With their medieval alleyways, volcanic stone houses, and still-vibrant agricultural traditions, these villages tell the story of a land shaped by the mountains and by its people. For visitors staying in the Sancy Massif, they are essential stops for discovering the culture and identity of the Auvergne region.
Here are some of the most beautiful villages around the Sancy, easily accessible during a stay in the region.
Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise: the medieval town of Sancy
Among the most emblematic villages of the Sancy Massif, Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise occupies a special place. Located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, this medieval village has preserved much of its original architecture.
Upon entering the historic center, one discovers a maze of cobbled streets lined with houses built of dark volcanic stone, typical of the region. The facades are often decorated with exterior staircases, wooden balconies, or small windows framed in basalt.
Along the walk, several buildings bear witness to the city's rich past:
- the old merchants' houses
- Saint Andrew's Church
- the fortified gates that once protected the city
Besse is also a village that's lively all year round. It boasts numerous restaurants, artisan shops, and local producers. It's also the starting point for many excursions to Super-Besse, Lake Pavin, or the hiking trails of the Sancy mountains.
Murol: a village dominated by its castle
Located a few kilometers from Lake Chambon, Murol is a must-see village in the region. It is dominated by one of the most impressive medieval castles in Auvergne: the Château de Murol.
Perched on a volcanic promontory, this 12th-century castle overlooks the village and offers spectacular views of the Sancy landscape. A visit allows you to delve into the region's medieval history, with reenactments and activities regularly organized.
The village of Murol itself has a certain charm. Traditional houses made of volcanic stone spread around the church and the small streets of the center.
Murol is also an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area:
- Lake Chambon, located a few minutes away
- hiking around the Chaudefour valley
- the volcanic landscapes of the Sancy Massif
For families and heritage enthusiasts, this is a particularly interesting stop.
Saint-Nectaire: between Romanesque heritage and gastronomy
The village of Saint-Nectaire is famous throughout France for its cheese, but it also has a remarkable heritage.
Located at the foot of the Sancy Massif, this village is dominated by one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Auvergne: the church of Saint-Nectaire. Built in the 12th century, it is one of the five major Romanesque churches in the region.
Its volcanic stone architecture, sculpted capitals and mosaics testify to the historical importance of the site.
Saint-Nectaire is also an ideal place to discover the region's agricultural expertise. Several farms and cellars offer tours and tastings of the famous PDO cheese.
Exploring the village can easily be combined with a local gastronomic experience, in one of the restaurants or producers in the surrounding area.
Chambon-sur-Lac: between lake and mountains
Located on the shores of Lake Chambon, the village of Chambon-sur-Lac offers a particularly pleasant setting, between water and mountains.
This village has a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a stopover during a stay in the Sancy region. The shores of the lake offer magnificent views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Lake Chambon is also a very popular spot for outdoor activities:
- swimming in summer
- paddle or pedal boat
- hiking around the lake
- starting point for many walks in the mountain range
Near the village is also the Chaudefour Valley, a spectacular nature reserve that is home to rare alpine flora and impressive volcanic formations.
Chambon-sur-Lac is therefore an ideal starting point for combining landscape discovery and nature activities.
Saint-Victor-la-Rivière: an authentic village in the heart of the territory
Less well known than other villages in the area, Saint-Victor-la-Rivière is nevertheless one of the most authentic in the territory.
Located between Lake Chambon and Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, this small village has retained a rural character typical of the Auvergne region. The houses made of volcanic stone, the meadows and the open landscapes offer a particularly peaceful setting.
The village is also located near several remarkable natural sites:
- the Puy de Bessoles, which offers a panoramic view of the Sancy
- Lake Chambon
- hiking in the Sancy Massif
It's an interesting starting point for exploring the region while enjoying a quieter environment than the tourist resorts.
A rich territory to explore
What makes the Massif du Sancy so rich is the proximity between these different villages and the diversity of the landscapes that surround them.
In just a few kilometers, it is possible to pass through:
- from a medieval village to a volcanic lake
- from a wild valley to a historic city
- from a mountain panorama to a traditional farm
This diversity allows for a variety of discoveries throughout a stay.
Where to stay to explore the villages of Sancy?
To easily explore the villages of the Massif du Sancy, it is best to choose accommodation located in the heart of the territory.
Located near Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, Lake Chambon and numerous hiking trails, Le Parador Vert is an ideal starting point for discovering the villages and landscapes of the Sancy.
From the estate, it is possible to quickly reach several major sites in the region, while enjoying a calm and preserved natural environment.
An immersion in authentic Auvergne
Discovering the villages around the Massif du Sancy means immersing yourself in an authentic Auvergne where heritage, nature and traditions meet.
Between medieval villages, volcanic landscapes, and local cuisine, each stop reveals a new facet of the region. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a history buff, or simply appreciate beautiful scenery, these villages are essential stops during a stay in the Sancy.
