Salers

Salers is a must-see village. Its cobbled streets boast Renaissance houses of dark volcanic stone, many with turrets and coats of arms. From the Esplanade de Barrouze at the village's edge, you overlook the Cantal's valleys and mountains.

The Porte de l'Horloge, also known as the Clock Gate, is one of Salers' last surviving medieval gates and a defining element of the historic town fortifications. You'll find it at the entrance to the charming village center, where it transports you back to a bygone era. This imposing structure, built from dark volcanic rock typical of the region, houses a bell tower and testifies to Salers' strategic importance in the Middle Ages. It once served as an important access point and defensive bulwark. Today, it marks the transition from the modern world into the heritage-protected village. Our Tip: Visit the gate in the early morning or late afternoon to capture the special light on the dark stone and avoid the largest tourist crowds. From here, you can directly explore Salers' narrow streets and well-preserved architecture.

The Maison des Templiers is, despite its name, a bourgeois residential building from the Renaissance. Today, it houses the Museum of Salers History: It displays folk traditions, 18th and 19th-century furniture, sculptures, and a historical pharmacy on the ground floor.

The Église Saint-Mathieu is a late Gothic building made of dark volcanic stone. The bell tower, portal, and narthex are Romanesque and are considered remnants of an older church that was documented as early as the 13th century. Inside is a Mise au Tombeau (Entombment of Christ) from the late 15th century, a sculpture group with life-sized figures. Also featured are Aubusson tapestries from the 17th century depicting biblical scenes such as the Adoration of the Magi and the Deposition from the Cross.Our Tip: Mornings are typically quiet in the church.

The Porte de l'Horloge, also known as Porte du Beffroi, is one of the two surviving gates of Salers' medieval city fortifications; the other is the Porte de la Martille. The lower part of the gate tower presumably dates back to the 14th century. It gets its name from the clock in the tower. Through the gate, you arrive directly in the historic centre.Our Tip: In the early morning, it's still quiet here. From the outside, you best see the tower in context with the fortifications.

The Église Saint-Mathieu in Salers is an impressive example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, built from the dark volcanic stone so characteristic of the Auvergne. Originally built in the 12th century, it was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded over the centuries, giving it its current multifaceted appearance. Inside, a tranquil atmosphere invites you to linger. Particularly noteworthy are the valuable Flemish tapestries from the 17th century, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Matthew and showcasing remarkable artistic quality. Another masterpiece is the polychrome sculptural group of the “Mise au Tombeau” (Entombment of Christ) from the 15th century, which captivates with its expressiveness. You'll find it in a side chapel. Our Tip: It's best to visit the church in the morning to best experience the special light conditions through the windows and calmly observe the details of the artworks before the main visitor crowds arrive. Also plan enough time to explore the picturesque streets of Salers around the church.