Villages and castles of medieval Auvergne
A multitude of exceptional sites are to be visited while staying close to the campsite! Discover architectural treasures and immerse yourself in the history of our region.
Here are a few ideas for visits among many others...
Saint-Saturnin (14 min from the campsite)
Located between the gorges of the Monne and the Veyre valley, Saint-Saturnin brings together in one place, one of the 5 major churches of Auvergne Romanesque art and an imposing Royal Castle which hosted Catherine de Medici...
Château de Murol (15 min from the campsite)
The castle dominates the village of Murol from its basalt promontory since the 12th century. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1889, today it can be visited by young and old for simple, guided or animated tours
during which the castle will come alive as it was in the time of knights and ladies. Children will be immersed in the medieval universe, and we will love the show featuring jousting knights!
Also discover the Châteaux Route of Puy-de-Dôme. Dozens of castles are scattered throughout the region!
La Sauvetat and Vic-le-Comte: character towns!
Stroll through the streets of La Sauvetat, 20 minutes from the campsite. This fortified district is a legacy of the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem who established a commandery there.
Continue to Vic-le-Comte (30 minutes from the campsite) and its historic centre between old medieval dwellings and winegrowers' houses. Don't miss the Sainte Chapelle, one of the ten built in France!
Château de la Batisse (17 min from the campsite)
The watchtower, the guards' room... Discover the animated and guided tours: Stories and demonstrations help you uncover the secrets of the Middle Ages. Children and adults alike will be delighted by the magic of this wonderful journey through time.
Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (30 min from the campsite)
Located in the Sancy massif, the town is a medieval and Renaissance town, with its cobblestone streets, its shops and its houses made of lava stone. Besse is a testament to a rich architectural and historical past (ski museum, the house of Queen Margot...).
Attend the Fête de l'estive, every first Sunday in August !
Montpeyroux (25 min from the campsite)
Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, this former wine-growing village perched on its mound wraps its arkose houses around its keep. Let yourself be seduced by the maze of narrow streets and its ancient vaulted passages.
Also discover the monumental sculptures by Yves Guérin!
Usson (35 minutes from the campsite)
Also classified among the most Beautiful Villages of France, Usson offers a magnificent panorama of the Monts Dore and the Chaîne des Puys. Rare remains of a powerful fortress at the top of the village, a place of exile for Queen Margot!
Take the path to discover the basaltic organs of the village!
Also go in search of other Most Beautiful Villages of France, like Charroux, Blesle...
