Gelles combines the Church of Saint-Georges and regional AOP cheese production with the Cascade de Say, the route to the Étang de Banson, and views of the region’s volcanoes. When planning an overnight stay, you face a specific choice: should culture, a visit focused on cheese, or a route through the landscape be the main focus? The destinations also differ in the time they require, so you can plan your stay around your interests and the time you have available.
The Church of Saint-Georges and its timeline
The first mention of the Church of Saint-Georges dates from June 15, 1165. Its bell tower was built in 1691 by Jacob Chardon from the parish of Pontgibaud. On June 18, 1739, the church was badly damaged in the fire that devastated the village of Gelles. There are 526 years between the dates 1165 and 1691; the fire followed 48 years after the tower was built. This makes it easy to place the first mention, the construction of the tower, and the severe damage in chronological order.
Milk, cheese, and tasting
At GAEC Sudre, visitors can learn about milk and cheese production and taste the AOP cheeses Bleu d’Auvergne and Fourme d’Ambert, made and aged on the farm. GAEC Mélodie processes some of the milk produced on the farm into AOP Fourme d’Ambert cheese. This presents two aspects of cheese production in Gelles: a specific opportunity to visit and taste, and the processing of milk produced on the farm.
Cascade de Say: route and advisory
The Cascade de Say is a waterfall forming a streambed strewn with rocks. A path leads to the waterfall from the parking area beside the information sign; the stated time for the round trip is 20 minutes. The descent and surrounding area can be slippery, so bear this in mind when planning your visit.
Circular route to the Étang de Banson
The L’étang de Banson route is a 12.5 km circular route, with a stated duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. In Gelles, the starting point is opposite the Maison familiale et rurale; there is a parking area and an information sign there. From Gelles, the route leads to the ruins of the Château des seigneurs de Banson, the Étang de Banson, and the Chapelle de Banson.
Time required and choice of scenery
The difference is clear when choosing by time required: the stated time for the round trip to the Cascade de Say is 20 minutes, while the 12.5 km L’étang de Banson circular route takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. The figures answer different planning questions: for the Cascade, the time given is for the round trip; for the Banson circular route, the total distance and duration are also provided. This lets you compare a short walk to the waterfall with a longer loop taking in three destinations.
The La roche branlante de Gelles route offers a different perspective on the landscape, with views of the region and its volcanoes. It has a different focus from a visit to the waterfall or a circular route to ruins, a pond, and a chapel: here, the emphasis is on the views of the landscape.
Discover more destinations: Vertolaye, Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze, Saint-Georges-sur-Allier, Thiolières, Sauvessanges, Mazaye, Saint-Jean-des-Ollières, Thônes.
For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.
