Saint-Georges-de-Mons is a commune in the Puy-de-Dôme department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 20 km northwest of Volvic.
Its territory of 34 km² is located on a plateau, at an average altitude of 700 m, on the borders of the Puys chain to the south and the natural region of Combrailles, dotted with valleys, ponds, bocage landscapes and forests.
The town is also bordered by the Sioule gorges to the west.
In fact, the environment of Saint-Georges-de-Mons remains green and rural, consisting of grasslands (34% of its area), agricultural areas (32%) and forests (27%).
Already occupied by man during Antiquity, the locality developed in the Middle Ages. In addition to the current town, to the south-west, a Templar commandery was then established in the hamlet of Bourdelle, to the south-east, which remained an independent parish until the 16th century.
Later, in addition to its agricultural activities, the town took advantage of the industrialization of its neighbour, Les Ancizes-Comps.
During the Second World War, the countryside of Saint-Georges-de-Mons (woods, isolated hamlets and farms, valleys) made it a den of the maquisards. In August 1944, it was in the town that a commando gathered to set out to free 114 prisoners sentenced to death or future deportees locked up in Riom prison.
Nowadays, the town has nearly 2000 inhabitants and highlights its environment and its "nature" leisure offer: an ideal stopover for lovers of green tourism!
In terms of heritage, the unmissable site of the town is its parish church dedicated to the Nativity of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Of Romanesque base, we will observe in particular its choir, its rich statuary and its beautifully crafted stained glass windows. Information on +33 4 73 86 70 48.
Moreover, in the town as in the hamlets, many houses and farms have preserved a traditional architecture which does not lack character, in particular because of its original materials. volcanic and comprising, for example, Volvic stones.
In terms of culture, activities are regularly offered in the library and shows or association events are scheduled in the village hall. Information at the town hall on +33 4 73 86 71 84.
For sports enthusiasts, football, basketball and volleyball courts are available at the Jean-Duval complex and it is also possible to reserve a tennis court. In addition, no less than three fitness trails are located in the locality. Inquire on +33 4 73 86 71 84 and +33 6 72 81 35 67 (tennis).
Ideal for swimming and cooling off in summer, the intercommunal aquatic center, to the south-west of the town, has a large pool, a small pool with hydromassage nozzles and a toboggan. Price: 2.30 and 3.40 euros. Information on +33 9 65 01 64 38.
Fishing enthusiasts are also at the party. The Marsins pond, to the east of the town, is thus available, rich in trout and carp (contact +33 6 30 35 01 46) but also the rivers crossing the territory in bucolic settings as desired (see inquire with the local association on +33 4 73 63 77 84).
Finally, it remains to take advantage of the vast potential offered by the town for hikers (walkers or mountain bikers). The opportunity to discover exceptional natural sites (Moulin de Pagès waterfall in the Viouze valley, to the west, or heather in the hamlet of Mazal, to the northeast), but also the small rural heritage. Thus, a route dedicated to families with children has been designed, and several loops for walkers, some presenting some difficulties related to the relief, have been marked out in the locality. Larger routes allow you to reach the Sioule gorges and the Fades viaduct to the northwest, the Ancizes rail bike to the southwest, or to discover more of the singular landscapes of the Combrailles to the north. Maps and information on +33 4 73 86 71 84 or +33 4 73 85 80 94.
