Fun things to do in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise: 9 fun attractions and activities

Been there twice.I totally recommend if you are an adrenaline junkie.It’s quite scary though when the person at the zip line takes your legs to put them in a strap kind of thing and you hang above a very steep mountain peek.Very professional.My sister works in the resort so I got to use it for free.Looking forward to it again and again.

Awesome ! Very popular, book online to avoid dissapointment. The crews are very nice & speak English.

Well worth the time, reserve in advance however to avoid disappointment.

Top!!!

It is worth the price.

Good trip

Top

Incredible place, the nature is splendid

Fantastic walk, I took my kids (4 and 6) to the "fond du vallée" walk, which is arond 5km-3hour round trip. And they both made it, in a heat of 32 degrees Celsius. The second waterfall is not really worth it but the walk through the valley definitely is.

Only rating 4 stars because we couldn't do the whole range of walks, and because the accueil staff (a woman) was disinterested bordering on rude. Otherwise, the area is beautiful and the walks are well-maintained, with the naturally-growing raspberries an added bonus.

Very good place for training paraglider

Really nice place, easy to hike and you have the choice of your destination depending on your objective.

The valley is really beautiful and you can taste the sparkling water of the Sainte Anne spring 👍

It's a really nice place to hike!

This is a very typical attraction in France. Lots of promises but it's a bit boring so they try to liven it up a bit by having actors doing looooooonnnnng monologues with very witty jokes. Not so much funny at all. If I wanted to go to the theater there are better options. Also, I speak French and have no problem translating a few sentences to my wife but three times more than a 1000 words non merci. If you are French, like amateur acting and have nothing else to do, this is your thing.

We visited as a group of 6 on a Saturday in late July. Parking nearby was easy and the office guide spoke good English and was helpful and pleasant. We duly wandered around the signposted trail ( signs in English & French ) and took in the sights of cave living many years ago. The various caves i.e. kitchen, bakery etc had been suitably staged with furniture and tools from way back when. The whole site took about an hour with lovely views across the valley. One of our group struggled a little with the climbing and steps because of an old knee injury so a degree of energy is required to climb to the top of the castle for example. We made a picnic lunch on the deck outside and drank some local wine made with honey and other local produce and thus ended our visit. Interesting and informative but wear comfortable shoes.

The place is wonderful. The caves are really interesting to know more about Middle Age culture. I recommend to visit in summer (inside de caves, temperature is fresh) and you can take a soda (or Hidromiel) in the bar. Information only available in French and English. For obvious reason, caves are not wheelchairaccessible (about 100 steps to climb the castle) but children will enjoy going through the holes and caves. We also tested the Scape Game (inquisition) and we just loved! We are Scape Gamers and this one is really different from others: not boring codes to find, just looking for all objects inside a cave, good observation capacity and an amazing game master communication. And you will get a drink at the end (and if your lucky, you become the king of England) I also recommend the Pic St Pierre few meters up to enjoy a 360°Auvergne view

Great historical place to visit. Many steps here must be reasonably fit. Well worth a visit.

Extremely interesting place in a lovely setting

We got a really kind welcoming from the guy behind the counter. He gave us a bit of info about the site and off we went. Because it is the off season we were the only people there which was nice. In general it's not the most impressive place but if you are with children I'm sure they will enjoy!

A little bit wet but then it was April! Very interesting to see how some people lived in the middle ages. The chapel and the chateau were highlights for me. Would be good to see again once the work has finished building the new stockade around the cliff.

