Saint-Jacques-D'ambur: Horse Riding, Water Sports and Excursions

Saint-Jacques-D'ambur combines horse riding with seasonal rentals at the La Chazotte water sports centre and a bathing area at Lac des Fades-Besserve. For hiking enthusiasts, there is also the «Château d’Ambur, la Chazotte» circular hike. The time frames range from rides lasting one to three hours to horse-riding tours lasting one to two days; the circular route is listed as 13 kilometres and 3 hours 45 minutes. For water sports, the summer season is key, and access to and facilities at the bathing area may vary seasonally. Both the time you have available and the time of year you travel therefore play a role in planning.

Horse riding: different time frames

Les Écuries d’Ambur offer rides in Saint-Jacques-D'ambur lasting one to three hours. The same provider also offers one- to two-day horse-riding tours, as well as classical riding lessons and lessons out on the trails. The time frames clearly distinguish between the two tour formats: a ride is an activity lasting a few hours, while a horse-riding tour lasts one or two days. Lessons add another distinct option, with both classical lessons and lessons out on the trails available. You can therefore choose between a ride, a multi-day tour and lessons when planning.

Water sports in the summer season

During the summer season, the La Chazotte water sports centre in Saint-Jacques-D'ambur rents out boats that do not require a licence, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks and electric choppers. This seasonal availability calls for a different kind of planning than the horse-riding activities listed in hours or days: here, the time of year becomes a selection criterion. If you would like to include a rental in your stay, plan your visit for the summer season.

Bathing area at Lac des Fades-Besserve

The La Chazotte bathing area is located on Lac des Fades-Besserve in Saint-Jacques-D'ambur. It offers free access, children's play equipment, a picnic area, shaded and sunny spots, and a snack bar. Access and facilities may vary seasonally. Take this into account when planning your visit, especially if you are basing your stay around the listed facilities.

Circular hike and time comparison

The «Château d’Ambur, la Chazotte» hike is a 13-kilometre, moderately difficult circular route marked in yellow, with a duration of 3 hours 45 minutes. At 3 hours 45 minutes, it takes exactly 45 minutes longer than the longest listed ride of three hours, and considerably less than a one- to two-day horse-riding tour. This comparison helps put the time needed for the hike in context alongside two different horse-riding formats. The distance, difficulty level and yellow markings add further practical details to the duration given for this circular route.

Ruins and views

The ruins of Château d’Ambur stand on a rocky promontory and offer an excellent view of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With their views of the Chaîne des Puys, the ruins offer a different landscape from the bathing area at Lac des Fades-Besserve. Alongside activities that can be planned by time or season, a distinct cultural and scenic highlight adds to the range of options.

Discover more destinations: La Crouzille, La Roche-Noire, Durtol, Chastreix, Avèze, Olliergues, Cébazat, Lapeyrouse

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