Discover Marcenat: Cézallier, culture and landscapes

Marcenat is a pastoral village in the Monts du Cézallier. Its elevation ranges from 770 to 1,449 metres. The Bonjon Valley offers scenic views. A geological fault is visible at the Cascade du Saillant. Other highlights include the history of Saint-Blaise Church, an Orthodox monastery and agriculture shaped by the region.

Landscapes and the Bonjon

The Bonjon Valley is shaped by the stream of the same name. It offers views of the Massif du Sancy, Mont Chamaroux, Marcenat and the dome of the Orthodox monastery. A geological fault is visible at the Cascade du Saillant. The waterfall is in the commune of Marcenat; however, the village of Le Saillant is the point of reference for access.

The Cascade du Saillant is accessible from Le Saillant, a village a few kilometres from Marcenat. The route is considered suitable for families, can be accessed year-round and is free of charge in favourable weather conditions. Weather is therefore a practical factor when planning a visit, even though access is not generally limited to a particular season.

Church, monastery and regional history

Saint-Blaise Church combines two periods of construction: it was built in the Romanesque period and remodelled in the Gothic period. Its furnishings include Baroque altarpieces classified as historic monuments. The church’s construction history and protected artworks make it a cultural and historical subject in its own right; a visit should not be taken as an indication of current opening hours.

The Orthodox Monastery of the Mother of God of Znaménié introduces visitors to Orthodox religious culture, architecture and monastic crafts. The “Autour du Bonjon” circular route passes both the monastery and the Cascade du Saillant.

The medieval ruins of Château d’Aubijoux also form part of the area’s history. They are described as a former fief of the de Castellane family. Another perspective on the history of the Cézallier is offered by the so-called marchands de toile: these cloth merchants traditionally left their home region for six to nine months a year to sell cloth and linen. This tradition is associated with the Cézallier region and not with Marcenat alone.

Agriculture and seasonal traditions

Guided tours are offered at GAEC de l’Estival, where visitors can see how Saint-Nectaire AOP cheese is made using traditional methods. The tour covers the process from milking the cows to maturing the cheese in the cellar. This gives visitors an insight into the specific steps involved in cheesemaking, distinct from the area’s architectural and landscape attractions.

On the stage from Marcenat to Montgreleix, the traditional driving of herds to the high pastures of the Cézallier is called “la montade”. Traditionally, it takes place from mid-May to mid-October; the timing depends on the weather. The difference between this and the Cascade du Saillant is useful when planning: la montade is associated with a seasonal period, whereas the waterfall can be accessed year-round, subject to favourable weather conditions. The dates given are a guide to the tradition, not a guarantee for a particular visit day.

Marcenat is especially well suited to a trip planned around a choice of landscapes, religious culture, regional history and agricultural production. Each offers a different focus: Saint-Blaise and the monastery represent architecture and religious culture, the Bonjon Valley offers landscapes and geology, the farm showcases cheesemaking, and la montade is a seasonal pastoral tradition. You can decide which of these will shape your stay based on your interests and, for seasonal or weather-dependent visits, the right time to go.

Discover more destinations: Joursac, Labrousse, Saint-Constant, Giou-De-Mamou, Chaussenac, Méallet, Bassignac, Ladinhac.

For the broader travel guide: Cantal.