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Massiac

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Cantal

Massiac - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Cantal
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A charming locality at the heart of the Alagnon Valley, between Limagne and the Mounts of Cantal, Massiac is part of the "Villages Étapes" network of municipalities that offer passing visitors a wide range of shops and services in a pleasant setting.

A harmonious patchwork of vines and orchards surrounds the village, which is known for its local specialities: here you can enjoy escargot products, excellent farm cheeses, and above all the famous Massiac macarons, a delicious hazelnut-based speciality.

A reminder of bygone centuries, the historic centre is well worth a visit. Departing from the tourist office, there is a circuit for exploring the town: the old Espinchal Castle, rebuilt in the 17th century, where the town hall is now based, the Church of St. Andrew with a Flamboyant Neo-Gothic portal from the 19th century, containing old wooden statues, including a Shrine Madonna from the late 14th century and a Maestà from the 15th century.

In the heights of the town, from the site of the Chapel of St. Magdalene in Chalet (Sainte-Madeleine de Chalet), perched on its rocky overhang, you will have superb views of Massiac and the Alagnon Valley!

The Élise Rieuf Municipal Painting Museum, based in the former stables of the castle, pays tribute to three female painters, the leading lights of women's artistic liberation: Marguerite Jeanne Carpentier, a student of Rodin, and her students Charlotte Musson and Élise Rieuf, who was born in Massiac and produced around forty exceptional works of art on the theme of China.

Additional information
Massiac

Ideally placed at the confluence of three valleys, Massiac has been given the nice nickname of "flowered doors of Cantal". And it is in a verdant landscape of a rare beauty that the village unfolds. The sweetness of life is at the rendezvous of this holiday resort very prized. Nature, ubiquitous and soothing, pours its charm on the place. Three rivers, the Alagnon, the Alagnonnette and the Arcueil meander on its territory.

The village has existed since the Gallo-Roman period. The medieval period was marked by the reign of the lord of Espinchal. But it was mainly the period from 1890 to 1910 that marked Massiac by the mining and extraction of antimony. Labeled Village stage, Massiac offers all the infrastructures and shops intended to make your stop in the village of the most pleasant.

Things to see and do

It is therefore a nature destination that awaits you at Massiac. In a natural setting with many faces, the walk promises to be wonderful. Whether you opt for the circuit leading you to the gates of the volcanic lands or take the path of Via Arverna in the footsteps of pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela, the panorama will leave you speechless. The immensity of nature extending as far as the eye can see, alternating open meadows and thick undergrowth will give you the impression of being alone in the world. In a more southerly landscape, the valley of Alagnon alternates orchards, vineyards and cultivated cultivated fields. The many rivers in the area will delight fishermen. On the shady banks, enjoy it to throw your line in the fishy waters and enjoy the calm ambient.

The downtown area of ​​Massiac deserves you to stop there. During a tour, discover the history of the city conducted drum beating with an iron hand by its lord Gaspard d'Espinchal. The church of Saint-André welcomes you to admire its remarkable statuary. Do not miss the chapel of Sainte-Madeleine, classified as a Historic Monument. Built in the 12th century, it is of Romanesque style and features the volcanic basalt stone. Inside, in addition to the treasures it shelters, you can discover the history of Sainte-Madeleine and Saint-Victor. Perched on top of a cliff, this charming chapel offers a beautiful view on Massiac and the valley of the Alagnon.

In another, a local curiosity remains the archaeological site of Saint-Victor. Many vestiges are still exposed.

Finally, the lovers of painting will probably visit the Élise Rieuf museum where a magnificent exhibition awaits them.

All this walk has opened your appetite. And this is good, because Massiac is also a greedy village. You will have the opportunity to visit the local farms where we raise the snails to taste them in all the sauces. The cheese is also in the spotlight and you can see the cellars where they refine for weeks. The whole is watered of a good wine of the cru hence a small excursion in the vineyards is necessary.

Places of interest

Information points
Monuments
Transport

Events and festivities

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

The cultural site on the terrace of Palhas at Molompize allows a pleasant stroll to the discovery of these traditional cultures, blending vineyards, fruit trees and aromatic plants.

Restaurants

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Vacation rentals

Campsites

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