Saint-Bonnet-près-Orcival is a town of Puy-de-Dôme, in region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 20 km south-west of Clermont-Ferrand.
Its territory of 15 square kilometers falls within the low mountain, ranging from 743 to 1046 m above sea level on the northern slopes of the Monts Dore.
Composed of several villages and hamlets scattered along the course of the Sioule, near Orcival, place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, the town is famous for its land dedicated to cattle breeding.
Already occupied by humans in ancient times, shared among different lordships under the old regime, Saint-Bonnet-près-Orcival now highlights its natural environment that delights the lovers of green tourism.
Labeled "Green Station", integrated into the Regional Park of the Auvergne volcanoes, the town currently has about 500 inhabitants against more than a thousand in the Middle Ages but in season, it proves very popular for those wishing to get away breathe clean air and admiring the Puys d'Auvergne!
The town has several elements and heritage sites of interest: the most amazing is undoubtedly the "ordeal" that made arrange in 1925 a parish priest in 1925, Father Lévigne. This is a set of three cross (Christ and the two thieves) located on basaltic rocks, a Pietà bronze and a small oratory.
At 909 meters, beyond the religious aspect, there has a 360 degree view including the main village, the Sioule Valley, volcanos and the Sancy!
See then, the church was rebuilt between 1867 and 1870 in place of a Romanesque building from the twelfth century. Note his porch Romanesque style, the arches joining the columns and the roof covered with slate except slate steeple and spire. Finally, the remarkable stained glass master Emile Thibaud (nineteenth) add to the charm of the building.
The oven, the laundry, are also noted in the borough, and, according walks and hamlets Castle Voissieux (remodeled several times on medieval bases) and of Polagnat (mentioned in the thirteenth but then changed) worth a glance.
Marking out the paths also many crosses have been preserved. One of the most notable is located north of Polagnat conducted in Volvic stone.
then places at sports and "nature".
Hikers (walking or cycling) are particularly spoiled. Thus, the GR 30 which crosses from north to south through the Auvergne and massive chains through Saint-Bonnet-près-Orcival and allows to appreciate the flora and fauna. Ditto for the route of the Great Crossing of the Massif Central, not counting the marked trails dedicated to one municipality or including incursions to the volcanos and the Sancy.
We enjoy making way for unique views and a rich environment.
One does not forget to mention finally a loop designed for mountain bikers heading to the volcanos and two courses dedicated to orienteering enthusiasts. Maps and information +33 4 73 65 89 79 or +33 4 73 65 80 79.
Another way of understanding the natural wealth of the resort, enjoy the Sioule to fish in a river classified 1st category. Regulatory Information at +33 4 73 92 56 29.
Finally, Saint-Bonnet-près-Orcival part of the perimeter of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne who regularly rides thematic program, events, exhibitions and workshops on environmental and heritage, it is advisable to contact the +33 4 73 65 64 26 to know the details.
The 3rd weekend in June, bread festival in oven.
In mid-July, over several days, patronal feast with folk entertainment, games and music.
