Saint-Cernin is situated on a hillside on the western edge of the Cantal volcano. Historic buildings, paths through the valleys and the landscape around the Doire shape the character of the town.
Those considering Saint-Cernin as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture and history
The Church of Saint-Cernin is a single-nave building constructed from lava, with a southern portal and a comb-style bell tower. Château du Cambon was once a fortress from the Wars of Religion and is now a site dedicated to Marie-Antoinette. A guided tour of Château du Cambon includes reception rooms, a chapel, a gallery and French gardens.
Château de Faussanges, a château in the vicinity of Saint-Cernin, was built in 1815 and opens onto terraced gardens overlooking the Doire valley. From the 14th-century Castle of Marzes, a truncated tower and a section of the building remodeled over the centuries have been preserved. Château de Ragheaud dates from the 15th century; its interiors are considered to have remained unchanged since the 18th century.
Château d'Anjony is a château in the vicinity of Saint-Cernin. Anjony Castle is a historic site in the vicinity of Saint-Cernin. Château de Sédaiges is a château in the area around Saint-Cernin.
Paths and activities
Saint-Cernin's cultural discovery trail is accompanied by a leaflet presenting the town's cultural heritage. The cycle tour through the Bertrande and Doire valleys passes through Saint-Cernin and by the Tour de Marzes.
The hiking trail to the Col de Fontbulin starts in Saint-Cernin, is 12 km long, has an elevation gain of 400 m and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. The Saint-Cernin “Anjoigny” hiking trail passes Château du Cambon. Ecurie de la Doire is an equestrian centre in Saint-Cernin.
Saint-Cernin's weekly market takes place on Friday afternoons from April to October.
Landscape
The Doire, which flows past Saint-Cernin, is a fast-flowing river with gorges downstream. The plateau at the Croix de Saint-Pierre offers views of the Monts du Cantal.
Puy de Bassierou is a mountain in the wider regional area around Saint-Cernin. Le Pas-de-Cère is a waterfall in the wider regional area around Saint-Cernin. Puy Violent is a mountain in the wider regional area around Saint-Cernin. Roc des Ombres is a mountain in the wider regional area around Saint-Cernin.
Other destinations in the surrounding area: Talizat, Celoux, Boisset, Le Claux, Marmanhac, Fontanges, Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, Lacapelle-Viescamp.
