Vic-Le-Comte: Heritage, Sainte-Chapelle and Enval

Vic-Le-Comte brings together heritage in its historic center, archaeological traces in Enval, and activities on the water and along trails. The heritage trail explores the era of the Counts of Auvergne and the Renaissance; in Enval, the focus is on the Magdalenian period. You can shape your stay around local history, archaeology, or outdoor activities.

Heritage in the historic center

In the historic center, a heritage trail takes you through the town’s architectural heritage and history. It offers insight into the era of the Counts of Auvergne and the Renaissance. For those interested in architecture and regional history, the trail brings these two perspectives together.

Le Chai is a former 18th-century building in the historic town center. The entire winemaking process once took place there; architectural features include exposed vaults. This brings together former uses and architectural form in one place. A seasonal tasting of regional products at Le Chai is part of the heritage visit. Check the current program if you plan to attend this tasting.

The former Sainte-Chapelle dates from the 16th century and was founded by Jean Stuart and Anne de la Tour. Today, it is incorporated into Église Saint-Pierre. Its historic stained-glass windows depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. One pane of a window was deliberately pierced in the center so that white light could pass directly through it.

The former Sainte-Chapelle also houses the Retable des Vertus. It was classified as an immovable cultural property in 1840. The year 1840 refers to the classification of the altarpiece, not the date the chapel was built.

The municipality provides two maps for heritage trails; 21 selected sights in the municipality have explanatory signs. You can focus your visit either on the trails or on the explanations at selected sights.

Enval: Archaeology and Views

The archaeological site of Enval lies on a plateau within the territory of Vic-Le-Comte. From there, you can see the Puy de Sancy in the distance. An exceptional Magdalenian site was discovered at Enval in 1929. The location thus combines archaeological history with distant views of the landscape.

The seasonal experience “Enval, une falaise habitée” follows in the footsteps of the Magdalenian period and visits a cliff face shaped by human activity since prehistoric times. Check the current program if you plan to include this experience in your trip.

On the Water and Along the Route

Plan d'eau des Orleaux is used for fishing, as well as walking, cycling, and horse riding. These different activities give you several ways to enjoy your time by the water.

At Longues beach, Club Nautique offers seasonal introductory paddleboarding and kayaking sessions. The following canoe routes are listed: Chadieu–Longues, 5 kilometers; Coudes–Longues, 9 kilometers; and Orbeil–Longues, 18 kilometers. These activities are seasonal; check the current program before making plans.

The Le bassin de Vic-le-Comte trail is 10 kilometers long, takes about three hours, is of moderate difficulty, and is marked in yellow. At 10 kilometers, it falls between the shortest listed canoe route, Chadieu–Longues at 5 kilometers, and the longest, Orbeil–Longues at 18 kilometers. For the walking trail, the approximate duration, difficulty level, and trail markings provide additional guidance alongside the distance.

Discover more destinations: Échandelys, Pontgibaud, Randan, Saint-Nectaire, Messeix, Parent, Dallet, Riom

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