Besse-Et-Saint-Anastaise: History, Nature and Winter Sports

You can choose a hotel in Besse-Et-Saint-Anastaise based on the focus of your trip: Besse is shaped by medieval and Renaissance architecture, while its natural and sporting attractions include Lac Pavin and activities in Super-Besse and the Besse-Pertuyzat area. Besse came into being in the 12th century as a trading crossroads between the Limagne plain and the mountains of the Massif du Sancy. This historic link between plain and mountains gives the town its own distinctive setting. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you want to focus on exploring the town centre, seeing natural features or choosing seasonal activities.

History and Culture in Besse

The medieval and Renaissance town has preserved its architecture, narrow lanes and part of its fortifications. Besse was enclosed by fortifications in the 15th century. A cultural and historical trail leads through the town; it takes 45 minutes and includes 14 information panels. This offers a clearly timed introduction to the town's history. The 16th-century fountain on Place de la Gayme is also part of the historic heritage and is listed as a historic monument.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vassivière was built in the 16th century and is an important pilgrimage site. Every summer, it houses the Black Madonna. The Fête de l’estive offers a different insight into traditional culture: since 1994, it has begun with a parade of Salers cattle through Besse's medieval streets. Traditional crafts and farming activities are demonstrated at Lac Pavin, 5 km away. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates in advance.

Organic beer brewing is another local feature: the Brasserie du Sancy in Besse produces beer from pure malt and uses local products wherever possible. A stay here therefore combines historic sights, living traditions and an insight into the production of a regional product.

Lac Pavin and the Landscape of Sancy

Lac Pavin is a volcanic maar lake formed around 6,900 years ago. It is 92 m deep and covers 44 ha. These figures describe different aspects of the lake: its formation as a volcanic feature, and its present-day depth and area. For those interested in geology and landscapes, it offers a tangible connection with nature alongside the town's history.

Along the Couze Pavin, the Cascades de Chiloza form a series of numerous waterfalls over a distance of 1 km. The riverbed contains potholes scoured into the lava. Waterfalls and volcanic rock together shape the landscape here; this kilometre-long stretch offers a different natural highlight from the maar lake.

Above Super-Besse lies Puy de Chambourguet, a volcanic neck standing 1,520 m high. From its summit, you can enjoy views of Lac Pavin, the scree slopes and the surrounding area; marmots can occasionally be spotted there. The marked route from the Super-Besse mountain station to the summit and back takes two hours. As trail conditions can vary, check them before setting out. The route combines a specific time commitment with a destination whose appeal also lies in its views and the possibility of spotting wildlife.

Activities by Season

When snow conditions are optimal, Super-Besse offers a ski area on the southern side of Sancy with more than 40 km of slopes for all ability levels. The slope configuration may change, so check the current options before your trip. The Besse-Pertuyzat Nordic area has more than 48 km of cross-country ski trails and four snowshoe routes. The main difference between these options is the activity: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Snow conditions remain a seasonal requirement.

In summer, Super-Besse has hiking trails accessible by cable car or chairlift, as well as downhill mountain bike trails and an adventure water park at a swimming lake. These options complement the winter sports with hiking, cycling and water activities. As operations are seasonal and may change, check opening times if a particular activity is important to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Champs, Sauxillanges, Landogne, Pérignat-Lès-Sarliève, Saint-Georges-de-Mons, Saint-Just, Saint-Nectaire, Saint-Dier-D'auvergne.

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