Salers

Visit Salers, Auvergne

Salers, listed among the most beautiful villages of France, is 42km north of Aurillac in the Massif Central (Auvergne region). It is at the western edge of the Cantal volcanic region.

Salers dates its origins from almost 1000 years ago, but it was during the boom years of the 15th century that much of the current town was constructed. Salers describes itself as 'a black diamond on a green carpet', a quite appropriate description, because of the dark grey volcanic stone used for many of the buildings in the town.

Explore Salers

Salers has a surprising amount of places of interest for such a small village, which is due to its role as a local administrative centre in the 16th century. Start your visit in the central square in the village center.

Perhaps even more than some of the other 'most beautiful villages in France', Salers really can cast you back in time as you wander around, with the central square especially being unspoiled by the ravages of time.

Around the central square in Salers there are magnificent and ornate renaissance style houses from the 16th century, the time when the town was at its peak, with luxurious architectural detail in the carved lintel doorways and mullioned windows, and the traditional slate rooves, with their attractive little chimneys.

The most important buildings here that dominate Grand Place are the Town Hall and the Maison Baillage, both built in the local dark lava stone and featuring decorative towers. See also the Maison de la Ronade, and the Maison des Templiers which is now a small museum of local arts and traditions.

Near the Grand Place is a 16th century church, entered by an earlier roman style porch. Inside the church there are several renowned 17th century Aubusson rugs and a 15th century mise au tombeau sculpture.

The town was originally surrounded by 15th century ramparts, with two of the original gateways (the Porte du beffroi and the Porte de la Martille) through the defences still visible.

You should be aware that parking is below Salers village itself, and there is a small climb to reach the village - nothing too serious though.

Note: there is also a race of cows called after 'Salers', which you are likely to see in the region, and a version of Cantal cheese (well known across France) called Salers - one of five AOC cheeses in the Auvergne region. These were originally bred by Tyssandier d'Escous, whose statue you can see in Salers.

Attractions nearby

It is undoubtedly Salers position in the mountains that helps attract so many visitors - 400,000 each year - and provides many of the activities in the region. The region around the village is very beautiful, and ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities.

In particular you should also visit the village of Tournemire, another 'most beautiful village of France' and just a few kilometres from Salers.

Tourist classifications for Salers: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Salers, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Parc des Volcans 36km; Marcoles 41km; Argentat 44km; Saint-Angel 46km; Saint-Flour 48km; Meymac 51km; Mourjou 51km; Maurs 53km; La Bourboule 54km; Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne 55km; Mont-Dore 55km; Entraygues 55km; Vieillevie 55km; Correze 55km; Blesle 57km; Saint-Cere 57km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Salers

Salers tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Verger de Déduit - remarkable garden (9km) : Salins - town of art and history (10km) : Puy Mary - grand site of france (15km) : Puy Griou - site of natural beauty (18km) : Plomb du Cantal - site of natural beauty (23km) : Parc-arboretum de Neuvic d'Ussel - remarkable garden (32km) : Jardin de la Ganille - remarkable garden (48km) : Lac Pavin - site of natural beauty (50km) :

French version: see Salers (Francais)