Pers lies on the shore of Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès. The area also features a Romanesque church, the Sentier des Fraulières and outdoor kart hire. This offers a choice of different themes for your stay: lakeside scenery, architectural history or activity. When choosing Pers for your trip, you can weigh up which of these themes matters most and what kind of discovery interests you most.

Lakeside and engineering

Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès is a 560-hectare reservoir, and Pers lies on its shore. This area figure gives a clear sense of scale and makes the lake a distinct landscape feature. There is also an engineering aspect: during construction of the Saint-Étienne-Cantalès dam, the piers of the Viaduc du Ribeyrès were encased in concrete to prevent corrosion from the reservoir water. For travellers interested in engineering, this is a tangible addition to the lakeside setting: the reservoir is both a landscape feature and a factor in protecting a structure.

The Romanesque church of Pers

The Église romane de Pers was built before 1234 and is dedicated to Saint Martin and Saint Eutropius. The church contains an 18th-century altarpiece, listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. An altarpiece is an altar decoration; its date refers to the furnishing, not to the church’s construction. This allows the building history and furnishings to be distinguished chronologically. The dedication names two saints and gives the church a specific religious significance. The church and the viaduct thus represent different aspects of architectural history: sacred architecture and a technical protective measure.

Walking the Sentier des Fraulières

The Sentier des Fraulières is a 7 km circular walking trail that is partly wooded. It starts in front of the former town hall in Pers; at the northern end, there is a view of the Viaduc du Ribeyrès. The starting point and the view at the northern end provide clear landmarks for the walk. The 7 km distance indicates the route’s length and helps you include it as a distinct part of your day’s plans. Before setting out, check local trail conditions and the route, as signage may change.

Karting and fishing

Karting de Pers offers outdoor kart hire for everyone. Check current opening days and participation requirements before travelling. The Pers arm of Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès is designated as a fishing area; access and regulations may change. So check the current local rules before fishing. The practical considerations differ: for karting, check opening days and participation requirements; for fishing, check the rules in force for the designated area.

Discover more destinations

Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, Cheylade, Neuvéglise, Arpajon-Sur-Cère, Virargues, Massiac, Vèze, Crandelles

For the broader travel overview: Cantal.