Saint Nectaire is a wonderfully unique and attractive holiday resort which is situated
in the Couze-
It lies at an altitude of over 700 metres and can be seen as the 'gateway' to the Sancy Mountain Range. From Saint Nectaire, there is a steady, gradual climb up to the Mediaeval towns of Murol, Besse and the winter ski resorts of Super besse, Le Mont Dore and Chastreix.
Saint Nectaire is a small town with more of a large village atmosphere and it is famous as the home of the unique and delicious 'Saint Nectaire' cheese which has been made traditionally in the area since the Middle Ages.
The town and it's environment is a paradise for walkers and orienteering due to the myriad of surrounding trails with amazing scenery and vantage points all around. From these high vantage points, one of note is The Puy de Mazere, there are a multitude of far reaching views across to The Puy de Sancy and Puy de Dome which is part of a chain of dormant, virtually extinct volcanoes which are truly spectacular!
Saint Nectaire is also famous for it's X11th Century Romanesque Church which is spectacularly situated at the top of the 'Mount' of Saint Nectaire Le Haut.
The Town is also home to a 'Thermale Spa' or 'Thermadore', which is fed by some of the 40 natural springs and has been providing treatments and restorative therapies since 1806. It also has it's own swimming pool and Jacuzzi/Saunas and Hamam which are extremely popular and attract visitors from far and wide. The Thermadore website can be viewed at www.thermadore.fr
Some of the natural springs are used to feed the Town's 'Petrified Fountains'and these have also helped to carve out the 'Grottes du Cornadore' and both of these have visitor centres providing guided tours.
Further information on these can be found at:
www.fontaines-
The salt springs with their high mineral content have formed unusually, so far inland, a salty marsh which is home to many unusual plants normally found along the seaside.
Ancient Dolmen Stones marking burial sites which were erected over 2,000 years ago are scattered in the area around Saint Nectaire and are stirring and evocative symbols of this regions ancient past.
For the more active person, there is an extensive adventure park laid out in the trees with courses for juniors and adults, communal tennis courts, a crazy golf course and many combined cycle/walking trails through the forests.
For your shopping and entertainment, the town boasts several bars and restaurants serving a mix of traditional Auvergne and French cuisine, a pizzeria, boulangerie, tabac, post office, small grocery store, charcuterie, fromagerie and two local gifts and produce stores.
There is also a Casino which has a very nice restaurant and in the summer they host barbecues and events welcoming both visitors and residents alike.
Even though there is much to attract the visitor to the town, it still manages to retain a 'village' feel and really is a truly unique place unlike any other you may have visited in France.
You can choose to soak up the atmosphere of the town or within 5 minutes be immersed in the countryside with the only birdsong for company!
