Anglards-de-Salers is a commune in the Cantal department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 10 km northwest of Salers.
Its vast territory of 48 km² ranges from 530 to more than 1300 m in altitude, crossed by several rivers such as the Auze, the Monzola and the Mars. Composed of a town (Anglards), two villages (Espinassolles in the south-east and Maleprade in the north) which had the rank of parishes and several hamlets, the locality has very varied landscapes. The meadows dedicated to the mountain pastures of cattle herds represent 66% of its surface, but there are also natural shrubby environments (17%) and wooded plots (nearly 10%).
A former seigniory held by the large Montclar family, the town has always been an active agricultural center, and there are many cattle farms of the salers breed (which notably produce raw milk cheeses with an appellation contrôlée)..
Although having paid a substantial tribute to the rural exodus (there were more than 2000 inhabitants in the 19th century compared to 730 today), Anglards-de-Salers proves to be a choice stopover during a stay in the region due to its rich heritage and its environment conducive to hiking... Near the famous village of Salers, its assets are numerous.
Anglards-de-Salers can boast a rich heritage. Whether vernacular along the paths, villages and hamlets (ovens, washhouses, wells, wayside crosses, etc.) or monumental and historic.
The major site of the town is the Château de la Trémolière, located to the northeast of the town. Listed in the Inventory, this is a typical Auvergne manor house, built in the 15th century and remodeled in the 18th century. The rectangular main building of three levels is flanked by a round tower added in the 17th century housing a staircase. On the first and second floors, paintings decorate the tops of fireplaces, doors and even cupboards. Magnificent woodwork was also installed in the 18th century. However, the castle has become famous for having an exceptional collection of Aubusson tapestries (about ten pieces) woven for a wedding in 1586. They represent a "fantastic" bestiary where domestic or exotic or even imaginary animals mingle in a exuberant green decor. Found in an attic of the building in 1909, the tapestries have been restored and classified as objects. Bearing the arms of the Montclar family, these works can be admired during a visit. The castle park also includes a real treasure: it is the Déduit Orchard, designed by the landscape architects Ossart and Maurières. This contemporary garden of medieval inspiration brings together different enclosures that evoke both tapestries and scenes from the Roman de la Rose. Labeled "Remarkable Garden", the site is a flowery path inviting you to daydream up to a fountain where roses are reflected.
The château (private property) is open to the public from June to September and also hosts contemporary art exhibitions. The garden is open from mid-May to All Saints Day. Price: 3 and 7 euros. Information on +33 4 71 40 05 72.
To see then in the north-east of the territory, in the Mars valley, the castle of Longevergne. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, comprising a rectangular main building, equipped on one facade with an octagonal tower and on the other with two round towers with walkways, the building was restored in the 19th century in a "troubadour" style. ", that is to say by revisiting and mixing medieval influences and Renaissance style... Listed in the Inventory, the estate now houses guest rooms but is not open to visitors. Its exteriors can however mark out a walk in the valley…
On the religious level, finally, the Saint-Thyrse church, in the village, dates essentially from the 12th century, and its porch from the 13th century. Protected as historical monuments, it presents all the characteristics of Auvergne Romanesque art. Thus, its nave of four bays is barrel vaulted and the crossing of the transept is surmounted by a dome on pendentives and an octagonal bell tower. The transept is extended in its northern part by a chapel (15th century) and to the south by another (16th century), which adjoins a side chapel. The chapels are vaulted with warheads. Finally, we observe that a campanile was built in the 19th century on the gable of the "west" facade. If the building was built in stones of the region, of volcanic origin, inside, we admire contemporary stained glass windows (in particular in the seigneurial chapel of the family of Montclar) but also a Stations of the Cross composed of 14 paintings embedded in the walls (early 20th century).
Beautifully crafted too, but more modest, the churches of the villages of Espinassolles and Maleprade will punctuate the walks…
Then place the natural heritage and the hikes. A path has been laid out in the town which allows you to walk through the summer pastures at just over 1000 m above sea level. There are burons and mountain dairies. Halfway, an orientation table has been set up at the level of the Bournazel mountain where you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the Cantal mountains, the Sancy mountains and even the Limousin. Enamelled lava terminals explain the heritage and panels are dedicated to wildlife. This trail has two parts (for routes of 4 or 12 km). The longest takes 3 hours (round trip) and goes up to the source of the Auze river. In winter, it can be the subject of a snowshoe hike. In season, it is accessible to mountain bikers. Departure from the car park in the hamlet of Fignac, 5 km south-east of the town.
Other loops passing through the town may also be of interest to walkers or cyclists who join the village of Salers in particular... Maps and information on +33 4 71 40 00 02 or +33 4 71 40 58 08.
