Les Ancizes-Comps offers several distinct reasons to visit: the 385-hectare Lac des Fades-Besserve, the Vélorail des Fades and its tunnel route, the Viaduc des Fades and places of remembrance. Different questions matter when planning: What activities are available at the lake, how long is the Vélorail route, and which places represent construction history or commemoration?

The Lac des Fades-Besserve and its activities

The Lac des Fades-Besserve is a 385-hectare reservoir. It is open daily year-round and free to access. You can fish at the lake; there are also picnic areas and children’s playgrounds. Rowboats and pedal boats are available to rent. This offers a range of options: an activity on the water, a break at a picnic area or a boat trip. Free access and year-round opening make the lake an attraction you can plan to visit regardless of the season.

Vélorail des Fades: route and tunnel

The Vélorail des Fades starts at Les Ancizes station. Its route passes through three tunnels before reaching the Viaduc des Fades; one of the tunnels is more than 300 metres long. The direction matters when considering the distance: the one-way route is 7 kilometres, while the round trip is 14 kilometres. The two figures therefore describe different route lengths. In addition to the distance, the sequence of tunnels and the viaduct helps you understand the route. When planning this trip as part of your stay, you can first consider your preferred distance, then the route’s landmarks.

Viaduc des Fades: construction period and heritage protection

The Viaduc des Fades was built between 1901 and 1909. It is protected as a Monument historique and also bears the designation “Patrimoine du XXe siècle”. The construction dates and designations provide different historical points of reference: 1901 to 1909 indicates when it was built, while the designations reflect its heritage status. The viaduct is visible from the Les Fades dam; access to the structure’s roadway is prohibited. When planning your visit, bear in mind that being able to see the viaduct does not mean you can access its roadway.

Eglise Notre-Dame de Comps and Mémorial des Combrailles

The cultural sites also have different historical associations. The Eglise Notre-Dame de Comps has been classified as a Monument historique since 6 November 1961. The Mémorial des Combrailles is a sculpture by Hal Wilson, inaugurated on 8 May 2000 in memory of the resistance in the Combrailles. The Mémorial can be visited independently at any time. The dates refer to different events: 1961 marks the church’s classification, while 2000 marks the inauguration of the Mémorial. This makes it possible to consider heritage protection and commemoration as two distinct aspects of the cultural offering.

You can choose from a range of options: a route with separate distances given for the one-way trip and round trip, activities at the lake, and places associated with construction history or remembrance. The combination that suits you depends on whether water activities, the Vélorail route or the cultural heritage should take priority.

Discover more destinations: Collanges, Clermont-Ferrand, La Godivelle, Villosanges, Teilhet, Saint-Beauzire, Chastreix, Dallet.

For the overview of the wider area: Puy-De-Dôme.