(Translated by Google) The Saint-André Church (RK) (Andreaskerk) was built in this volcanic area on a solidified lava flow, and we can already tell from the dark color of the stones that they are lava stones. Clay for bricks, marble, marlstone, lava stone, slate…. which building material is widely available in a region - and therefore cheaper, and easier to buy and transport! That was certainly already in the Middle Ages, when the first St. André was built in the 12th century. Not much is left of it now: only the ship was built in Romanesque style. The choir is Gothic (16th century), a new apse was added in 1822, and the side chapels are 17th and 18th century. When we enter it is quite dark, but yes, outside even with sunglasses and a cap you have difficulty looking into the light...! The small stained glass windows spread beautiful rainbow structures in the dark interior. The church is not very special, but it does have a number of things that are nice to see! The many and varied sculpted Romanesque capitals stand out: we see leaves, human figures (even an executioner and his victim), monkeys, eagles, centaurs, Biblical scenes. The few carved choir stalls made of dark wood are from the 16th century. The old stone baptismal font has been here, I suspect, since the 12th century! In the choir we find a statue of the Black Madonna of Vassivière behind the high altar, from before the 14th century, and still venerated in the region. It is not without reason that the church was classified as a Historical Monument around 1890. (Original) De Saint-André-kerk (RK) (Andreaskerk) werd in dit vulkanisch gebied gebouwd op een gestolde lavastroom, en we kunnen al aan de donkere kleur van de stenen zien, dat dat lavastenen zijn. Klei voor bakstenen, marmer, mergelsteen, lavasteen, leisteen…. welk bouwmateriaal is in een streek veel aanwezig - en dus goedkoper, en gemakkelijker te kopen en te transporteren! Dat was zeker al in de Middeleeuwen, toen in de 12e eeuw de eerste St. André werd gebouwd. Daar is inmiddels niet veel meer van over: alleen het schip is in Romaanse stijl gebouwd. Het koor is Gotisch (16e-eeuws), een nieuwe apsis werd daar in 1822 aangebouwd, en de zijkapellen zijn 17e- en 18e-eeuws. Als we binnenkomen is het vrij donker, maar ja, buiten heb je zelfs met zonnebril en pet al moeite om in het licht te kijken….! De kleine glas-in-loodramen verspreiden prachtige regenboogstructuren in het donkere interieur. De kerk is niet heel bijzonder, maar heeft toch wel een aantal dingen die mooi zijn om te zien! De vele en verschillende gebeeldhouwde Romaanse kapitelen vallen op: we zien bladeren, menselijke figuren (zelfs een beul en zijn slachtoffer), apen, adelaars, centaurs, bijbelse taferelen. De enkele bewerkte koorbanken van donker hout zijn 16e-eeuws. Het oude stenen doopvont staat hier, vermoed ik, ook al sinds de 12e eeuw! In het koor vinden we een beeldje van de Zwarte Madonna van Vassivière achter het hoogaltaar, van voor de 14e eeuw, en die in de regio nog steeds vereerd wordt. De kerk is niet voor niets al rond 1890 geclassificeerd als Historisch Monument.

(Translated by Google) Magnificent Catholic building. Pretty stained glass windows and some beautiful statuettes. The column heads are superbly decorated with very pretty sculptures. To have. (Original) Édifice catholique magnifique. De jolis vitraux et quelques belles statuettes. Les têtes de colonnes sont superbement décorées par de très jolies sculptures. À voir.

(Translated by Google) This visit enchanted me, the church sits in the heart of this medieval city. A 12th century church, the 3-nave Romanesque nave was restored in the 19th century in the neo-Romanesque style, the original choir was rebuilt in the 16th century, the side chapels which line the side aisles were added in the 17th and 18th centuries. Despite all these transformations, this church emanates an authenticity specific to these monuments built in volcanic stones. (Original) Cette visite m'a enchanté, l'église trône au cœur de cette cité médiévale. Église du 12è , la nef romane à 3 vaisseaux a été restaurée au 19è dans le style néo roman, le chœur primitif a été reconstruit au 16è, les chapelles latérales qui bordent les collatéraux ont été ajoutées aux 17è et 18è. Malgré toutes ces transformations, de cette église émane une authenticité propre à ces monuments construits en pierres volcaniques.

