Condat is a village of Cantal, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 30 km south-east of Bort-les-Orgues, on the borders of Puy de Dome and Corrèze.
The vast territory of 40 km² belongs to the Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes, between the mountains of Sancy in the north and the mountains of Cantal in the south, at the confluence of three streams, the Rhue, the Santoire and the Bonjon.
Established in a valley at 700 m altitude, the village is surrounded by plateaus and forests, the highest point of Condat standing at 1266 m.
The village still had 3000 inhabitants in the nineteenth century, textile crafts complementing agriculture and commerce.
Dairies and salting companies are still present, and if one counts more than 1050 inhabitants, labeled green resort, the municipality has now developed a quality tourism offer that highlights its heritage and its environment. Condat is a milestone for anyone staying in the area.
A discovery of the town and its built heritage can begin with the church of Saint-Nazaire, built in the twelfth century, restored in the fourteenth and sixteenth in neo-Gothic style.
On the main square, where stands the town hall, we notice the monument to the dead inaugurated in 1923 which is a Hairy. The sculpture was carved in a block of Volvic stone. See also, behind the monument, a traditional old house with a remarkable ridge and doors framed with volcanic stone.
Along the alleys, the old fair became fairground where you can see the bars where cattle were tied and a cross that ensures honest transactions or the house Poulainville, whose botanical garden has become a park municipal of several hectares, are also to be discovered.
To see again, the traditional lantern of the dead implanted in the cemetery in 1935 and the pretty bridge of the Prades, built in the 19th century to span the Rhue.
At the bridge over the Bonjon, it is an old mill of flour and flax that can still be seen, with a wheel. Finally, out of the village, many crosses mark out hamlets and localities, while one can also notice the ruins of the abbey of Féniers, dating from the twelfth century, disused at the Revolution then burned in the nineteenth and many of stones were used by individuals to build or remodel their homes...
On a cultural level, Condat has two museums. In the Grand Rue, to see first, the space dedicated to Albert Monier, great photographer of the twentieth century (portraits and landscapes). Information on +33 4 71 67 36 13.
In the same street, the museum Serviaire presents a unique collection of minerals, fossils and tools of prehistory. What to travel through five billion years. The route proposed to the visitor delights specialists as young public, who discovers giant ammonites, fossils and bones of dinosaurs or first mammals. Open from early June to late September and the rest of the year by appointment. Free admission. Information on +33 6 14 32 18 62.
Then place the large offer of nature and sport recreation offered to Condat.
For hikers, several tours include the main sites of historical or natural interest of the municipality. It is also possible to take part of the GR4 linking Royan to Grasse via the Massif Central. Sheets, documentation and information on +33 4 71 78 66 63.
A sports course has also been developed in the forest and a discovery course drawn in the Poulainville Park, in the heart of the village.
The forest and green environment also makes the happiness of the amateurs of equestrian excursions. Join the local club based on the Riom road at +33 6 47 53 13 32.
Whether in the river or on the communal water, fishermen are also at the party. Note that a "no kill" course is reserved for them between the waterway bridge and the Condat bridge. Information on +33 6 86 85 29 29.
In summer, the heated municipal swimming pool is open every day in July and August and allows you to combine the pleasure of swimming and idleness. Information on +33 4 71 78 52 06.
Finally, for those who want to play a game of tennis or mini golf, near the campsite, call +33 4 71 40 76 87.
The first Sunday of February, winter trail (wilderness race).
In July and August, Wednesday evening, local market.
Friday before August 15, fair of "organic" products.
The first weekend of September, patronal feast.
The first Sunday of December, Christmas market.
