Sauviat: Hiking, Cycling and Heritage

Those who choose Sauviat can make hiking, cycling and architectural history different focal points of their trip. The routes vary in length and character; the buildings include a church with distinctive architecture and the surviving remains of a medieval castle with a long history.

Hiking: a wayside-cross walk or a longer route

The Marche de l’Étoile is a 6 km family walk in Sauviat. Along the route, you can discover wayside crosses; it is themed around nature, culture and relaxation. The stated elevation gain is 102 m.

Le Tour de Sauviat offers a different route option: this hike for nature lovers is 13 km long, rated easy and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Marche de l’Étoile is the shorter family walk with wayside crosses; Le Tour de Sauviat is the longer hike for nature lovers.

Cycling along the edge of the Dore gorges

The Petit tour à Sauviat, circuit route n°10, is a moderately difficult 29.2 km road cycling loop. The route has a stated positive elevation gain of 476 m. It follows the edge of the Dore gorges and offers a chance to discover Sauviat.

Church, priory and Château de Sauviat

The Église Saint-Loup is the only surviving part of the former priory of Sauviat. Its nave is divided into five aisles and ends in a pentagonal apse. “Five-aisled” here describes the division of the nave into five aisles. The church was classified as a historic monument by decree of 28 March 1905. The two architectural details refer to different features: the five-aisled layout describes the interior, while the pentagonal apse is the architectural termination at the end of the church’s nave.

The former priory probably dates from the early 14th century and is said to have been founded by monks from Cluse Abbey in Piedmont.

In the Middle Ages, a fortified castle, the Château de Sauviat, stood south of the church. Only two towers and fragments of the walls remain of the Château. It has been listed as a historic monument since 13 July 1926 and is privately owned. Take its private ownership into account when planning, and check what access is possible before visiting.

Other details passed down through the years include a stone cross finial: it depicts the Virgin Mary and Child and crowns a modern monument dating from the 18th century.

Find hotels in Sauviat

The different route profiles and cultural themes give you a concrete starting point for shaping your trip and then searching for hotels.

Discover more destinations:

Saint-Nectaire, Bas-Et-Lezat, La Bourboule, Naves, Condat-En-Combraille, Singles, Saint-Julien-La-Geneste, Menat

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