Attractions and Places To See around Compains - Top 20

Compains is nestled within the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, offering expansive landscapes characterized by volcanic formations, lakes, and peat bogs. You can discover the blue waters of Lake Montcineyre (Lac de Montcineyre) or the protected ecosystem of Lake des Bordes (Lac des Bordes), known for its diverse flora and fauna. The region also provides access to the scenic wonders of the Natural Regional Park of the Volcanoes.

Yes, Compains offers several historical and cultural insights. You can visit the Saint-Georges Church, a listed Historical Monument with a Romanesque nave and a Gothic chancel. The Saint-Gorgon Chapel, built in 1843, faces Lake Montcineyre. As you explore the summer pastures, you'll also encounter traditional stone buildings called 'burons'. Nearby, you can visit the impressive Château de Murol or the Romanesque Church of St-Nectaire-le-Haut in Saint-Nectaire.

The region around Compains is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, especially from May to October. You can find trails ranging from easy to challenging. For example, there are easy loops like the 'Lac – Lac de Montcineyre loop from Puy de Montcineyre' (4.2 km) or the 'Stone bridge loop from Compains' (5 km). More challenging routes include those leading to volcanic summits like Puy de Sancy or Puy des Crebasses. You can find more details on various hiking routes in the Hiking around Compains guide.

The best time to visit Compains for outdoor activities, particularly hiking, is from May to October. During these months, the meadows are in summer pasture, often dotted with cows of Abondance, Aubrac, and Salers breeds, and the weather is generally favorable for exploring the natural landscapes.

Absolutely. Lake Montcineyre (Lac de Montcineyre) is highly recommended for its beautiful blue waters surrounded by green forests and pastures, ideal for walks. Another significant spot is Lake des Bordes (Lac des Bordes), which is a protected Sensitive Natural Area. It features small islands and a rich peat bog ecosystem, home to unique flora like roundleaf sundew and Siberian ligularia, as well as diverse dragonflies and migratory birds.

For challenging hikes and spectacular views, consider ascending Puy de Sancy, the highest point of the Monts Dore at 1,886 meters, offering panoramic views of the massif. The Courre Pass, at 1,720 meters, connects paths leading to Sancy and the Courre valley. Additionally, the Puy de Cliergue and Hor rock ridge offers a spectacular ridge trail with panoramic views into neighboring valleys.

Nearby towns host various markets: Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (8km) has a market on Monday, Murol (15km) on Wednesday, and Saint-Nectaire (17km) on Sunday (seasonal). From May to October, Compains also hosts cattle fairs and events one to two times a month on weekends at the fairgrounds of Brion, which can include meals, flea markets, and exhibitions. In August, the local church hosts a classical music concert as part of the Music Festival of the Land of Couzes.

The Compains region, particularly around protected areas like Lake des Bordes, is rich in wildlife. You might spot diverse flora such as roundleaf sundew and Siberian ligularia, various species of dragonflies, and migratory birds. The summer pastures are also home to local cattle breeds like Abondance, Aubrac, and Salers.

Yes, the area around Compains offers opportunities for gravel biking. You can find routes like the 'La Godivelle – La Godivelle loop from La Godivelle' (68 km, difficult) or the 'Lake Montcineyre – Lake Bourdouze loop from Besse' (22.9 km, moderate). For more cycling options, refer to the Gravel biking around Compains guide.

The volcanic landscapes around Compains are unique due to their relatively young age compared to other massifs. Puy de Sancy, for instance, is 300,000 years old, resulting in distinct, deeply eroded flanks and majestic circuses. You'll see jagged rocks amidst grassy slopes and can even spot Mont Blanc on a clear day from higher elevations. The region's stratovolcanoes and basaltic plateaus create a dramatic and varied terrain.

Visitors particularly enjoy the panoramic views from the volcanic summits and ridges. The 'superb view of the whole massif' from Puy de Sancy is frequently praised. The 'majestic beauty with unusual landscapes' of hikes like the one to Puy des Crebasses is also a highlight. Many appreciate the peacefulness and the feeling of being immersed in nature, especially on the extensive horseshoe routes that cover multiple high points.

Yes, Compains is located within a protected zone for the production of the famous Saint Nectaire cheese. This reflects the region's active cattle breeding and agricultural heritage. You can often find this local specialty in markets in nearby towns.