The 38-metre-high rocky ridge of Rocher de Turlande towers above the Truyère Gorges valley. The pink quartz viewpoint offers views of the gorges. Paulhenc combines striking landscape features like these with historic buildings and opportunities to visit animals.
Chapels and medieval traces
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Turlande was built in the second half of the 13th century as a castle chapel. Since 31 December 1996, it has been listed in its entirety as a historic monument. The Église Saint-Saturnin has also been listed in its entirety as a historic monument since 10 February 1997. Both listings apply to the complete buildings, not just individual parts. The chapel thus combines its medieval function as a castle chapel with its later legal recognition as a monument. The defensive moat and the medieval motte of Turlande are accessible.
Visits and opening times
Seasonal visits to the Chapelle de Turlande are scheduled for Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Visitors can explore the chapel interior and the elevated viewpoint. As seasonal dates may change, check visiting times before planning your visit. This will help you schedule your chapel visit for one of the two afternoons.
Golf with scenic views
Golf du Battut has a 9-hole course measuring 1,872 metres, with a par of 32. It overlooks a large reservoir and offers views of the surrounding landscape. The view from the 4th hole over the Truyère is unobstructed. At Rocher de Turlande, the pink quartz viewpoint looks out over the Truyère Gorges; at Golf du Battut, the view from the 4th hole takes in the river. If you would like to compare these perspectives, the difference between the pink quartz viewpoint and the view from the golf course is clear.
Animal visits with a workshop to book
The Mini ferme du lac in Paulhenc gives visitors the chance to meet animals such as donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits and llamas. The “Mini fermier” workshop lasts two hours and is for children aged six and over. It includes feeding and brushing the animals, cleaning the enclosures and caring for the animals; advance booking is required. Reservations are also required for guided visits and free time in the activity park; check the dates in advance.
AOC cheeses in Cantal
In Cantal, you can explore the AOC cheese route. Individual producers and their opening arrangements may change, so check the specific stops before your visit.
Planning your visits
When planning, note the difference between the two activities with set timings: chapel visits are seasonal and take place on two afternoons, while the children’s workshop lasts a fixed two hours and requires a reservation. If you would like to do both, first check the chapel dates and book the workshop; you can then plan other visits around these key activities.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Amandin, Landeyrat, Saint-Urcize, Loubaresse, Chalinargues, Pleaux, Reilhac, Talizat
For the overview of the wider region: Cantal.
