitality of Auvergne!

The Beating Heart of Cutlery: Journey to the Coutellia Festival #

It is impossible to talk about Thiers without mentioning the grand celebration that lights up the city every year: the international Coutellia festival. A true pilgrimage for enthusiasts, this event brings together over 230 cutlers from across the globe. On the agenda: presentations of ancient blades, demonstrations of craftsmanship, unique exhibitions, and meetings with master steelworkers. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious passerby, this is the perfect opportunity to discover the secrets of an art passed down through generations… The rewards include inspiration, wonder, and perhaps the desire to leave with a unique piece!

Medieval Immersion and Unusual Discoveries #

Thiers is not just a reputation forged in metal: it is also a medieval town with unparalleled charm. As visitors climb the steep paths of the Durolle Valley, they discover half-timbered houses and turreted buildings worthy of a postcard, reminiscent of Tuscan Auvergne. Every turn seems to whisper a tale of a vanished workshop or a hidden fairy near a waterfall. It is no coincidence that the walk leads you to the Contemporary Art Center of the Creux de l’enfer: a former 15th-century factory, repurposed as an artistic venue with sometimes surreal exhibitions, nestled in a raw, fascinating building where modernity embraces industrial memory.

Museums and Workshops: Tradition Within Reach #

Heritage lovers will delight in the Cutlery Museum. Behind a modest facade lies an astonishing collection of 700 knives, ranging from the 16th century to contemporary creations. Follow the evolution of table art, admire pieces made of gold or mother-of-pearl, and be surprised by a knife that is nearly two meters long! And above all, don’t miss the opportunity to chat with the artisans, always eager to share stories as finely crafted as their blades.

To truly immerse in tradition, nothing beats a workshop at Robert David’s. You will learn the secrets of the famous “le Thiers”: handle adjustments, spring riveting, and personalized engraving. Going home with your own knife is more than a souvenir; it’s a… cutting-edge experience!

Walks, Legends, and Landscapes: Thiers in Nature #

Want to breathe in the countryside? The valley of Rouets offers two pastoral paths that wind along the Durolle, following the tracks of ancient sharpeners. These artisans lying on their benches honed the blade in a remarkably athletic position! On your way, take a break at the last operational wheel at Chez Lyonnet, where the machines regain their voice before your amazed eyes. Between waterfalls, legends, and heritage, the walk is unforgettable.

For those who enjoy the rural charm, head to the Livradois-Forez nature park! Climb aboard Marianne and Laurent’s carriage and let the rhythm of the Comtois horses rock you through fields and forests. Between serenity, animal discovery, and a stop at the farm, the Auvergne countryside reveals all its charms far from modern hustle and bustle. For other escape options, you can explore new horizons in search of tranquility, such as the Meuse, described here: the Meuse, a refuge away from over-tourism.

The Château d’Aulteribe: A Gem of Auvergne Architecture #

Just a few kilometers from Thiers, the Château d’Aulteribe has withstood the test of time since the 13th century. Behind its walls lies a sumptuous interior awaiting the curious: furniture marked by the greatest Parisian workshops and works worthy of the Louvre, such as a portrait of Richelieu by Philippe de Champaigne. Each room tells a chapter of French history, allowing for an intimate dive into the elegance of yesteryears.

Where to Sleep: The Promise of Cozy Nights #

Looking for well-deserved rest after a day rich in discoveries? Head to Le Clos St-Éloi, a magnificent 4-star hotel nestled in a century-old park, where the comfort of the rooms rivals the finesse of the dining experience. Between seafood, Auvergne chicken, and Cantal cheese, an eclectic menu delights hungry palates. Another option is L’Aigle d’or, a former post inn with illustrious stories, that has seen Napoleon… and George Sand pass through. Here, every night is filled with anecdotes and panoramas of the Auvergne landscape. In search of more options, take a look at accommodation solutions tailored to your fresh air desires.

Table Pleasures: Auvergne on the Plate #

Because in Thiers, tradition is also savored with a fork, treat yourself to a gourmet stop at Croustou. Auvergne specialties and luxury knives are on display alongside truffade and stuffed cabbage, all under the watchful eyes of passionate owners. For a more intimate atmosphere, push open the door of Chaudron, an ancestral vaulted cellar from the 17th century, where cabbage sausage flirts with local cheeses. A festival of flavors and generosity. For those curious about unique tastes, an inspiration from elsewhere awaits here: a culinary journey in Paris.

Authentic Experiences and Local Encounters #

This weekend in Thiers is much more than a stay: it is a refreshing dive into the life of a city where solidarity, creativity, and hospitality reign supreme. Tireless artisans have revitalized their town, inviting everyone to discover a living heritage where passion carves out a prominent place. At the crossroads of discovery, conviviality, and rest, Thiers awaits you, blade at the ready, to celebrate the history and art of living in Auvergne.