Discover Drugeac: Vélorail, church and mineral spring

People looking for hotels in Drugeac also want to know what makes the area special. There’s a range of experiences, from a Vélorail ride and a hiking route to church art, a mineral spring and a historical connection to Haute-Auvergne. Each offers a different focus: railway tracks and structures on the Vélorail, scenery on the hike, art and the church’s former role at Église Saint-Géraud, and regional history at the old château. When choosing a destination, consider whether you’d like to focus more on activities, nature or culture.

Vélorail and hiking route

The Vélorail du Pays de Mauriac starts at Drugeac station and follows the former railway line from Miécaze to Bort-les-Orgues. The round trip covers more than 7 km to the Cascade de Salins; the stated distance therefore includes both directions. Along the way, you pass through three tunnels and over three viaducts. Each Vélorail vehicle has room for up to five people—a specific figure to help you plan your group size.

The Drugeac hiking route starts in the village square. It passes through a beech forest, by a cave and leads to a large meadow on the plateau. The village square provides a clear starting point, while the forest, cave and meadow shape the rest of the route. Unlike the Vélorail, the focus here is on landscape features; tunnels and viaducts define the route along the former railway line. The activities can thus be distinguished by their main focus: scenery on the hiking route and railway structures on the Vélorail.

Église Saint-Géraud

Église Saint-Géraud brings together architectural, artistic and historical features. Its three-bell comb-style belfry is a specific architectural detail. The stained-glass windows date from the 16th century; a depiction of the Nativity, or an “Adoration of the Angels,” dates from the 17th century. The church’s artistic decoration therefore includes works from two successive centuries. Until the 17th century, the church served as a priory of the Abbey of Saint-Géraud d’Aurillac. The dates of the artworks and the church’s former role as a priory shed light on different aspects of its history: the dating of individual works and the church’s institutional role.

Source minérale d’Apcher mineral spring

The Source minérale d’Apcher, also known as du Cher, is 2 km from the centre of Drugeac. The spring naturally produces carbonated mineral water at a constant temperature of 13 °C. It is accessible every day throughout the year. The water properties and temperature describe different characteristics of the spring. For planning purposes, the distance from the town centre and year-round daily access are also relevant. Unlike the two routes, this is a natural attraction, not a route to follow.

Château and regional history

The old château of Drugeac is considered a reminder of the history of Haute-Auvergne. Together with Église Saint-Géraud, it offers a different historical perspective: the château highlights the region’s history, while the church recalls its former role as a priory of the Abbey of Saint-Géraud d’Aurillac. The region’s history and the church’s former connection to the abbey can thus be understood as distinct historical links.

Discover more destinations: Le Rouget, Ruynes-en-Margeride, Marcolès, Joursac, Labesserette, Chavagnac, Saint-Cernin, Saint-Amandin

For the main travel overview: Cantal.