Towns and villages of character | Tourism Office Terra Volcana

To discover Our unusual villages

Let yourself be guided through a remarkable area of art and history. Wander through the narrow streets ofArtonne, one of the oldest villages in the Auvergne. Admire the Belle Époque architecture of Châtel-Guyon. Venture to Volvic, land of water and stone. Travel back in time to Riom, the historic capital of the Auvergne. Go in search of the pigeon lofts of Limagne around Aigueperse…

Terra Volcana is home to many towns and villages with distinctive characters and a well-preserved heritage. Here we take you on a journey of discovery through a delicious blend of history, culture and tradition.

... and a rich history

On the Limagne side, Aigueperse is a former fortified town with a rich history. From the town hall to theGothic church of Notre-Dame, this long village was once surrounded by marshes, hence its name, which comes from the Latin Aqua Sparsa, meaning “scattered waters”.

Discover our guided tours

Unusual A small town with character

Not far from there, Artonne has an almost southern charm and charm, thanks to its geographical location. The Puy Saint-Jean hillside, which bears witness to the town’s rich wine-growing past, is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy a balcony overlooking the volcanoes. Artonne has everything you could wish for. Here, you’ll be surprised to find the many fountains that make the village so special. Here, it’s the Romanesque collegiate church of Saint-Martin that catches the eye of the curious.

Discover our local craftsmen and artists

Follow the guide Limagne side

Finally, while Thuret boasts a Romanesque church, thechurch of Saint-Martin and its curious historiated capitals, Maringues has been home to tanneries since the Middle Ages. In this village, once a major commercial centre, you can stroll along the banks of the river Morge and, in summer, take advantage of the guided tours organised inside the Grandval Tannery, which houses a museum and a workshop featuring tannery tools.