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Unveil the beauty of Saint-hilaire, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne

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Nestled in the heart of the Auvergne region, Saint-hilaire, Puy-de-Dôme offers a unique journey through nature and culture. One of the main attractions is its proximity to the Volcanic area of Auvergne. Hikers, brace yourselves for picturesque walks on volcanic trails, each ascent rewarding you with breathtaking vistas. A popular route is the Puy de Dôme, offering stunning views across the Chaîne ...See more

Walking around Saint-hilaire

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Embark on a hike in Saint-hilaire.
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What to do in Saint-hilaire

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Choose from a variety of activities in Saint-hilaire and book your favorites.
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La Clairière
12 km

La Clairière

A pretty cottage typical Auvergne countryside for authentic family holidays and conducive to relaxation. It can accommodate a family of 3 and has a well thought out and efficient layout. Completely restored, our gîte in Auvergne consists of : First floor: - 1 living room with sofa bed for 2 people and flat-screen TV. - Kitchenette with ceramic hob, dishwasher, microwave, large oven... - Bathroom with walk-in shower. First floor: - Cosy sleeping area with 160cm bed (high-comfort mattress), 90cm bed, large storage space and desk area. - Beds made on arrival, sheets provided. The house has an enclosed courtyard and a south-facing terrace with garden furniture, Weber barbecue and parasol. A very natural area with many activities awaiting you: - Way-marked walks from the gite and in the surrounding area (hiking, mountain biking) - Swimming (Gour de Tazenat, Etang Philippe...) - Canoeing on the Sioule river. - Fly fishing or pond fishing 200 m from the gite... Nearby, discover the electric Vélorail, accrobranche, Via Ferrata or enjoy a moment of relaxation at the Spa des thermes de Châteauneuf-les-Bains. Take advantage of your stay to explore the Sioule gorges and their heritage, the Auvergne Volcanoes, and don't forget to see the famous Gouttières cats! Numerous small restaurants and local markets will delight your taste buds with fine Auvergne produce. This house is the ideal place to spend a family vacation and recharge your batteries.

4 rue de l'étang Les Quatre Routes 63390 Gouttières
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What to visit in Saint-hilaire

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Visit the museums and galleries of Saint-hilaire.
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Castle of Pionsat
4.8 km

Castle of Pionsat

The Château de Pionsat is unique in the Auvergne because it combines two different architectural styles: medieval and Renaissance. Each main building has been listed as a Monument Historique (Renaissance wing since 1920) and as a Monuments Historiques (medieval wing since 1962). Château de Pionsat is unique in the Auvergne region for its combination of two different architectural styles: medieval and Renaissance. A treasure trove of early Arvern coins, mostly gold, bearing the name of Vercingetorix, was found on this land. It was probably Humbert de Beaujeu, Constable of France, who built the first defensive keep in the 12th century to consolidate his power. Bernard de Ventadour subsequently inherited the lands of Pionsat and Montel-de-Gelat, before selling them to Guillaume Aubert (a wealthy financier) around 1345. On the border between the English (now Aquitaine) and French kingdoms, Pionsat and Les Combrailles were at the heart of tensions during the Hundred Years' War. The Auberts were therefore obliged to build a stone castle to protect the population and defend the surrounding territory from the many threats. In 1482, Gilbert Motier IV de La Fayette (a distant relative of the Auberts) sold Pionsat castle to Jacques II de Chazeron. This was the golden age of the Chazeron family, whose descendants served in the households of several kings of France, right up to Henri IV. The positions held by the family members with the kings of France brought them substantial income, enabling them to transform the medieval château and build a château in a style that was new at the time, that of the Renaissance. Few Renaissance castles were built in Auvergne, but many were transformed. In Pionsat, a new ensemble was created with large proportions and, for the Renaissance part, an original decorative style: "vermiculated bossing", of which Pionsat was the "exclusive" in Auvergne and perhaps beyond. Mullions, pediments, etc. can all be seen. In 1604, the property passed into the hands of the De Chabanne family until the French Revolution. Divided up and sold in the 19th century, it's only since the end of the 20th century that the buildings have benefited from renovation and protection work. The commune of Pionsat, current owner of the Renaissance section, is pursuing studies and investments to safeguard and enhance the cultural and tourist value of this château, a great testament to the audacity of the men of the Combrailles and an architectural jewel of the Auvergne. Partner of the Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne. A heritage guide is available for €3 in our four tourist information offices: Saint-Gervais-d’Auvergne, Châteauneuf-les-Bains, Pontgibaud and Les Ancizes-Comps, as well as on our online shop. It presents the history of Pionsat Castle, between its medieval section and Renaissance wing.

2, Rue du Château 63330 Pionsat
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Where to eat in Saint-hilaire

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The flavors of Saint-hilaire await you.
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Where to sleep in Saint-hilaire

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Discover popular accommodations in Saint-hilaire.
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