The Mirabel Hill Orchid Trail

Depart from the town of Riom, latitude 45.8723400 (N 45° 52’ 20”), longitude 3.1122200 (E 3° 6’ 44”)

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• Climb the tarmac street, 270 m, turn right at the Orchis Road. After the first houses, on the left, 1st grassy areas sloping. This is a dry lawn. Some Orphrys are present here

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• Continue on the same trail. At the first intersection: Iris from Germany (Iris germanica) on the left. On your right, along the way, many shrubs: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Cytise faux cabinet (Laburnum anagyroides), Prunellier (Prunus spinosa), Eglantier (rosa canina), Blood dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) or vines like Clematis (Clematis vitalba)

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• Turn left to re-open the bridge. The crossed plot is an ancient crop that was part of the agricultural estate Duke haste of Mirabel. This 17th and 18th century castle is part of the inventory of historical monuments and is now located within the grounds of MSD Chibret. Turn right at the bridge, walk along the road.

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• Continue on the same trail. After the second intersection, Rosier de France or Provins (Rosa gallica) on the left. We enter a forest atmosphere characteristic of the hill, dominated by the pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens). Presence of the forest orchid Neottie bird's nest.

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• Arrival in a clearing. It is possible to descend into the terrace area (owned by the Conservatory). Ophrys bumblebee, woodcock, Aceras lost man, pyramidal orchis, purple orchis and goats present. White cephaningther on the edge. Above the path on slope Ophrys mimped. Fourteen species of orchids are present in this area from April to June. Cormier (Sorbus domestica) and Struque Honeysuckle (Lonicera etrusca) in a hedge from a terrace. Area maintained since 2001, except for a small control strip.

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• Continue the trail, note in the climb Populus tremula, witness of a small wetland and then Fetid Hellebbore (Helleborus foetidus) on the right.

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• See entangled path and very present walls that are exclusively in basanite. Further on, after a construction descent on the left stone corresponding to a water collection channel.

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• Turn right on paved road. Note a runoff corresponding to one of the three fault zones of the hill, location of the ancient Roman road. Get off by road for 400m. On the right, marno-limestone outcrop.

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• Turn right, take a grassy path, on the left presence of fruit trees.

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• Pass a cross, on the left, to see the High Water (Sambucus ebulus). In the forextière part, presence of Robiniers fake acacias (Robinia pseudoacacia). pursue. On the right slope, Ophrys bee in June and Aster amelle (Aster amellus) flowered in September.

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• At the intersection, a pigeon loft on the left. Many orchids also on the embankment on the right. Pursue straight on 240 M.