Saint-Genès-Champespe offers several distinct points of interest for your stay: the Chemin des Maquisards, the hike at Lac de la Crégut, and the Church of Saint-Sébastien with the Artense sculpture. The options range from a circular route with a stated distance and approximate duration to a visit featuring architectural history and views of the Massif du Sancy. This lets you tailor the balance of landscape, activity and culture to your own interests.

The Artense Landscape and Nature

On the Artense Plateau around Saint-Genès-Champespe, meadows, wetlands, rocks and lakes alternate. Lac de Laspialade is a peat lake west of the crystalline Artense Plateau and occupies a hollow formed during the Ice Age. The lake is home to eight protected species and one species listed on the regional Red List. This offers several ways to explore the landscape: through the changing forms of the plateau, the formation of the hollow and the protection status of individual species. For nature enthusiasts, this creates a specific connection with the species at Lac de Laspialade, in addition to the landscape itself.

Two Hikes, Different Highlights

The Chemin des Maquisards is a yellow-marked 8.4-kilometre circular walking route that takes about two hours and 30 minutes. This approximate timeframe helps you fit the hike into your day. The trail runs in the shade and has water points. Dogs are permitted on a leash. These features complement the route length with practical details to consider when choosing your activities.

The hike at Lac de la Crégut leads through the rolling terrain of the Artense, with rocky hilltops, meadows and damp hollows. The Chemin des Maquisards has a specified distance and approximate duration, while the terrain is the main focus of the Crégut hike. You can distinguish between the two options based on whether a stated route length or a description of the terrain matters more to you.

The Church of Saint-Sébastien and the Artense Sculpture

The present-day Church of Saint-Sébastien was built in 1907 to plans by architect François Picard. It replaced an older church, which was demolished in 1903. The two dates make the transition clear: the previous building was demolished four years before the present church was built.

Just behind the church stands Artense, a bronze sculpture in the shape of a Salers cow. From there, you can enjoy a view of the Massif du Sancy. The sculpture is accessible every day throughout the year, and admission is free. The view of the Massif du Sancy also gives the artwork a connection to the landscape. Alongside the church’s architectural history, you’ll find another distinct cultural point of interest for your stay.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

To reach Saint-Genès-Champespe, take the D203, then the D614 and finally the D30. A sign on the road marks the starting point of the hike at Lac de la Crégut. The sequence of roads helps you find your way to the town; at the hike’s starting point, the sign marks the trailhead. If you’re planning the Crégut hike, you can treat these as two separate steps in finding your way.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Nectaire, Orcines, Chaptuzat, Saint-Victor-La-Rivière, Medeyrolles, Olby, Saint-Sauves-D'auvergne, Marsac-en-Livradois

For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.