A picturesque village in the Massif Central, Ydes-Bourg is located in the north-west of Cantal, 3 kilometres south-east of Ydes and 22 kilometres north-east of Mauriac.
The Sumène, a tributary of the Dordogne, runs through this charming locality. In medieval times, it was a base for a Templar commandery, whose very beautiful 12th-century Romanesque church dedicated to St. George still remains. A listed Historic Monument, the masonry stone building has a magnificent chevet in a semi-circular apse, interspersed with engaged columns and adorned with carved modillions of faces. The church porch, meanwhile, has kept some superb bas-reliefs depicting Daniel in the den of lions and the prophet Habakkuk, as well as the Annunciation. On the south door side, you can admire a tympanum depicting St. George slaying the dragon.
Also worth a look is the exhibition of butterflies and other insects of the world, right in the heart of Ydes-Bourg. Over 4,500 specimens are on display there, along with a vivarium area housing several live insect species.
For bicycle lovers, a 15-kilometre cycle path through the Ydes municipality is an opportunity to ride along the former railway line. In the summertime, this pleasant greenway is transformed into an arts trail with its outdoor exhibitions!
