The Sianne flows through Vèze, and the pastures lie at elevations of 1,100 to 1,300 metres. There are also hiking trails, the Cascade de la Terrisse, the Eglise Saint-Caprais and restored burons. You can explore the area from different perspectives: its landscape and water, a specific hiking route, or its pastoral and architectural heritage.
Pastures and Water in the Cézallier
Vèze lies in the Cézallier and in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne. The town’s pastures lie at an elevation of 1,100 to 1,300 metres and have the character of high-altitude summer pastures. The Sianne is the main watercourse flowing through Vèze. High-altitude pastures and a watercourse that crosses the town offer different points of reference for taking in the landscape.
Fishing is possible at Lac de Vèze on the plateau. The Cascade de la Terrisse features impressive basalt columns and can be reached on foot via a shaded hiking trail. This offers two different ways to enjoy the water: fishing at the lake or walking to the waterfall. Those interested in basalt formations will find a special focus on nature at the waterfall.
Hiking: Starting Points and Route Lengths
The Au fil de la Sianne hiking trail starts at Place de la Fontaine in Vèze. The fifth stage of the Tour des Vaches Rouges also starts at this square. It runs from Vèze to Peyrusse and towards the hamlet of Lac. The shared starting point provides a clear point of reference; the stage’s direction and destination are also specified.
The main route of the Tour des Vaches Rouges passes through Vèze and is a marked 148-kilometre loop completed over nine days. This makes it possible to distinguish it as a multi-day hiking option from the aforementioned stage and the Au fil de la Sianne hiking trail. Check the latest route information before setting out, as specifications may change.
Church and Pastoral Heritage
The Eglise Saint-Caprais dates from the first third of the 12th century and was restored at the beginning of the 15th century. It has been listed as a Monument historique since 30 June 1987. Its origins, restoration and listing mark different stages in its history and give the building a clear historical timeframe.
Restored burons in Vèze invite visitors to discover the pastoral heritage of the Cézallier. A local article dated 17 April 2026 describes the restored Buron du Caire as open to the public for visits. The access route described there starts at the D39 at Col des Fortuniers: it follows a drivable, partly paved track for about four kilometres, followed by a one-kilometre walk. As the route description is dated April 2026, check before visiting whether it is still valid.
The Four du hameau d’Aubevio also offers insight into the history of local use. It has been restored and was once used extensively. Alongside the church’s architectural history and the pastoral heritage of the burons, this site highlights the building’s former use.
Discover more destinations: Virargues, Leynhac, Champagnac, Tournemire, Montmurat, Valuéjols, Ally, Lavigerie
For an overview of the wider region: Cantal.
