Montel-de-Gelat offers two distinct focuses for a trip: the historic architecture of Église Saint-Mamert and the trails and fishing opportunities at Étang Neuf. The pond has a circular walking trail and a carp fishing area; at the church, the focus is on its construction phases, spatial layout and distinctive architectural details. This makes it easy to decide when choosing a destination whether you would rather plan a cultural visit, a weather-dependent walk by the water or carp fishing.
Église Saint-Mamert: construction history and details
Église Saint-Mamert has been listed as a Monument historique since March 19, 1982. Its main construction phases date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. As a 14th-century building, it is considered comparatively rare in the Auvergne.
The single-nave church has no side aisles. Two side chapels dating from the 15th century form a false transept. The term describes the crosswise impression created by the chapels within an otherwise single-nave church. At the main portal, a row of arches rests on small columns with capitals that alternate between heads and floral motifs.
The church also contains a remarkable Mise au tombeau, a 16th-century Entombment scene. Visitors interested in architecture can distinguish between different scales: the nave and side chapels shape the space, while the portal and Entombment scene showcase individual decorative details. The dates also highlight different periods—from the construction phases of the 14th and 15th centuries to the 16th-century Entombment scene.
Étang Neuf: pond and hiking trails
Étang Neuf is a 22-hectare pond. It stretches across the départements of Creuse and Puy-de-Dôme and the municipalities of Dontreix and Montel-de-Gelat. Its location across municipal boundaries is also part of how the pond is defined: it does not lie entirely within a single municipality.
A loop by the water or a longer stretch
The circular walking trail at Étang Neuf is 3.5 kilometers long, with a stated duration of one hour. It is open to walkers every day throughout the year, provided weather conditions are favorable. Before setting out, check whether the weather allows you to walk the route.
Another route is the second stage of the Étangs des Combrailles trail. It is 11.5 kilometers long and connects Montel-de-Gelat with Dontreix. The two distances can be compared: a 3.5-kilometer loop versus an 11.5-kilometer stage. The one-hour duration applies to the circular walking trail at Étang Neuf.
Carp fishing at Étang Neuf
Carp fishing at Étang Neuf is exclusively 100% no-kill. This requirement is an essential part of planning if you choose this fishing option. The carp fishing area has 16 fishing spots, each accommodating two anglers.
The options at Étang Neuf are easy to distinguish: the loop is described by its distance and stated duration, the longer stage connects two municipalities, and carp fishing is subject to a clear condition. Together with the distinct architectural interest of Église Saint-Mamert, this gives Montel-de-Gelat a range of attractions to consider when planning your stay.
Discover more destinations: Rochefort-Montagne, Saint-Flour, Randan, Bas-Et-Lezat, Collanges, Buxières-Sous-Montaigut, Chambon-Sur-Dolore, Biollet.
Go to the main travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.
