With the villages of Orcival, Bagnols/La Tour d'Auvergne, Tauves and Saint-Sauves d'Auvergne, the town of Saint-Bonnet Prés Orcival becomes in 2019 the sixth village of Auvergne VolcanSancy labeled Station Verte.
What is a Green Station?
Station Verte is a tourist label created in 1964.
It is a welcoming territory in the heart of the terroirs. The Green Stations are located both by the sea and in the mountains. There are stays in favor of natural, human and authentic tourism, while respecting the environment. This label currently includes 469 stations in France.
Values of green stations:
- share a common vision of tourism that is both authentic and respectful of local characteristics,
- develop sustainable initiatives, in favor of a respected and preserved nature,
- offer a full range of activities related to natural, cultural or historical heritage,
- engage in local tourism that is both human and respectful of the territory,
- enhance the natural attractions of the territory.
The Green Station of Saint-Bonnet near Orcival!
The municipality of Saint Bonnet-pres-Orcival, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne, is located between the Chaîne des Puys (listed as World Heritage by Unesco in 2018) and the highest peak of the Massif Central, the Puy de Sancy which culminates at 1886 m.
Its name comes from its proximity to the city of Orcival, a major place of pilgrimage since the High Middle Ages. The church of Saint Bonnet-près-Orcival was built in the XNUMXth century, on Romanesque remains. It notably contains exceptional stained glass windows by master glassmaker Emile Thibaud.
From the Calvary, you will enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Chaîne des Puys, with the Puy-de-Dôme, the Château de Cordès and the Massif du Sancy.
Many hikes, including the GR30, pass through the town which is also crossed by the Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC). 2 initiation courses orienteering have also been put in place.
The “Sioule” river, a 1st category river, crosses the town. In the upstream Sioule part, there is a mountain torrent where fishing enthusiasts can indulge in their favorite hobby (federal reciprocity).
The other Green Stations in Auvergne VolcanSancy
The Auvergne VolcanSancy territory counts among its 27 villages, 5 other Green Stations.
The Tower of Auvergne
The village of La Tour d'Auvergne, perched at the foot of the Sancy, offers the possibility of outdoor activities both in summer with its Blue Flag lake (in 2023, the town has not requested the renewal of its Blue Flag label Bleu), its hiking trails only in winter with the La Stèle-Sancy Ouest Nordic area (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing). Several waterfalls are to be discovered. You will find accommodation there (gîtes, hotel, campsites, etc.) and eat there, as well as all the small essential shops.
La Tour d'Auvergne, snow village
Far from the big ski resorts, the Snow Villages are small authentic villages where you can practice at least 3 activities in winter, from beginner to advanced level and supervised by qualified staff.
Bagnols
Located in the heart of the granite plateau of Artense, the village of Bagnols offers hiking trails, in the middle of dry stone walls typical of Artense as well as a small heritage composed of fountains, banal bread ovens still in use. operating state. You will find accommodation there (gîtes, hotel, campsite, etc.) and eat there, as well as all the small essential shops.
Orcival
Le village d'Orcival is well known for its pilgrimage on Ascension Thursday and its Notre-Dame d'Orcival basilica, which is one of the 5 Romanesque churches in Auvergne. This village has a range of shops, restaurants and tourist accommodation (hotels, lodges, etc.). Its proximity to the Servières and Guéry lakes makes it a tourist destination for outdoor activities (hiking, Nordic skiing).
Saint-Sauves d'Auvergne
In the immediate vicinity of the spa town of La Bourboule, the village of Saint-Sauves d'Auvergne, has many tourist accommodations and shops. Many musicians come to perfect their skills at the CNIMA (National and International Center for Music and Accordion). La maison Garenne is a space dedicated to welcoming artists in residence
Tauve
Tourists and residents of Tauve benefit from numerous activities all year round: the arts and crafts fair, the regional festival, the Mille Sources et Dordogne festival, the Laquais de Tauves Festival…. The municipality welcomes via space Rural craftsmanship right in the center of the town the know-how of 70 craftsmen from all over Auvergne (wood, glass, flowers, clay, enamelled lava, painted metal, etc.). A 200 m2 showroom presents exhibitions and conferences all year round. The performance hall and inter-municipal festivals La Bascule, opened in 2016, welcomes the ArtenScène cultural season. In addition, many shops and tourist accommodation are open all year round to welcome you.
Themes