SAINT-FLOUR IS PERCHED ON TOP OF A SPUR OF VOLCANIC ROCK FORMING NATURAL RAMPARTS, OVERLOOKING THE RIVER ANDER.
Saint-Flour lies perched on a basalt pedestal, the result of a sizeable lava flow which came out of what we know is the largest volcano in Europe. The city became the religious capital of Haute-Auvergne (modern-day Cantal) from the 14th century onwards. This notoriety is embodied by Saint-Flour’s medieval town. Its turbulent past is illustrated by its architecture and its many exceptional, historical constructions. Every street in the upper town leads to the Place d’Armes, where the majestic 15th century Saint Peter’s Cathedral proudly stands.
The historical town is shielded by both an impressive wall of basalt columns and the city ramparts, remnants of which can be seen in various places; the old city gates are the most prominent testament to that fortified heritage.
What to do in Saint-Flour
- The historical tour within the upper town, covering the city’s most beautiful buildings and monuments, including Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the ‘Halle aux Bleds‘ exhibition centre
- A tour around the city ramparts to explore the city’s historical and natural fortifications
- Both of the city’s museums, the Haute-Auvergne Museum and the Alfred Douët Museum
- The local producer market every Saturday morning
Festivities and events
- The ‘Festival des Hautes Terres‘, a vibrant music and performing arts festival shows held throughout Saint-Flour during the last weekend in June.
- The ‘Etape Sanfloraine‘, a cycling race sponsored by former champion Bernard Hinault at the beginning of August.
- The ‘Festival Chemin d’Art‘, a festival of contemporary art organized every two years from July to September.
Tourist Office of Saint-Flour
34, rue des Lacs – 15100 Saint-Flour
Tel : +33 (0)4 71 60 22 50
info@pays-saint-flour.fr
