Sightseeing close to Pleaux
JaxTrax is right on the frontier between the Cantal and the Corrèze.
It is therefore ideally suited for visits to Salers, Mauriac, Collonges-la-Rouge…
Salers
Our recommendations
Mauriac
13k
The Cantal’s sous-prefecture, a market town (Saturday morning) with supermarkets and restaurants. Also religious monuments such as the basilica and the monastery.
Tours de Merle
14k
Deep in the heart of the southern Corrèze countryside, the ‘Tours de Merle’ are the remains of various medieval castles and their associated buildings. They are beautifully situated in a deep wooded valley, although the forest around the castle makes the river rather difficult to see.
Salers
21k
A hilltop medieval village, listed as a ‘most beautiful village in France’. Salers has origins that can be traced back almost 1000 years, but it was during the boom years of the 15th century that much of the current town was constructed in grey volcanic stone.
There is also a race of cows called after ‘Salers’, which you are likely to see in the region, and a version of Cantal cheese (well known across France) called Salers – one of five AOC cheeses in the Auvergne region.
Route des Crêtes
Cantal (15)
Take the D680 to Salers then follow the D35 towards Fontanges.
A breathtaking drive, but not for the faint hearted. A very narrow road with stunning views down into the ‘Vallée de la Jordanne’ and across the largest volcanic range in Europe.
Collonges-la-Rouge
46k
Listed as ‘a most beautiful village in France, it is built in red stone. Well worth the drive if you haven’t been before and fancy a day out.
Plenty of restaurants and shops too.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
36k
Famous for the Strawberry festival in May.
You can explore the attractive old town and walk along the Dordogne river.
Fontanges
22k
Is a small village in the Monts du Cantal region. To the edge of the village you will find the Monolithic Chapel of Saint- Michel of Fontanges.
This is a remarkable chapel inside a large rock with an ornate carved entrance. Originally a small castle stood here, which is why the chapel was built, although no trace of the castle remains today. You can climb up to the statue of the Virgin on top of the rock for a view across the village.
Tournemire
22k
Listed as a ‘most beautiful village in France’ the very picturesque village of Tournemire is overlooked by the Chateau de Anjony. Some of the houses are said to have been built on earlier Roman foundations, and almost all are built from the local volcanic rock, with slate roofs.
It also boasts a gourmet restaurant, ‘La Petite Grange’.
Booking in advance is advisable on 04 71 43 39 26.
Argentat
24k
A market town, (Thursday mornings), with supermarkets and restaurants etc. Lovely views across the Dordogne.