Apchon overlooks the glacial valley of the Petite-Rhue. The municipality’s defining attractions include the ruins of Château d’Apchon on a basalt neck, Église Saint-Blaise and the wetlands of the Tourbières de la Sagne et de Grand Combe. The combination of castle and church history and landscape can be explored through a range of visits and routes. When planning a stay, it helps to consider the historical sites and the different hiking destinations as separate focal points.

Castle Ruins and Romanesque Chapel

Château d’Apchon is one of the oldest castles in the Auvergne. Its ruins stand on a basalt neck at an altitude of 1,119 metres. Those interested in the connection between history and geology can explore the castle and its geological setting together: the basalt neck is an integral part of the site of the ruins.

Église Saint-Blaise is a Romanesque chapel dating from the 12th century, which was extended in the 15th century. Inside are a bronze Black Madonna and 17th-century altarpieces made by local craftspeople. Its construction history and furnishings offer different points of interest, from the chapel’s date to the work of local artisans.

The “Visite d’Apchon” app takes visitors on a 1.5-hour historical tour. In summer, costumed visits are offered at Apchon’s cultural site by the tourist office, the Apchon Patrimoine au coeur association, or both together. If you plan to take one of these visits, check the dates in advance. The Le Suc de Grosmont circular hike is also listed as taking 1.5 hours; it is a different activity from the historical tour.

Château d’Apchon and Église Saint-Blaise are open daily year-round, with free admission. Before your visit, check whether these details apply to your dates.

Wetlands and Hiking Trails

The wetlands of the Tourbières de la Sagne et de Grand Combe lie on the basalt plateau of Apchon; the area is designated a Natura 2000 site. You can combine a visit to this landscape with a marked hike: in Apchon, the Tourbières are accessible via a blue-marked trail towards Varèze, on a 3 km out-and-back route.

Another hiking option is Le Suc de Grosmont: the blue-marked circular hike is 4 km long and listed as taking 1.5 hours. From the Suc, views extend across the Monts du Cantal and the wetlands of Grand Combe. The hike also offers the chance to see Église Saint-Blaise and the ruins of Château d’Apchon. The two routes therefore differ in both destination and format: a circular route with views at the Suc, or an out-and-back route to the wetlands towards Varèze.

Another destination within the municipality is La Font Salée, a spring of naturally carbonated mineral water. It adds a distinct natural and cultural dimension to the historical attractions and hiking destinations.

Discover more destinations: Naucelles, Chaussenac, Ferrières-Saint-Mary, Le Claux, Jussac, Senézergues, Faverolles, Besse

For the broader travel overview: Cantal.