Breathe in the Auvergne
Campsite near
Saint-Nectaire
If you’re spending your vacation at Camping Bois de Gravière, a trip to Saint-Nectaire is an excellent idea for a day out (or more) in the Puy de Dôme. This emblematic village in the Massif du Sancy combines nature, Romanesque heritage, gastronomic tradition and spa history in a truly delightful setting.
A village steeped in history
Water and flavor
Saint-Nectaire is first and foremost known as the birthplace of the famous Saint-Nectaire cheese, a PDO with a delicate taste and melt-in-the-mouth texture, a symbol of the Auvergne region. It’s one of the region’s flagship products, appreciated by cheese lovers the world over.
But Saint-Nectaire isn’t just about gastronomy: from the moment you enter the village, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere typical of the green, rolling Auvergne. The site is set in the Couze Chambon valley, a gentle natural setting that attracts visitors as much for its scenery as for its heritage.
One of the must-see sights in Saint-Nectaire is the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame, perched on Mont Cornadore. Dating from the XIIᵉ century, this religious edifice is considered a jewel of Romanesque architecture in Auvergne, with its sculptures and harmonious volumes telling centuries of history.
A stone’s throw away, the village is also marked by its spa past: Saint-Nectaire-le-Bas was a major water resort in the XIXᵉ century, exploiting some forty springs, some of which are still appreciated for their virtues.
Things to see and do
On site
Saint-Nectaire is packed with activities and interesting places to discover, whether you’re looking for a cultural stroll, a hike or a family outing:
Les Grottes du Cornadore: these natural and historic caves are open to visitors and offer unique mineral formations and ancient troglodytic thermal baths.
Les Mystères de Farges: an original attraction that takes you through medieval caves and a cheese-ageing cellar, with a fun tour full of anecdotes.
Petrifying fountains and historical trails: near the village, several natural sites and geological curiosities tell the story of this ancient land.
Nature and hiking trails: around the village, a number of signposted footpaths enable you to enjoy nature walks and bike rides.
And if you fancy a more “active” break, Saint-Nectaire Aventures offers accrobranche courses and outdoor activities for young and old in a beautiful forest environment.
Local produce and gastronomy
In all directions
It’s impossible to talk about Saint-Nectaire without mentioning its gastronomy! The village and surrounding area are the perfect place to discover the flavours of the Puy-de-Dôme. Of course, Saint-Nectaire cheese is king: you can visit local farms to understand how it’s made, how it matures and, of course, taste a few pieces!
In Saint-Nectaire, you’ll also find restaurants and farm inns that feature local products such as aligot, truffade and other Auvergne cheeses. Staying nearby at the campsite gives you an excellent base for a gastronomic day out, before returning to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Bois de Gravière site.
In a nutshell: Saint-Nectaire is a charming tourist destination full of character to discover from your stay at Camping Bois de Gravière. With its Roman heritage, nature activities, tastings of local produce and open-air walks, this village in the Puy-de-Dôme region offers a wide variety of experiences for the whole family or just a few friends.