(Translated by Google) Thanks to the kindness of the lady who opened the door for us but it would be good to rotate the priests to ensure a mass on site (Original) Merci a l'amabilité de la dame qui nous a ouvert mais il serait bien de faire tourner les curé pour assurer une messe sur place

(Translated by Google) Eglise Saint-André History This Romanesque church dates back to the end of the XIIth century and was built on top of an old lava flow. From that early period now only the nave and the transept remain. During that period it was managed by a monastic community of monks. It became an important place of pilgrimage, where people started to venerate the 'Notre-Dame de Vassivière'. In order to properly accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims, the Romanesque choir was replaced in 1551 by a Gothic choir with a flat chevet. In the XVII and XVIII centuries, the church was expanded with side chapels and a new porch was built. In the days after the French Revolution, the bell tower was destroyed. In 1822 it was decided to replace the flat chevet with a semi-circular apse and forty years later - in 1862 - a bell tower was again erected where the old one had once stood. The church was completely restored on the inside in the 1970s. Every year the "Fête de la Devalade" is celebrated there. On that occasion, the statue of Our Lady is carried in procession from the church to the “chapelle de Vassivière”. A trip of about seven kilometers. Architecture The andesite stone in which this church was built gives it a rather gloomy appearance. It is a transeptless building with an octagonal bell tower with spire dating from the XIX century. In the southern facade you will find the XVI-century main portal. An angel stands in a niche above the porch. The arched frames of the door are very beautifully sculpted at the ends. Inside the church, the chapels are illuminated through tall Gothic windows. The XIX century chevet ends in a semi-circular apse with a single window. The scarce light and the color of the stones make the interior as gloomy as the outside. This does not benefit the 28 capitals in the nave and in the crossing of the transept. Yet it depicts both beautiful religious and profane scenes: the 'parable of the rich and the poor', 'the passion of Saint André', 'the story of Lazarus', 'a great ape on a leash', 'a sacrificial scene' and 'centaurs among the bushes'. Despite the many renovations and adjustments, you can still see a number of beautifully sculpted XVI-century choir stalls in the choir. Its folding chairs – the misericordiatjes – are all beautifully decorated, either with images of vices (slander, greed, anger, debauchery, etc.) or of crafts (barber, carpenter, shoemaker). In a niche at the back of the choir is the XIV-century statue of 'Notre-Dame de Vassivière'. The subject of intense veneration for five centuries. (Original) Eglise Saint-André Geschiedenis Dit Romaans kerkje gaat terug tot het einde van de XIIe eeuw en is gebouwd boven op een oude lavastroom. Uit die beginperiode resten nu enkel nog het schip en het transept. In die periode werd het beheerd door een kloostergemeenschap van monniken. Het werd een belangrijk bedevaartsoord, waar men de ‘Notre-Dame de Vassivière’ ging vereren. Om het stijgend aantal pelgrims op een behoorlijke manier te kunnen opvangen, werd in 1551 het Romaanse koor vervangen door een gotisch koor met een vlak chevet. In de XVIIe en XVIIIe eeuw werd de kerk uitgebreid met zijkapellen en bouwde men een nieuw voorportaal. In de dagen na de Franse Revolutie moest de klokkentoren eraan geloven. In 1822 besloot men het vlakke chevet opnieuw te vervangen door een halfronde apsis en veertig jaar later - in 1862 dus – verrees er opnieuw een klokkentoren waar ooit de oude had gestaan. De kerk werd in de jaren 1970 aan de binnenkant volledig gerestaureerd. Elk jaar viert men er het "Fête de la Devalade". Bij die gelegenheid wordt het beeld van O.L.Vrouw in processie van de kerk naar de “chapelle de Vassivière” gedragen. Een tocht van zo'n zeven kilometer. Architectuur De andesietsteen waarin deze kerk is opgetrokken, geeft haar een vrij sombere aanblik. Het is een gebouw zonder dwarsbeuken met een achthoekige klokkentoren met torenspits daterend uit de XIXe eeuw. In de zuidelijke gevel vind je het XVI-eeuwse hoofdportaal. In een nis boven het voorportaal staat een engel. De booglijsten van de deur zijn aan de uiteinden zeer mooi gesculpteerd. Binnen in de kerk worden de kapellen verlicht langs hoge gotische ramen. Het XIX-eeuwse chevet eindigt op een halfronde apsis met een enkel raam. Het schaarse licht en de kleur van de stenen maken dat het interieur even somber is als de buitenkant. Dit komt de 28 kapitelen in het schip en in de kruising van het transept niet ten goede. Toch staan hierop zowel prachtige religieuze als profane taferelen afgebeeld: de 'parabel van de rijke en de arme', 'de passie van Saint André', 'de geschiedenis van Lazarus', 'een mensaap aan een leiband', 'een offerscène' en 'centauren tussen de struiken'. Ondanks de vele verbouwingen en aanpassingen, zie je in het koor nog steeds een aantal mooi gesculpteerde XVI-eeuwse koorstoelen. De klapstoeltjes ervan – de misericordiaatjes – zijn alle mooi versierd, hetzij met afbeeldingen van de ondeugden (laster, hebzucht, woede, losbandigheid, ...) of van ambachten (barbier, schrijnwerker, schoenmaker). In een nis achterin het koor staat het XIV-eeuwse beeld van de ‘Notre-Dame de Vassivière”. Sinds vijf eeuwen het onderwerp van een intense verering.

