In Saint-Pierre-Colamine, stone monuments meet a short hike and sweeping mountain panoramas. The Dolmen du Lac, the Calvaires de Lomprat and the Jonas Caves reveal different facets of the area’s cultural heritage. There is also Pic Saint-Pierre, the communal oven in Ourcières, and experiences centred on fishing and solving puzzles. The attractions range from monuments and architecture to landscapes and activities.
Monuments and history carved into the rock
The Dolmen du Lac in Saint-Pierre-Colamine has been fully classified as a historic monument since 20 April 1927. The Calvaires de Lomprat were classified as historic monuments on 18 March 1986; both calvaries are fully protected. Together, a dolmen and two calvaries represent different forms of stone heritage here.
The Jonas Caves form a troglodytic fortress, entirely carved by people into a volcanic rock face. The caves also contain a 9th-century chapel with frescoes. The fortress and chapel bring together two distinct functions at the same site: a stronghold carved into the rock and a sacred space. The frescoes are part of the chapel and add to the story of the site.
The Croix Saint-Verny adds another point of interest. It dates from around 1600 and is made of local lava stone. Its approximate date and the material used offer a different kind of insight from the precisely dated monument classifications. The cross is freely accessible all year round, so a visit is not limited to a particular season.
Pic Saint-Pierre: Hike and panorama
The hike to Pic Saint-Pierre is a 1.7-kilometre out-and-back route. It takes one hour and includes 120 metres of elevation gain. The hike is therefore clearly defined in terms of time; its distance, duration and elevation gain describe its scope from several angles.
The Site du Pic Saint-Pierre is home to a restored chapel built in the 9th or 10th century. From here, the 360-degree panorama stretches across the Chaîne des Puys, the Monts Dore and Livradois Forez. The site thus combines a historic building with sweeping views of three named landscapes. For travellers who want to focus on the landscape as well as the cultural heritage, this contrast is a defining feature of Pic Saint-Pierre.
Community, fishing and escape games
In Ourcières, the communal oven illustrates the communal way of life in rural villages of the past. Its significance lies not only in a single building, but also in the social life represented by shared facilities. This adds a different perspective on the past to a visit to the protected monuments: here, the focus is on communal village life.
At the fishing spot on the Couze Pavin, all fishing techniques can be used; trout can be found at the bottom of the hollows. Anglers can choose their technique, while the hike to Pic Saint-Pierre is defined by a set route, duration and elevation gain. These are different ways to spend time outdoors.
The Jonas Escape Games comprise two games in hollows excavated into an extinct volcano. If you plan to try one of them, check dates and availability in advance. This makes it easy to plan an experience centred on puzzles without treating it as the same kind of activity as the hikes or cultural sites.
Discover more destinations: La Sauvetat, Antoingt, Saint-Julien-Puy-Lavèze, Saint-Genès-Champespe, Chambon-Sur-Dolore, Bertignat, Courpière, Vodable.
For the broader travel guide: Puy-De-Dôme.
