Best attractions and places to see around Sauret-Besserve include a blend of historical landmarks and natural features within the Puy-de-Dôme department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The area is characterized by the Sioule valley, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, and offers diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, scenic viewpoints, and waterfalls, with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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At this time of year, what "calm"! And what beauty!
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"The waterfall of the 3 vats of Chambonnet is one of the best kept secrets of the Combrailles. The Cubes stream descends successively into 3 natural potholes and forms a waterfall, in the heart of the forest. (Combrailles Auvergne Tourisme)." Access is easy from the small car park near the Sioule road. A small bridge that crosses the Sioule is also nice to see, opposite the direction of the waterfall of the 3 Cuves. After about 15/20 minutes of walking, the waterfall is offered to you on 3 levels. A small path climbs to the top if you feel like it... Be careful not to slip though! Busy in summer, and it flows little, so prefer winter, or after a good period of rain.
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"A hike from the town of the commune allows you to reach the waterfall. The Auzelle stream flows into the Chalamont, forming a pretty 10m high waterfall in the woods. Magnificent site! (Combraille Auvergne Tourisme). A beautiful waterfall easily accessible from the road. The path is clean, as are the small wooden bridges. The proposed route is pleasant, in the heart of a small forest, while following the river.
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The Sioule is a French river in the north of the Massif Central. It rises (altitude 1093 m) near the Lac de Servières in the Monts Dore massif. It flows first in a northerly direction and then in a north-easterly direction from Pont-de-Menat (near the village of Menat, before Ébreuil). It is 150 km long (90 km in the Puy-de-Dôme department and 60 km in the Allier department). Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sioule
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Chartreuse Port-Sainte-Marie is a former Carthusian monastery founded in 1219 in Auvergne at the end of the Sioule valley. It is located on the road between Les Ancizes and Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur. During the French Revolution, the monastery was destroyed and today only remains as a ruin. Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartreuse_de_Port-Sainte-Marie
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The Fades dam is the largest dam in the Sioule valley. This impressive structure, built in 1968, holds up to 69 million cubic meters of water and powers a hydroelectric power station. From the top of the dam, you can admire the view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you may encounter wild animals, such as deer, foxes or birds of prey.
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The Chartreuse de Port-Sainte-Marie is a former monastery of the Carthusian order founded in 1219. You can explore the ruins of the ancient buildings, which are listed as historic monuments, and discover the rich cultural and economic influence of the monks in the region. You can also admire the landscapes of the Sioule valley, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, and discover the diversity of the region's flora and fauna. The site is open to visitors from Easter to All Saints' Day and offers guided tours, games, workshops and cultural events.
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This is the Fades viaduct.
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The region is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the spectacular Queuille Viewpoint, offering one of Auvergne's most famous panoramas over the meander of Queuille. Discover several waterfalls, including the 10m high Cascade de la Tine and the hidden Cascade of the 3 Pools of Chambonnet. The Sioule River valley, which forms the southern boundary of the commune, is recognized as part of the Natura 2000 network for its ecological importance. You can also find the Lac de Besserve and the Gour de Tazenat nearby.
Yes, a significant historical site is the Port-Sainte-Marie Charterhouse. These ruins of an ancient Carthusian monastery, founded in 1219, are listed as historic monuments. Another notable landmark is the early 20th-century Viaduc des Fades, an impressive railway viaduct crossing the Sioule valley.
Yes, the ruins of the Port-Sainte-Marie Charterhouse are open to visitors from Easter to All Saints' Day. The site offers guided tours, games, workshops, and cultural events, providing insight into the monks' historical influence on the region.
The area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and running. For hiking, explore routes like the easy "Chambonnet Bridge – Les Trois Cuves loop from Sauret-Besserve" or the "Cascade de la Tine – Bridge crossing the river loop from Saint-Priest-des-Champs." Cyclists can tackle routes such as the "Méandre de Queuille – Queuille Viewpoint loop from Vitrac." For more options, check out the dedicated guides for hiking, cycling, and running trails around Sauret-Besserve.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Cascade de la Tine and Waterfalls on the Sioule River are generally family-friendly spots for a pleasant walk. The VÉLORAIL ÉLECTRIQUE DES FADES (Electric Railbike of Fades) offers a unique and fun way to experience the landscape near the Fades Viaduct. The Chartreuse de Port-Sainte-Marie also hosts games and workshops during its open season.
The most renowned panoramic view is from the Queuille Viewpoint, offering a spectacular perspective of the meander of Queuille, often considered the most impressive in Combrailles. Additionally, the wild plateaus of the Combrailles region, especially during walks from Sauret-Besserve towards the Sioule valley, provide breathtaking panoramic vistas.
The region is enjoyable throughout the year, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring, summer, and autumn offer pleasant weather. If you wish to see waterfalls at their fullest flow, visiting after a period of rain or in winter might be ideal, though some paths could be slippery. The Chartreuse de Port-Sainte-Marie is open from Easter to All Saints' Day.
The Cascade of the 3 Pools of Chambonnet is often described as one of the best-kept secrets of the Combrailles, where the Cubes stream descends into natural potholes. Exploring the numerous trails for hiking and cycling can also lead you to many other picturesque and less-traveled spots within the Sioule valley and the Combrailles plateaus.
The Sioule River is a major natural feature, marking the southern boundary of the Sauret-Besserve commune. Its valley is recognized as part of the Natura 2000 network, highlighting its ecological importance and diverse flora and fauna. The river is also home to several scenic waterfalls, including the Waterfalls on the Sioule River, and its meanders create stunning viewpoints like the one at Queuille.
While specific details for Sauret-Besserve are limited, the nearby Aqua loisirs Confolant offers various water-based activities. The Lac de Besserve, created by the Barrage de Besserve, is also a prominent natural feature that may offer opportunities for water-related recreation.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural panoramas, such as the famous meander of Queuille seen from the Queuille Viewpoint. The tranquility and beauty of the waterfalls, like Cascade de la Tine, and the well-maintained paths for exploring them are also highly rated. The historical depth of sites like the Port-Sainte-Marie Charterhouse provides a rich cultural experience.
Yes, there are easy hiking options. For instance, the "Chambonnet Bridge – Les Trois Cuves loop from Sauret-Besserve" is an easy 2.5 km walk. Another accessible option is the "Cascade de la Tine – Bridge crossing the river loop from Saint-Priest-des-Champs," which is about 4.1 km and offers a pleasant route through a small forest following the river. You can find more easy trails in the hiking guide.


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