Chilhac combines architectural history with a history of palaeontological discoveries. The Église Saint-Honorat and the fortified gate offer distinct architectural points of reference; the fossil finds provide a unique perspective on the past. When planning your trip, you can choose between cultural history, palaeontology and outdoor activities.
Church architecture and fortifications
The Église Saint-Honorat dates from the end of the 14th century. Its nave is divided into four bays; it also has a rectangular-ended choir, additional chapels and a bell tower. This description covers not only the age of the church, but also the layout of its structure.
Two engaged Romanesque columns are considered the last surviving remains of the Romanesque building. They offer a different point of reference in time from the church building, which dates from the late 14th century. The fortified gate adds to this architectural focus with the gate of the former castle, which it preserves. It features a pointed arch and machicolation. The pointed arch and the loophole in the machicolation are characteristic of the 13th century.
Museum and palaeontological finds
You can visit the Musée Christian Guth on your own or as part of a guided tour. Activities for children are also offered there in summer. The seasonal programme may change; check before your visit which activities are planned during your stay.
Chilhac is one of the major palaeontological sites in Haute-Loire. Excavations have uncovered fossil remains of sabre-toothed cats, mastodons, mammoths, rhinoceroses, gazelles, bears and beavers. Worked pebbles have also been found; they are considered evidence of the presence of hominins. Alongside the buildings, this gives the area its own history of discoveries, encompassing both animal remains and evidence of early human presence.
Cycling and hiking
The Via Allier offers panoramic views of the Allier along the river bends. This section is intended for experienced cyclists or cyclists with an e-bike. This makes your own cycling experience an important consideration if you plan to include the route in your trip.
The GR® de Pays “Robe de Bure et Cotte de Mailles” is a hiking route associated with Chilhac. Check the route conditions before setting out. Cycling and hiking therefore represent different activity choices: for the relevant section of the Via Allier, the recommendation for cyclists is important, while hikers should check the conditions of their route beforehand.
Chilhac offers various ways to choose a focus for your stay: church architecture and fortifications for those interested in architecture, fossils and worked pebbles for an insight into the history of discoveries, and cycling and hiking options for outdoor activities. At the museum, you can also choose between visiting on your own and taking a guided tour; activities for children are seasonal. This allows you to prioritise the subjects that interest you most on your trip.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Arcons-De-Barges, Vielprat, Saint-Didier-Sur-Doulon, Beaulieu, Saint-Julien-Du-Pinet, Retournac, Blesle, Les Estables
See the overview of the wider region: Haute-Loire.
