Saint-Nectaire is a commune in the Puy-de-Dôme department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, located 35 km south-west of Clermont-Ferrand.
Already occupied during the Neolithic period and then by the Celts, the site was evangelized in the 3rd century by the future Saint Nectaire and in the 12th century, the monks of La Chaise-Dieu established a priory and a splendid Romanesque church was erected there. But the locality renowned for its sources and waters will really take off in the nineteenth century with the development of hydrotherapy (already initiated in Roman times however), which de facto creates two "cities" in the small town: Saint-Nectaire on the Mount Cornadore), with the church and the old heart, and Saint-Nectaire downstairs, with the thermal baths and hotels of the nineteenth and leisure facilities (including a casino).
Also known for its AOC cheese, Saint-Nectaire has the label "Site remarkable du goût" and is classified "Station verte". Included in the perimeter of the Parc Naturel des Volcans d'Auvergne, gateway to the Sancy massif, the village which has about 730 inhabitants is a tourist stage of choice for lovers of historical heritage and sports and leisure activities in a natural environment preserved of medium mountain (the altitude of the territory varies from 600 to 1000 m).
A discovery of Saint-Nectaire must begin, in its upper part, by the homonymous church, considered a jewel of Romanesque art. Dating from the 12th century, it has undergone a complete restoration. Built in lava stone, with a dome, it overlooks the village. Presenting a typical plan with two towers in front, a nave, collateral and chapels at the level of the transept, the church is famous for its hundred capitals, mostly polychrome. It is home to a treasure, including a statue of the Virgin of Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Cornadore and relics. Free visit all year, possibility of guided tour in summer. Information on +33 4 73 88 50 86.
Another major pan of the local heritage is the abundance of springs and caves resulting from the geological richness of the region. Several sites have been developed and visited. This is the case with the Cornadore Grotto Museum, where the Romans from the first century AD had built thermal baths to enjoy water of different temperatures. The museum proposes to discover this amazing labyrinth. Admission: 5 and 6,50 euros. Information on +33 4 73 88 57 97.
Also worth seeing are the Petrifying Fountains, a collection of hot springs that gush out of the earth in bubbling and give birth to a singular craft. On the program, visit the cave, the filtering galleries, workshops to make art objects made from this astonishing raw material (very limestone water sedimented and becomes solid)... Entrance: 3 and 6 euros. For further information, please call +33 4 73 88 50 80.
For an overall guided tour of the sites linked to the history of hydrotherapy in the city, please call +33 4 73 88 50 86.
The locality is also rich in sites and testimonies of its first inhabitants: a walk can include the Dolmen Park built in the nineteenth century and home to the most famous of the Auvergne megaliths, the Park Dolmen or Palet de Samson. Free entry.
The other local specialty is its famous cheese (with a registered designation of origin) made with the milk of the Salers cows... In addition to the numerous winemaking cellars of producers who welcome visitors, the Maison du Cheese offers explanations on the origin and the elaboration of the cheese, a visit of cellar and a tasting. Admission: 4,50 and 5,50 euros. For further information, please call +33 4 73 88 57 96.
The Saint-Nectaire park and the educational farm allow to approach many animals. Fun activities and workshops for children and adults alike. Entry: 6,60 and 8,30 euros. Information and reservations at +33 4 73 88 66 81.
In the town and its surroundings, many hiking and mountain biking are possible. Some circuits include the area of the salt marsh and its singular ecosystem or the Puy de Mazeyres from which a splendid panoramic view awaits the hikers. Be well informed beforehand about the possible difficulties related to relief. Documentation and information at +33 4 73 88 50 86.
On the other hand, lovers of fishing in public rivers can find out about the sites and the regulations on +33 4 73 92 56 29. You can also contact the private domain of the Couze Chambon and its river of 1st category. Information on +33 4 73 88 50 86.
For the sportsmen still, Saint-Nectaire belongs to the Sancy Espace Sancy which proposes no less than 430 km of marked itineraries for family excursions or on a sustained rhythm. Possible practice from May to October. Please contact us on +33 (0) 4 73 88 50 86.
Although the thermal baths of the past have disappeared, including the nineteenth-century establishments, first-class bie-être spaces have been built within the Thermadore area, which also includes swimming pools and recreational facilities. Admission: 8,50 and 11 euros. Information on +33 4 73 78 83 47.
You can finally choose the adventure park's trails (tyrolean, tree climbing, steep paths...). Admission: 10 and 22 euros. For further information, please call +33 (0) 4 73 88 88 88.
In February, several concerts of the Sancy Jazz Festival are scheduled in Saint-Nectaire.
In March, a colorful carnival animates the locality.
In May, on the occasion of the Pentecost weekend, a medieval festival program costumed parades, fun animations, balls... and cheese tasting.
In July and August, classical music concerts in the Romanesque church.
During the first fortnight of August, the Saint-Nectaire Vallée Verte festival offers lyrical and jazz concerts in Saint-Nectaire and in the neighboring communes.
On the occasion of the celebration of 15 August, European gathering of old tools and fireworks in the evening.
In the summer, finally, a market takes place on Sunday morning, near the church, where the rich Auvergne terroir is honored.
