Saint-Étienne-De-Maurs: Church, Châteaux and Nature

Saint-Étienne-De-Maurs can be explored through two distinct themes: its architectural and historical heritage, and trails associated with cycling and plants. The Église Saint-Étienne, the hamlets of La Devèze and Senergues, the Côte des Estresses and the Sentier nature en Châtaigneraie provide concrete starting points for your stay. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Étienne-De-Maurs, you could first consider whether you would like to focus your plans on architectural history, historical connections to the area, or time on one of the trails described here. The details below will help you distinguish between these interests.

The Église Saint-Étienne

The Église Saint-Étienne was built in 1242 in a style considered more or less Romanesque. Its furnishings also reflect different periods: the wrought-iron door is studded with nails and dates from the early construction period. The church also houses a protected baptismal font carved from granite, dated to both the 13th and 17th centuries. Thus, the church brings together its early construction period and furnishings with their own dates. Anyone interested in religious architecture can look beyond the year it was built to consider the materials, craftsmanship and dating of its details.

Châteaux and local history

Pierre Freyre was lord of La Devèze in 1579. La Devèze is a hamlet with a château near Saint-Étienne-de-Maurs and the royal road. The Château de la Devèze dates from the 16th century and has been converted into an elegant hotel with extensive comforts. Senergues is also a hamlet with an attractive château. N.-Louis de Montarnal was born at the Château de Senergues in 1764. The local history presents a clear contrast: La Devèze is associated with the lordship recorded in 1579 and a château dating from the 16th century, while Senergues is associated with the birthplace of N.-Louis de Montarnal in 1764.

Cycling and nature trail

The Côte des Estresses and the Sentier nature en Châtaigneraie appeal to different interests. The Côte is a signposted, 7-kilometre cycling route: it starts at Nivolis in Saint-Étienne-de-Maurs and continues to Saint-Julien-de-Toursac. Check the signage and route conditions again before setting off. The Sentier nature en Châtaigneraie starts at the Moulin de Senergues on the banks of the Rance, 500 metres beyond the church. Its information panels introduce around 120 plants; you should also check access and trail conditions before visiting. The difference is clear when choosing between them: the Côte is listed as a seven-kilometre cycling route, while the Sentier’s panels focus on around 120 plants.

Winter Trail

The Stade municipal de Saint-Étienne-de-Maurs can also be used for Trail hivernal events. This provides another possible event-related consideration for your travel plans, alongside the cycling route and nature trail.

Discover more destinations: Dienne, Marcolès, Saint-Mary-le-Plain, Lanobre, Chalinargues, Riom-Ès-Montagne, Massiac, Tournemire

For the broader travel overview: Cantal.