Discover the natural beauty of the Pays de Saint Flour
The Pays de Saint Flour is a picturesque region in the Cantal department of France. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this area offers unspoilt, diverse nature that will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the majestic mountains, verdant valleys, winding rivers and lush forests that make up this enchanting landscape. Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the many signposted trails offering spectacular views and unrivalled tranquillity. Nature lovers will be able to observe a rich and varied fauna and flora, while water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the rivers and lakes for fishing, canoeing and swimming. The Saint Flour region is an ideal destination for nature lovers looking for a change of scenery and peace and quiet.
An exceptional historical and cultural heritage
As well as its natural beauty, the Saint Flour region is also rich in historical and cultural heritage. The town of Saint Flour itself is a medieval gem, with its ramparts, cobbled streets and imposing cathedral. Explore the region's picturesque villages, where you'll discover Romanesque churches, châteaux and traditional stone houses. History buffs will love visiting the local museums, which tell the fascinating story of the region and its people. Attend the cultural festivals, concerts and events that enliven the Saint Flour region throughout the year. Whether you're passionate about history, culture or simply looking for an authentic experience, the Pays de Saint Flour has something for everyone.
Saint-Flour: A journey into the heart of a medieval city
Saint-Flour, a true medieval treasure perched on a volcanic plateau, preserves a fascinating historical heritage that testifies to its glorious past. The heart of this city is the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that stands majestically over the city. Built from the 12th century, the cathedral has survived through the centuries while preserving its beauty and character. Its impressive façade, adorned with delicate sculptures, invites you to enter a world where every stone seems to tell a story. Inside, you will be amazed by its colorful stained glass windows that filter the light and create a mystical atmosphere, as well as its antique furniture and religious sculptures that evoke the devotion of past centuries.
As you venture into the upper town, you will discover a real journey through time. The cobbled streets wind between the old stone houses, which testify to the medieval past of Saint-Flour. Every corner, every square, immerses you in the atmosphere of a time when the city was a thriving religious and commercial center. The ramparts, which surround the old town, are vestiges of the time when Saint-Flour was a strategic fortress, protected by imposing walls. These ramparts offer spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, and some sections are still visible, giving an insight into how the city was protected from invasions.
The ancient gates, such as the Pont gate and the Mars gate, are silent witnesses of times past, when Saint-Flour was an important crossroads for travelers and traders crossing the region. These gates, fortified and majestic, were the main entry points into the city and played a crucial role in its defence.
The stone buildings that line the town, with simple but elegant facades, recall the know-how of medieval craftsmen and add to the timeless charm of Saint-Flour. Strolling through these narrow streets, you can still feel the atmosphere of a time when the city was a spiritual, cultural and military center.
In short, Saint-Flour is a true immersion in medieval history, where every stone, every alley, every monument tells the story of this city that has been able to preserve its character throughout the centuries. It is a place where the past meets the present, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of discovery and contemplation.
The Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne volcanoes: A natural setting to discover from Saint-Flour
Saint-Flour, located in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne, offers privileged access to a natural territory of great richness. This park, classified as a Grand Site de France, covers more than 400,000 hectares of volcanic landscapes, forests and lakes.
Hiking enthusiasts will find here an ideal terrain with varied trails, allowing you to discover craters, lava flows and spectacular views of summits such as the Puy de Sancy or the Puy Mary. The park also offers mountain bike trails for all levels, perfect for exploring the region in the great outdoors.
The rivers and lakes of the park are a paradise for fishermen and water sports enthusiasts, offering peace and relaxation. The natural setting, with its exceptional flora and fauna, also invites you to relax and disconnect in a soothing atmosphere.
In summary, the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne, with Saint-Flour as its starting point, is an ideal place for nature lovers, sportsmen or those seeking tranquility and unforgettable discoveries.
The local legends and mysteries of Saint-Flour: A journey into the heart of the mystery
Saint-Flour, with its historical heritage and medieval atmosphere, is a real playground for lovers of legends and mysterious stories. Over the centuries, the city and its surrounding area have seen the birth of fantastic stories that nourish the collective imagination and add an additional charm to this already fascinating city.
The Guardian Angel of Saint-Flour:
It is said that Saint-Flour owes its protection to a benevolent angel who watches over the city. According to legend, this angel appeared when the inhabitants of Saint-Flour were threatened by an invasion. On a foggy night, the angel would have come down from heaven, protecting the ramparts and guiding the defenders to victory. Since then, the inhabitants of the city sometimes claim to feel a calming presence during starry nights.
