Make a self catering villa or holiday rental in the St Flour area, Auvergne your home away from home

Saint-Flour is situated in the Massif Central Haute Auvergne between two mountain regions on the high volcanic outcrop known as Planèze. The small commune of St Flour itself is divided into the lower basse which borders the River Ander, and the ville haute on the mountain slopes. The area is scattered with ancient stone dolmens with many traces of Bronze Age civilizations. Holiday cottages in the St Flour area make the ideal base for an active outdoor holiday.

Things to Do in St Flour Area, Auvergne

Outdoor Pursuits
This peaceful rural location is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and hill-walking in the flower-strewn pastures, accompanied by the sound of cowbells. The fabulous volcanic mountain scenery can be enjoyed on driving tours and there are several mountain bike trails. Canoeing is available on the nearby Truyere River, within easy reach from your holiday rental in St Flour. Nature-spotting and photography are also popular activities in the area.

Winter Sports
In the winter the area is popular for winter sports and has a long bob luge. Cable cars carry skiers to the top of the Massif du Sancy at 5,800 feet. Le Lioran ski resort offers sports all year round, from skiing to mountain biking.

Visit the Cathedral
Although St Flour is a small commune of just over 6,000 residents it has a huge Roman Catholic Cathedral which is the seat of the Bishops of Saint Flour. Built between 1398 and 1466 this Gothic structure is worth visiting to appreciate its huge rib vaulted interior.

Places to Visit Around St Flour Area, Auvergne

Alfred Douet Museum
The St Flour area is full of ancient history including the stone dolmens which are the remains of burial tombs and barrows. The local museum has a fine collection of weapons, art and furniture. It is within the restored 15th century Renaissance building, once the home of scholar Alfred Douet, which has beautiful stained glass windows and colourful tapestries.

Bison Reserve
The European Bison Reserve in Margeride is about 38km from your St Flour holiday rental. This prehistoric mammal can be seen on the 200 hectare reserve. Take horse-drawn carriages rides around the reserve in summer or sleigh rides in winter before visiting the Bison museum.

Museum of the Upper Auvergne
Located in a former 17th century Bishop’s Palace, this informative museum has exhibits about the volcano, the local Cantal cheese and the historic heritage of the area. In the chapel are religious statues, misericords and other church treasures.

Weather in St Flour Area, Auvergne

The Saint-Flour region enjoys warm sunny summers with temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F) with occasional showers. Due to its mountain elevation, winters are cold with overnight temperatures below freezing and some snow.

Travel to St Flour Area, Auvergne

The nearest airports to holiday accommodation in the St Flour area are Clermont Ferrand Auvergne (CFE) Airport 75km away, currently served by Flybe, and Saint Etienne airport which is about 100km away and is served by Ryanair. Lyon (LYS) Airport has daily flights from all over Europe and is 240km from St Flour.