The traditional unspoiled Auvergne town of Riom-es-Montagnes is situated towards the north of the Cantal department (Auvergne region), in the Natural Regional Park of the Volcanoes between the Monts du Cantal and the Monts Dore.
Note: there also a town called Riom in the Puy-de-Dome department of the Auvergne - it is not the same town!
Explore Riom-es-Montagnes
A little off the tourist circuit it is pleasant to stroll around the streets of Riom-es-Montagnes which is officially classified as a 'plus beaux detour' town in France.
The focus of your visit will be to visit the Church of Saint-Georges in the centre of the town and a good example of the churches of the region.
While most of the interior of the church is the original 11th century roman style, the outside is rather newer - the belltower was added in the 15th century and most of the outside was substantially renovated and modified in the 19th century. The small chevet is part of the original structure.
Inside the stone church is more interesting, with attractive stonework and arches as well as medieval 'capitals' (the carved stones at the top of the supporting columns).
Riom-es-Montagnes is the capital for Bleu d'Auvergne cheese, one of the most famous cheeses in France, so be sure to sample some while you are here!
After strolling around the rest of the town there are a couple of popular short trails that start from Riom-es-Montagnes and give a gentle introduction to the local countryside: both pass through woodlands and around the edges of small local lakes, the Etang de Majonenc and the Etang de Roussillou.
To visit nearby
The region around Riome-es-Montagnes is called the Pays Gentiane and is the countryside here that is the main attraction for visitors.
Attractions close to the town include the scenic train route that runs from Lugarde to Bort-les-Orgues, giving a different perspective on the attractive scenery around Riom-es-Montagnes; and a visit to the medieval Château d'Auzers.
There are many lakes, waterfalls and other natural attractions to discover nearby as well as the Puy Mary, the largest volcano in Europe, so bring your hiking shoes - this is a place to enjoy nature! See also the Natural Regional Park of the Volcanoes guide for various activities in the region.
Photo of church in Riom-es-Montagnes is copyright
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Cantal guide and the Auvergne guide.
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Hotels in Riom-es-Montagnes
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Map of Riom-es-Montagnes and places nearby
Visit near Riom-es-Montagnes with France This Way reviews
Parc des Volcans
The Natural Regional Park of the Volcanoes is a beautiful region of forested volcanic domes
Parc des Volcans guide
Salers
Salers, listed as a 'most beautiful village in France' is very lovely - and also very popular (crowded!) with visitors
Salers guide
Chateau de Val
The Chateau de Val is an impressive medieval castle on the edge of a lake in Cantal
Chateau de Val guide
Fontanges
Fontanges is a small village in the Monts du Cantal region at the foot of the largest volcano in Europe
Fontanges guide
Mauriac
The religious monuments such as the basilica and the monastery are the highlights in the small town of Mauriac
Mauriac guide
Saint-Chamant
Saint-Chamant is a small Auvergne village with a castle in the Monts du Cantal region
Saint-Chamant guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Cantal
Tourist classifications for Riom-es-Montagnes
Riom-es-Montagnes is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Riom-ès-Montagnes, Mauriac, Auvergne, 15400, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.2831, longitude 2.6606
Plan your visit to Riom-es-Montagnes, Cantal
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Volcans d'Auvergne: regional natural parc (16 km)
- Verger de Déduit: remarkable garden (19 km)
- Puy Mary: grand site of france (19 km)
- Salers: most beautiful village (21 km)
- Cascade de Liadouze: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Puy Griou: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Salins: town of art and history (23 km)
- Signal du Luguet: site of natural beauty (26 km)
- Plomb du Cantal: site of natural beauty (26 km)
- Tournemire: most beautiful village (29 km)
- Lac Pavin: site of natural beauty (30 km)
- Puy de Sancy: site of natural beauty (30 km)
The French version of this page is at Riom-es-Montagnes (Francais)