Murat-Le-Quaire: Village History and Mountain Scenery

Murat-Le-Quaire is a typical mountain village at an altitude of 1,050 m. Traditional houses made of lava stone and roofs of slate slabs shape its appearance. The themes range from the village’s history and cultural activities to lakes and mountain landscapes. When planning your stay, you can consider which aspects of the area matter most to you.

Village history on foot and in stone

The “Patrimoine rural de Murat-le-Quaire” discovery walk takes 30 minutes to an hour and leads through the village. Numbered information panels cover, among other things, the Ferme Château, fountains, barns, the church, fortification walls and the promontory. A bread oven, washhouse and small mill are also among the features covered. The route thus connects different aspects of rural village life, from everyday facilities to buildings and local history.

The small village mill is a scale model of a real watermill. Its waterwheel is powered by water from the stream from Les Couderts. The Église Saint-Maurice offers a different historical perspective: the medieval church dates from the 13th century and was restored several times in the 19th century. A partial reconstruction was completed in 1902. Notable features include a baptismal font made of Volvic stone, an enamelled lava altar and a painting by P. de Plument.

Cultural history and local production

At the Scénomusée Toinette et Julien, two centuries of Auvergnat history are presented through light displays, music, moving objects and special effects. This staging offers a different approach to the past than the information panels on the village walk: here, the focus is on theatrical presentation, while there it is on observing specific buildings and details of village life.

Another thematic option is the tour of La ferme des Estives, which shows how Saint-Nectaire AOP cheese is made. It lasts about an hour and takes place by reservation. If you would like to include this activity in your plans, be sure to allow for the reservation requirement.

Lake and mountain scenery

The Plan d'eau du Pré Cohadon is a 2.5 ha lake at an altitude of 1,100 m, above Murat-Le-Quaire and near the Banne d’Ordanche. It is used for its panoramic views, relaxation and fishing. Walking around it takes about 15 minutes. By comparison, the village walk takes 30 minutes to an hour; these two time estimates can help you weigh up which walk best suits your interests and schedule.

Near Murat-le-Quaire, the themed route “SANCY TOUR No. 2 – Le chemin de l’estive ovine” leads through the open landscapes of the Banne d’Ordanche. It offers insights into sheep farming, summer grazing and local mountain wildlife. The route brings together the landscape and themes of regional pasture use and wildlife.

The Banne d’Ordanche itself is a 1,515 m-high basalt cone, known for its landscapes. Daffodils bloom there in spring. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of Artense, the Sancy Massif, the Dordogne Valley, La Bourboule and the Puys de la Tache and de la Monne. As well as village architecture and cultural history, nature and viewpoints are also among the factors to consider when choosing your destination.

Discover more destinations: Trémouille-Saint-Loup, Enval, Blot-l'Église, Thiers, Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines, Peschadoires, Lachaux, Condat-En-Combraille.

For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.