(Translated by Google) Magnificent church architecturally and its rich religious objects (Original) Magnifique église sur le plan architectural et ses riches objets religieux

(Translated by Google) And with a guide who introduced us to this little church 💒 (Original) Et avec une guide qui nous a fait découvrir cette petite église 💒

!!!!!Call the museum or Besse tourist office before visiting!!!!!! On the Sancy website the museum was listed as open. Upon arrival it was not. The Besse tourist office told us we made a mistake. Upon checking on their own website they apologised and explained that the museum is open at the whims of the owner. Tough luck for us.

(Translated by Google) Strange place run by an enthusiast, I wonder where the name “museum” comes from here because you can only do a single guided tour in a single room locked with the owner. This is more of an enthusiast's collection, the beginnings of skiing are well represented but nothing more from the 60s-2000s. The guide relaxes if we start a conversation but frankly strange. (Original) Endroit étrange tenu par un passionné, je me demande d’où vient l’appellation « musée » ici car on ne peut fait qu’une visite commentée unique dans une seule pièce enfermés avec le propriétaire. Cela relève davantage d’une collection de passionné, les débuts du ski sont bien représentés mais plus rien vers les années 60-2000. Le guide se détend si on engage la conversation mais franchement bizarre.

(Translated by Google) Small museum full of a rather impressive collection of skis and other machines! Small downside: the visit is carried out by a rapid presentation of the objects present, without much conviction on the part of the owner. The atmosphere relaxed towards the end: don't hesitate to ask this enthusiast questions! This makes the visit more lively and more interesting. (Original) Petit musée bien rempli d'une collection de ski et autres engins plutôt impressionnante ! Petit bémol : la visite se fait par une présentation rapide des objets présents, sans grande conviction de la part du propriétaire. L'atmosphère s'est détendue vers la fin : ne surtout pas hésiter à poser des questions à ce passionné ! Cela rend la visite plus vivante et plus intéressante.

(Translated by Google) Too bad the visit was botched by the guide who showed us pieces of the museum here and there without passion or logic. A beautiful collection of rare material but not really highlighted, it is old and lacks lighting. For 4.5€, I'm still hungry. (Original) Dommage visite bâclée par le guide qui nous montre ça et là des pièces du musée sans passion, ni logique. Une belle collection de matériel rare mais pas vraiment mis en valeur, c'est vieux et manque d'éclairage. Pour 4,5€,je reste sur ma faim.

(Translated by Google) Interesting visit, but the price a little high for 20 minutes of presentation. Surface area too small but beautiful objects. (Original) Visite intéressante, mais le prix un peu élevé pour 20 minutes d'exposé. Superficie trop petite mais de beaux objets.

(Translated by Google) Lovely family visit to this museum located on the ground floor of the most beautiful building in the medieval city of Besse. The visit is led by Mr. Chauvet in person. Explanations and demonstration of the equipment used at the time. The four of us had a great time. We highly recommend. Patrick (Original) Belle visite en famille dans ce musée situé au RDC de la plus belle bâtisse de la cité médiévale de Besse. La visite est assurée par M. Chauvet en personne. Explications et démonstration du matériel utilisé à l'époque. Nous avons passé un bon moment tous les quatre. Nous recommandons vivement. Patrick

(Translated by Google) A very interesting visit commented by the creator of the museum, Mr. Chauvet, passionate about the origins of skiing and other sliding equipment. (Original) Une très intéressante visite commentée par le créateur du musée M. Chauvet, passionné par les origines du ski et autres matériels de glisse.

