Saint-Julien-La-Geneste: Maquis, Fountain and Hiking

Saint-Julien-La-Geneste offers several distinct themes for a stay: the memory of the Maquis Nestor Perret, historic landmarks around the Fontaine Saint-Blaise, the La Résistance circular trail, and the Adasculptures studio. You can plan your trip according to whether you are particularly interested in local history, hiking, or sculpture. The activities also differ in practical terms: the history of the Maquis can be placed in its historical context, the trail’s distance and ascent are relevant for hiking, and Adasculptures has different visiting arrangements for its workshop and exhibition.

Cultural History and Remembrance

The Fontaine Saint-Blaise houses a statue of the saint. The former nuns’ washhouse, which is still well preserved, is located near the fountain. The two places point to different aspects of local history: one features a religious depiction at the fountain, while the other recalls the washhouse’s former use. If you are interested in local heritage, they offer two distinct points of interest in Saint-Julien-La-Geneste.

Camp Nestor Perret was established at its final location in the Grands Bois on 29 August 1943. The Maquis Nestor Perret was faithfully reconstructed and inaugurated on 4 August 2013, on the 70th anniversary of its founding. The dates mark two distinct stages: the history of the camp and its later reconstruction. This makes it possible to view the history of the Maquis in chronological context without conflating the historic site with the inauguration of the reconstruction.

If you want to visit the Maquis Nestor Perret, you can leave your vehicle at the parking area at l’Etubeix on the edge of the forest and continue on foot. The parking area is the starting point for the walk to the Maquis.

Hiking and Forest

The La Résistance circular trail is 14 km long and has 270 metres of ascent. These two figures describe different aspects of the route: the distance indicates the length of the trail, while the metres of ascent indicate the climb. Together, they provide two concrete reference points for planning your hike. The trail is marked with yellow blazes and offers wide views over the Combrailles and the Chaîne des Puys. The trail’s markings and views add further aspects to the information about the route.

The Forêt des Grands Bois is also known as the Bois de Pionsat and is notable for its Douglas fir plantation. This forest feature offers a different focus from the trail details: here the plantation takes centre stage, while the circular trail is notable for its distance, ascent, and views. For travellers interested in forests and landscapes, the Douglas fir plantation adds a distinct focus alongside the cultural and hiking themes.

Sculpture at Adasculptures

The Adasculptures studio and exhibition hall at 2 Villecorps offer a sculpture workshop lasting three half-days from October to March for €65. If you would like to include this in your travel plans, take the period and duration into account; confirm current availability before your trip.

The exhibition is open year-round, every day, by telephone appointment. It is advisable to confirm by phone, as opening information may change. The workshop and exhibition therefore differ both in their schedule and in their visiting arrangements: the workshop is offered from October to March, while the exhibition can be visited by telephone appointment.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Saturnin, Briffons, Peschadoires, Marsac-en-Livradois, Egliseneuve-D'entraigues, Besse-Et-Saint-Anastaise, Saint-Floret, Saint-Genès-La-Tourette.

For the overview of the wider region: Puy-De-Dôme.