At an altitude of 1,430 metres lie Les Plaines Brûlées. They stretch from Chastreix-Sancy to the Col de Bozat and serve as pastureland in summer and an area for Nordic skiing in winter.
Perhaps you would like to rent a holiday apartment for your stay in Chastreix.
Nature
The Réserve Naturelle de Chastreix-Sancy covers the southern slope of the Sancy and includes the glacial cirque of Fontaine Salée. Mountain species such as mouflon, chamois, marmots and deer live there, along with more than 130 bird species and 60 butterfly species.
The Cascade des Essarts is a waterfall approximately 8 metres high, formed by prismatic columns of ancient lava flows that cooled upon contact with the water of the Gagne stream. The hike to the Cascade des Essarts is partly shaded and takes 1.5 hours there and back, or follows a 4.6-kilometre circular route with an elevation gain of 131 metres.
The Tourbière de Rimat covers 6 hectares, is 10 metres deep and features a variety of natural habitats. Its permanently waterlogged habitats help regulate the water cycle and water quality, particularly that of the springs on the slope of the basalt flow.
Trails and Activities
In the Réserve Naturelle de Chastreix-Sancy, skiing, paragliding, hang gliding and hot-air ballooning are permitted in addition to hiking and horse riding; mountain biking is prohibited there.
The Maison de la Réserve Naturelle de Chastreix-Sancy offers a fun and educational area, temporary and themed exhibitions, as well as a meeting place for events and the starting point for numerous walks. The Sentier d’interprétation de Chastreix is a circular discovery trail featuring a Gallic bridge, a shepherd’s hut, the legend of the Pas du Diable, a waterfall and old livestock watering troughs that recall the area’s former agricultural traditions.
Winter
The Chastreix-Sancy ski area has 18 downhill runs, 7 ski lifts, a boardercross course, a covered conveyor belt and 2 toboggan runs. The Chastreix-Sancy cross-country skiing area includes 4 cross-country ski trails and 2 connecting routes. The Chastreix-Sancy snowshoeing area includes a circular trail and 2 connecting routes through the forest and high-altitude terrain.
Culture
The annual pilgrimage associated with Les Vierges de Courlande includes the blessing of children and herds. The Roc de Courlande is a 1,496-metre-high summit made of trachy-andesite, offering exceptional views. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was a pilgrimage destination; three statues of the Virgin Mary stand along the path to the summit cross.
The Église Saint-Bonnet is a Gothic church dating from the 13th century and was classified as a historic monument in 1907. Its square bell tower was added in 1828 and houses a bell from 1561, which is also classified because of its historical value. The church is freely open to visitors every day throughout the year.
The Four de la Vessaire is a historic village oven that was restored by the Chemins et Patrimoine au Pays des Toupis association and remains in operation.
Other places: Picherande, Naves, Saint-Saturnin, Issoire, Baffie, Jumeaux, Égliseneuve-Des-Liards, Mirefleurs.
