Saint-Nectaire travel guide

Visit Saint-Nectaire (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)

The town of Saint-Nectaire is located north-west of Issoire and south of Clermont-Ferrand in the Couze Chambon valley, which falls in the Puy-de-Dome department of the Auvergne (in the eastern part of the Parc des Volcans).

Explore Saint-Nectaire

In a situation occupied since prehistoric times (as evidenced by the substantial dolmen here) each epoque has left its mark on the town and there are several reasons why people visit Saint-Nectaire.

Saint-Nectaire hs a pleasant town centre, with a couple of bars and small shops, but it is the church that is the main attraction.

Roman architecture in Saint-Nectaire: the church and town

Standing on the hill (Mont Cornadore) above St-Nectaire-le-Haut, the beautiful 12th century church is a lovely example of roman architecture in the region. Perfectly proportioned outside and beautifully decorated within, this is one of the most interesting churches in the Auvergne.

The church features a facade with two towers and then an additional tower which is octagonal and more decorative (this was rebuilt in the 19th century based on the church at Saint-Saturnin, so may not represent the actual original appearance of the church).

The chevet at the rear of the church is also intricately decorated.

Inside the church you will find numerous artefacts of interest, including the so-called 'treasure of the church of Saint-Nectaire' and more than 100 intricately carved capital stones - very unusually, on some of these you can still see the original paintwork.

Saint-Nectaire spa town

The spa town and region along the river valley is called Saint-Nectaire-le-Bas. Although the town was established as a thermal spa as far back as roman times (you can visit the original spa at the Grottes de Cornadore in the upper town) it was developed as a health destination in the 19th century.

The spa town has a series of grand villas running alongside the river up the valley, as well as a casino.

The modern spa complex in Saint-Nectaire is called Thermadore and offers a wide range of options, with a heated pool, spas, jacuzzis and aqua gym, and various other therapies. If you are looking for a relaxing break see Thermadore for details of treatments and prices.

Saint-Nectaire cheese

The highly regarded Saint-Nectaire is a 'firm soft cheese' produced in the farms and hamlets around the village.

The cheese has ancient origins and is now protected as an AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protogée) product - broadly comparable with AOC wines, this means that cheese can only be called Saint-Nectaire if it made in this specified local region and using traditional techniques.

There is a small museum in the town that explains the history and production of the cheese.

Activities in the region

The town is well placed for outdoor activities, and there are numerous walks in the region, including the climb up the nearby Puy de Mazeyres for good views across the surrounding region. The small waterfall at Saillant on the edge of Saint-Nectaire is a picturesque place for a picnic.

The town is also a base for skiing in the Auvergne mountains during the winter.

Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Puy-de-Dome guide and the Auvergne guide.

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Map of Saint-Nectaire and places nearby

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