Cournon-D'auvergne offers several clearly distinct perspectives on history and landscape: Romanesque architecture, winegrowing on the Vaugondières plateau, and natural slopes and a lake along the Allier. The buildings span different historical periods; the vines represent cultivation and preservation, while the slopes and lake provide another focal point.

Romanesque Architecture and History

The Église Saint-Martin was built in the 12th century and displays key features of Romanesque architecture. It has been classified as a historic monument since 1912. Its construction and later classification belong to different periods and help place the building in its historical context.

The Château de Cournon-d’Auvergne offers a different perspective: the de Strada family rebuilt it at the end of the 17th century, while it also preserves two medieval round towers. The rebuilding and the surviving towers point to different eras. The historic buildings thus showcase both Romanesque architecture and a later reconstruction incorporating medieval elements.

The Tour de l’horloge offers a glimpse into the history of the fortified village. In the Middle Ages, it served as a small gateway. Its clock remained in operation until 1868, and the tower symbolized the rights acquired by the community of residents. Its function and significance are two distinct aspects: the gateway refers to the fortified village, while its symbolic role represents the rights of the residents.

Winegrowing and Grape Variety Preservation

Just under seven hectares on the Vaugondières plateau have been planted with Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Gamay in accordance with AOP requirements. Winegrowing here is therefore defined by a specific location, a stated area and three grape varieties. The Conservatoire des cépages d’Auvergne offers a different perspective: it is dedicated to preserving 22 old grape varieties. For wine enthusiasts, these are two distinct topics: plantings on the plateau and the preservation of older varieties.

Protected Slopes and Lakeside Recreation

The dry slopes of Cournon-d’Auvergne have been protected by a prefectural biotope protection order since 1992 and included in the Natura 2000 network. Nearly 270 species of flowering plants, 54 butterfly species and just under 30 breeding bird species have been recorded on the slopes. The natural slopes also offer an exceptional panorama of the Sancy Massif and the Auvergne volcanic range. Their protected status, biodiversity and views each add a distinct facet to this landscape.

The lake of Cournon-d’Auvergne is an 18-hectare natural and recreational area on the Allier River. The leisure complex has a 5,000 m² swimming area and water features; swimming is available seasonally. If you are planning a swimming trip, bear this seasonal restriction in mind. Accessibility for visitors is also described in specific terms: the fishing pier and beach access have been adapted for people with reduced mobility. The lake combines a designated swimming area with other recreational activities, while the dry slopes offer a different perspective on nature.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Égliseneuve-Des-Liards, Saint-Saturnin, Randan, Pontgibaud, Les Ancizes-Comps, Aigueperse, Saint-Amant-Roche-Savine, Saint-Julien-Puy-Lavèze.

See the regional travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.