Although Saint-Nectaire is best known for its delicious cheeses, few people know that it's also a pretty spa town. In the heart of the Puy de Dôme and less than an hour from Clermont-Ferrand, the village is renowned for its spa, its grand church and its natural surroundings, where there are many places worth a visit. So, what's there to see and do in Saint-Nectaire? Discover the village's must-sees.
1- Visit the church of Saint-Nectaire
Thechurch of Saint-Nectaire is one of the most important in the Puy de Dôme, and one of the 5 major Romanesque churches in the region. Located in the upper town, the church seems to pierce the sky. Built in the 12th century, it houses 103 capitals, including those in the choir, forming a remarkable sculptural ensemble. The bell tower, tower and west facade were renovated at the end of the 19th century.
Related article : Saint-Nectaire is a must-see in the Puy de Dôme region.
2- Discover the Petrifying Fountains
One of the must-sees in Saint-Nectaire is the Fontaines Pétrifiantes. This underground world of water and stone will take you 200 years back in time, in the footsteps of a very specific craft. On this tour, you'll discover how the region's bicarbonate-rich waters were used for artisanal purposes, in a modeling workshop or among the archives.
3- Eat cheese, of course
The name Saint-Nectaire is best known for its cheese. A PDO label since 1995, Saint-Nectaire is a rustic cheese from Auvergne, known for its soft, supple texture. Located in the heart of the Auvergne volcano range, its appellation zone is one of the smallest in France. Aged for at least 28 days, this cheese has a round, tender taste. Take advantage of your stay in Saint-Nectaire to taste it directly from the producers.
Read this article to discover the wide variety of Auvergne cheeses.
4- What to do in Saint-Nectaire Visit the Maison du Fromage
And to find out all about the cheese for which the village is famous, don't hesitate to visit the Maison du Fromage. During a35-minute guided tour, you'll discover the history and secrets of Saint-Nectaire cheese-making. Your visit will begin with a film, before moving on to a maturing cellar, where a passionate guide will give you tips on how to enjoy and preserve your cheese. You'll also be able to buy cheese directly on site.
Read the article : it's time to follow the Auvergne PDO Cheese Route!
5- The mysteries of Farges
If you're visiting the Auvergne to discover its cheeses, don't hesitate to treat yourself to a guided tour of Les Mystères de Farges. For an hour, a guide will take you through the secrets of Saint-Nectaire cheese-making, as well as the history of the mysterious troglodyte dwellings in which it takes place. Carved out over 1,000 years ago, these medieval dwellings were also, and still are today, ripening caves.
6- Take a walk in the Parc du Dolmen
For a pleasant, shady stroll, don't hesitate to visit the Parc du Dolmen. Laid out in 1895, this park is home toAuvergne's best-known megalith, the "Dolmen du Parc ou Palet de Samson". It was the first in the Puy-de-Dôme region to be classified as a historic monument. The park has been laid out so that you can picnic on a table or at the foot of the trees, and you'll also find children's play equipment.
7- Visit the old spa town of Saint-Nectaire
Before it was famous for its cheese, Saint-Nectaire was renowned for its waters. Excavations and remains attest to Saint-Nectaire's thermal heritage dating back to Antiquity. To follow the history of the village's thermal baths, visit Saint-Nectaire-le-Bas. You can discover theHôtel des Bains Romains before visiting the former Grands thermes building, now the Tourist Office, with its pretty rotunda.
8- Les Grottes du Cornadore
To continue your discovery of Saint-Nectaire's spa heritage, head to the Grottes du Cornadore. Here, you'll explore the bathing ritual of Roman times, moving from tepid to hot baths before moving on to cold baths. These naturally warm, mineralized waters, rich in carbon dioxide, were highly prized in Antiquity. Claustrophobic visitors beware, as the tour takes you through narrow corridors, some of which are of natural origin.
9- Hiking in Puy de Dôme
Hiking in the Puy-de-Dôme is obviously one of the must-do activities in the Auvergne, as well as in Saint-Nectaire. The region and its chain of volcanoes are the ideal destination for an immersion in nature and green tourism. The Chaîne des Puys and the Faille de la Limagne are the first natural sites in mainland France to be classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. On our partner's website, you'll find the best hiking trails and itineraries in the Puy-de-Dôme region.
The article to read: discover the most beautiful hikes in Auvergne.
10- Bathing or spa treatments
After a visit to the ancient thermal baths, you too can enjoy the benefits of the local waters. Thermadore is an aqualudic center where you'll find a large pool heated to 32°C, where you can take aquagym or aquatic awareness classes for babies. It's also a fitness and treatment center. Massages tailored to individual needs are available on site.
11- Visit the Parc Pédagogique
Just outside Saint-Nectaire, on the road leading to Murol, the Parc Pédagogique offers a wide range of animals. Alongside the traditional inhabitants of the farm, you can observe marmots, prairie dogs, myocastors, wallabies, alpacas and reindeer. You can approach some of the animals without fear and interact with them. Everything is designed to welcome families, and the tour can be either self-guided or guided.
The article to read: How to prepare your vacation in Auvergne: our advice.
Where to stay in Saint-Nectaire?
You'll find plenty of accommodation in Saint-Nectaire. To help you make your choice, here is a selection of the best-rated establishments :
- Hôtel Mercure Spa & Bien-être. This three-star hotel welcomes you to the center of Saint-Nectaire, with comfortable rooms, two swimming pools and a spa/wellness center. Information and reservations here.
- Logis Hôtel de la Paix. Located in the heart of Saint-Nectaire, this two-star hotel offers well-equipped rooms on a half-board basis. The restaurant specializes in traditional Auvergne dishes. Book your stay now.
- Hotel-restaurant Regina. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room and pool tables. For further information and reservations, click here.
What to do in Saint-Nectaire when it rains?
If it rains during your stay in Saint-Nectaire, don't hesitate to take refuge indoors! Sightseers can opt for a guided tour of the cheese-ageing cellars or a visit to the Maison du Fromage. Travelers in need of relaxation can turn to the Thermadore fitness center.
Tempted by our selection? Don't hesitate to book your train tickets now to take advantage of the best fares.
