Cantal and tourism

Le Vernet

Le Vernet is a hamlet in the village of Cheylade, perched at around 1,100 m in altitude, in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park.
It is here, in this green valley of the Cantal, that the family farmhouse stands, formerly known as Le Rigoulet.

This house belonged to Julie’s great-grandfather, a doctor in the region at the beginning of the 20th century. His eldest son, Georges Brun, and his wife Jeannine Flagel, devoted their entire lives to raising Salers cows, the emblematic breed of the Cantal region. The fields surrounding Le Vernet once echoed with the sound of cowbells and summer haymaking.

The herd was sold around the year 2000, and the grandparents moved to the village of Cheylade, then a few years later to Riom-ès-Montagnes.
The house at Le Vernet has nonetheless remained a family refuge, a place for reunions and shared summers, always filled with laughter and long meals.

From 2013 onwards, Guy and Marie-Laure Brun began major renovation works to reinforce the structure, redo the roof, and modernize the interiors.
The main renovations were completed in 2015, making Le Vernet a comfortable and welcoming home in all seasons, while preserving its rural and authentic character.

The Cheylade Valley and the Cantal

The Cheylade Valley lies between the Puy Mary and the Col de Serre, in a region shaped by the ancient volcanoes of Auvergne. It offers an exceptional panorama of mountains, forests, and pastures, dotted with traditional burons, waterfalls, and villages built from volcanic stone.
Cheylade is also known for its 12th-century Romanesque church, richly decorated and classified as a historic monument.

Discovering the area around Cheylade

Nestled in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, the Cheylade Valley offers a landscape of mountains, forests, and pastures where nature is king.
Around Le Vernet, winding roads lead to numerous remarkable sites to explore before or after the wedding, depending on your time and interests.

A few steps away…

Just 2 km from Le Vernet, the Roche and Sartre waterfalls cascade between volcanic rocks and green moss. These pretty, accessible walks are perfect for a family stroll or a photo by the water.

The village of Cheylade is home to a superb 12th-century Romanesque church, classified as a historic monument and known for its colorful interior frescoes.
Its little lanes and lava-stone houses tell the story of the valley’s pastoral life.

Within 15 minutes

At 9 km, the small town of Riom-ès-Montagnes is the “capital of the Gentiane region”. There you will find shops, accommodations, and the charming Gentiane Express tourist train, which crosses meadows and viaducts on its way to Lugarde.
Cheese lovers will also discover the secrets of Cantal and Salers AOP.

A little higher, 11 km away, stands the majestic Puy Mary (1,783 m), classified as a Grand Site of France. From its summit, a 360-degree panorama opens over the entire Cantal massif.
Hikers can continue toward the Puy Griou, about 14 km away, recognizable by its isolated cone, perfect for sunset photos.

At a similar distance, the Lioran resort offers seasonal activities such as hiking, panoramic lifts, mountain biking, summer luge, or skiing in winter. It is an excellent playground for extending your stay.

Villages and traditions

At 19 km, the medieval village of Salers is a must-see.
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, it charms visitors with its basalt houses, fortified towers, and lively squares. You can enjoy the famous Salers meat and cheese, paired with gentiane or Auvergne wine.

A little further, 25 km away, lies the village of Tournemire beneath the feudal Anjony Castle. This historic site overlooks the valley and offers a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.

For the curious and the hikers

Continuing northwest, around 30 km away, the small town of Mauriac reveals its Saint-Pierre basilica, its bustling market, and lovely craft shops.
It is also a good base for exploring the northern Cantal.

Finally, a little more than 35 km away, the resorts of Super-Besse and Sancy offer more volcanic panoramas, high-altitude trails, glacial lakes, and, for the more adventurous, mountain activities in both summer and winter.

Flavors of the Cantal
Wherever you go, be sure to try the local specialties:
truffade, pounti, blueberry tart, or cheese aged in a traditional buron, paired with gentiane or Verveine du Velay.
Cantal cuisine, generous and authentic, reflects the soul of the region.