Devil’s Bridge:
Not far from the city, a stone bridge is suspended over the gorge, called "the Devil’s Bridge". The legend tells that a devil, trying to deceive a villager, offered him a deal: he would build a bridge in one night, but on condition that the soul of the first person to cross it belonged to him. The villager, clever, passed a dog to deceive the devil and save his soul. Furious, the devil destroyed the bridge, but his name remained attached to this mysterious place.
The spirits of the ramparts:
The ramparts of Saint-Flour, remnants of the medieval period, would shelter ancient spirits. Locals say that strange noises can be heard at nightfall, such as footsteps in deserted streets or whispers carried by the wind. Some say that they are the souls of the old defenders of the city, always faithful to their mission of protection.
The legends of Saint-Flour enrich the unique atmosphere of the city. They add a mystical and captivating dimension to this medieval city, turning each visit into a journey into the heart of mystery and imagination.
The Auvergne gastronomy
Auvergne is renowned for its generous and tasty cuisine. In Saint-Flour, you can taste specialties such as truffade, aligot or Saint-Nectaire cheese. The small restaurants and inns of the city will offer you local cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Saint-Flour's festivals estivales : A festival that celebrates the heritage.
Summer in Saint-Flour is a busy time when the city becomes a vibrant place of festivities. Many events take place during this season, mixing culture, traditions and leisure. These are some of the highlights that make Saint-Flour a must-see during the summer months.
The Festival of Fables
The Festival of Fables, held every summer, is one of the city’s most popular events. This festival highlights the art of storytelling through theatrical performances and animated tales inspired by La Fontaine’s fables. Visitors can enjoy open-air performances at emblematic sites in Saint-Flour, such as the Saint-Pierre cathedral or the downtown gardens. Artists and actors from all over the region create a magical atmosphere by reinterpreting these immortal fables. This festival is a true moment of intergenerational sharing, where young and old can meet around the timeless values of these stories.
The Nights of Saint-Flour
The Nuits de Saint-Flour is a summer event that attracts many visitors every year. Held during the month of July, this event transforms the city into a veritable open-air theatre, with concerts, dance performances and artistic performances. The town’s squares and cobbled streets are filled with music, dance and light, offering a friendly and festive atmosphere. Local groups or international artists perform in a historic setting, making each performance a unique moment. Visitors can also enjoy the animation around the terraces of cafes and restaurants that line the streets.
Summer Markets
Throughout the summer, the markets of Saint-Flour multiply, offering locals and tourists the opportunity to discover local products, local crafts and specialties of the region. Producers from the region come to sell their fresh products: cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, as well as handicrafts such as pottery, jewelry and fabrics. This is the perfect opportunity to stroll through the streets of the city, enjoy the animation and leave with typical memories of the region.
Saint-Flour Music Festival
Every year in August, the city hosts the Saint-Flour Music Festival. This musical event brings together internationally renowned orchestras, musicians and local ensembles. Concerts take place in prestigious venues such as the cathedral, and varied programs allow for a wide range of musical styles, from classical music to jazz to contemporary music. This festival is a must for music lovers who want to combine culture and discoveries in an exceptional setting.
Saint John’s Day
At the beginning of summer, Saint-Flour celebrates St. John’s Day, a colourful traditional event. The inhabitants of the city gather to light a great bonfire, an ancient tradition symbolizing the passage to summer. The festival is also marked by costumed parades, folk dances, local music concerts and food stalls. The streets of the city are filled with light, joy and good humor, creating a festive atmosphere that delights locals and visitors.
To get to Saint-Flour from the peninsula of Laussac, here is a possible route by car, which is the easiest way:
Take the D922: From the peninsula of Laussac, you will start by taking the departmental road D922 in a southeastern direction. Follow this road through the landscapes of the Aveyron towards Saint-Flour.
Continue on the D922: The D922 will take you on a fairly direct road to Saint-Flour, while crossing several picturesque villages. Continue on this road for about 40-45 minutes, following the signs for Saint-Flour.
Arrival in Saint-Flour: You will arrive in Saint-Flour, a town located on a volcanic plateau, where you can start to explore the historic city and its surroundings.
The drive takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions and chosen route.