Took the gondola up to the top 50 euros for a family of 4 was disappointed that they had no restaurant up there .The rest of the place is good and lots of activities Mountain bike, hiking, swimming,Zip lines 😀 We had dinner at the bakery ( Yellow chairs ) And it was very good and wasn't expensive.

Super Besse is a ski resort that offers slopes for all levels and fun activities. The rental service, equipment and prices are great. I tried skiing for the first time and I had a blast. The slopes were well prepared and the view was gorgeous. However, only a few members of the staff were helpful. Maybe we didn’t find the right people to ask, but we found it challenging to know where you could use the ski sledge as most of them didn’t know anything. Apart from that, my first time skiing was an incredible experience that I recommend to everyone.

We stayed in summer relaxing pool was a + but most of the time too cold good for kids fantastic landscapes

Super-Besse is a great "little" ski resort for everyone. The station has been changing so much during the last 10 years and it now has everything you can expect from it. You don't get the fuss you can have from big Alpes station and get to enjoy a great winter time. I would highly recommend the flats "La forêt" as you are at the heart of the station with the pistes across the road. (the picture is from beginning of April hence the very late snow left)

Well organized for parking and ski pass recharging via internet. Terrains are available for all levels with equipment hire close to the lifts. Night skiing is great on the lower area.

Beautiful ski station, covered in snow. Only the main car parkings are working. No hotels or restaurants opened.

Industrial skiing resort. A mess to get there, to park. 45min+ line ups to the lifts. No bench: pay to sit. Pay for the sledge slope too. Restrooms are free and they're the scary part.

(Translated by Google) Maison de la Reine Margot Today you will find the 'musée du ski' in this XV-century house of a wealthy merchant in the 'rue des Boucheries'. A legend says that in October 1586, Queen Marguerite de Valois spent the night here. She then traveled throughout the country, looking for supporters in her fight against the French Crown. In the facade on the street side, on the ground floor you see two doors with pointed arch-shaped door frames and to the right of them a window framed with a large basket arch. It is immediately clear that this building was once a shop. You will find XV century windows on the floors. On the left, a stair tower emerges slightly from the front facade. Above the door you can see coats of arms in a tympanum. Address Place de la Pairie 7-12 63610 Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Original) Maison de la Reine Margot In dit XV-eeuwse huis van een rijke handelaar in de ‘rue des Boucheries’, vind je vandaag het 'musée du ski'. Een legende verhaalt dat in oktober 1586 koningin Marguerite de Valois hier zou overnacht hebben. Ze trok toen het hele land door, op zoek naar medestanders in haar strijd tegen de Franse Kroon. In de gevel aan de straatkant, zie je op het gelijkvloers twee deuren met spitsboogvormige deurlijsten met rechts ervan een raam omlijst met een grote korfboog. Het is meteen duidelijk dat dit pand ooit een winkel is geweest. Op de verdiepingen vind je XV-eeuwse ramen. Aan de linkerkant treedt een traptoren ietsje uit de voorgevel naar voren. Boven de deur ervan zie je in een timpaan wapenschilden. Adres Place de la Pairie 7-12 63610 Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

(Translated by Google) shop in a very pretty setting. Very friendly welcome and a variety of products, souvenir items and diversity of food products, local, artisanal (biscuits, syrups, candies, alcohol, jams and so on. ;) Personally, we toured many souvenir shops in d other cities, and we returned there before our departure because we found products of better quality and for less money in this specific store. at least what interested us. ;) We found our little happiness there ;) Thank you again for the very friendly welcome :) Hoping that the small temporary power outage will be resolved ;) (I think so, it was just temporary and it in no way prevented the welcome and friendly service ;) (Original) boutique dans un très joli cadre. Accueil très sympathique et une variété de produits, objets souvenirs et diversité de produits alimentaires, local, artisanal (biscuits, sirops, bonbons, alcool, confitures et j'en passe. ;) Personnellement, on fit le tour de nombreuses boutiques souvenirs en d'autres villes, et on y retourna avant notre départ car on y trouva des produits de meilleure qualité et pour moins cher en cette boutique spécifique. pour ce qui nous intéressait du moins. ;) On y trouva notre petit bonheur ;) Encore merci de l'accueil bien sympathique :) Espérant que la petite panne d'électricité passagère sera résolue ;) (je pense que oui, c'était juste passager et cela empêcha aucunement l'accueil et le service sympathique ;)

