Vernines derives its name from the Gaul "Verno" and the suffix "ialo" which means field, clearing. It is the last village before the mountain where the Sioule has its source.
The village of Vernines
Located between 980 and 1200m above sea level, on a plateau, the town of Vernines has 395 inhabitants and is integrated, like its neighbor Aurières, into the AOP area of Saint Nectaire. Located 6 km from the RD2089, 30 km from Clermont-Ferrand, the town is characterized by its exceptional panorama between the Chaîne des Puys and the Chaîne des Dores, which attract many hikers every year. At an altitude of 1000 meters, according to the Map of Cassini (from the 18th century) there was a feudal motte from the High Middle Ages: former seat of an important lordship, a fortified castle bordered by ditches was erected in 1236 ( No trace of it remains today).
The church
Located next to the old fortified castle, the church dates from the 15th century. In late Romanesque style, it houses the statue of Saint Sebastian in polychrome wood (14-15th century), installed on a plinth. The work, listed as a Historic Monument since 2003, presents a bearded Saint Sebastian wearing a simple garment, tight at the hips with a tie. In the hamlets, the architectural quality of restoration of several farm buildings is remarkable as well as the small heritage (bread ovens, fountains, crosses, etc.) highlighted.
Two paths starting from the village lead to the Calvary of Puy de la Garde (1094 m), from where there is a superb panorama of the Rochefort-Montagne basin to the west and the Chain of volcanic hills to the East. From the village, access to Servieres lake is also possible (by taking secondary roads and paths: obtain the IGN 2531ET map for orientation).