(Translated by Google) Go for a walk! Nice store I go shopping there every time I go to Besse (Original) Aller faire un tour ! Magasin sympa je vais y faire des achats à chaque passage à Besse

(Translated by Google) The place is well hidden. Do yourself a favor and walk to the dead end, descending below the water treatment plant. Below, you'll find space to park. The area is very shaded and hides magnificent scenery. Enjoy your discovery and enjoy your walk. (Original) L'endroit est bien caché. Faites-vous une faveur et avancez jusqu'à l'impasse, en descendant en bas de l'usine de traitement des eaux. En contrebas vous aurez de la place pour stationner. L'endroit est très ombragé et cache de magnifiques paysages. Bonne découverte et bonne balade.

(Translated by Google) Well hidden but very nice! Don't hesitate to stop if it's on the way, a nice little 30-minute break. Don't hesitate to go all the way down to the bottom of the waterfall, don't just stay at the top! Bring real shoes preferably (Original) Bien caché mais très sympa! Ne pas hésiter à s'arrêter si c'est sur le chemin, une petite pause agréable de 30min. Ne pas hésiter à bien descendre tout en bas de la cascade, ne pas se contenter de rester en haut! Prévoir des vraies chaussures de préférence

(Translated by Google) Haven of greenery and peace (Original) Havre de verdure et de paix

We enjoyed the swimming pool & the spa, it's very clean and well maintained. The staff were friendly & welcoming, this center is def. a treasure in super-basse. Highly recommended.

A real great asset for the station during a rainy day. Great activities for kids and reasonable prices. Only a lack of change room for babies is to be noted and make it lose a star.

Super

Super

(Translated by Google) First of all, the staff is pleasant and caring throughout the center. We went bowling one evening and had a great time. We booked a slot one morning to access the wellness area, which also included a massage for me. Wow!!!! Cauryne provided this service, and I can assure you that this woman has real abilities to help you let go. A big thank you for this moment of relaxation, Cauryne. (Original) Tout d'abord équipe agréable et bienveillante dans tout le centre. Nous avons fait un bowling un soir et nous avons passé un bon moment. Nous avons réservé un créneau un matin à l'accès espace bien-être avec pour moi en plus un massage. Wahou !!!! C'est Cauryne qui a assuré cette prestation et je peux vous certifier que cette femme a de réelles capacités à vous faire Lâcher-prise. Un grand merci pour ce moment de détente Cauryne.

(Translated by Google) A wonderful welcome! Well informed by the kind, smiling blonde woman. Then, we were massaged by Lucie K. Bravo to her, her expertise, her dexterity, and the icing on the cake, her professionalism. We returned home very satisfied with our massages. (Original) Déjà un super accueil! Bien renseignés par la gentille dame blonde souriante. Ensuite, nous avons été massés par Lucie K. Bravo à elle, un savoir faire,une dextérité et cerise sur le gâteau, un professionnalisme à souligner. Nous rentrons très satisfaits de nos massages.

(Translated by Google) Great family outing! Adventure park well-suited to all ages, pleasant and clean aquatic area, snack bar with shaded terrace and reasonable prices. Negative points: access limited to 4 hours and no air conditioning in the indoor park, very hot in summer. (Original) Super sortie en famille ! Parc aventures bien adapté aux âges, espace aquatique agréable et propre, snack avec terrasse à l’ombre et prix corrects. Points négatifs : accès limité à 4h et pas de climatisation dans le parc indoor, très chaud en été.