Saint-Saturnin

Visit Saint-Saturnin, Auvergne

The village of Saint-Saturnin is located about 20km south of Clermont-Ferrand in the Puy-de-Dome department of France. It is classified as a most beautiful village of France. (Note: wrong St. Saturnin? see Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt in Vaucluse, Provence)

The colourful historical past of the village includes Catherine de Medici once holding court in the chateau poised high above the village.

Explore Saint-Saturnin

When you first arrive in the village, there is little to suggest the attractions of the old town above - it is pleasant enough, but nothing that would make you stop and look around. But be sure to take the time because Saint-Saturnin is a very attractive village!

Running up the hillside, the ancient streets lead you quickly into a small square containing the village church which is a good example of the traditional roman churches of the region. There are pretty houses lining the other side of the square.

From here there is a small street that runs along the top of the hill, next to the ramparts and with some of the houses built into the ramparts on one side; and a long drop into a valley on the other side.

At the bottom of the valley is a fast moving stream, and the steep hill then rises again in front of you. It seems remarkable that the ramparts were a necessary defence, given the difficulty for an invading party to approach Saint-Saturnin from below due to the natural conditions.

Saint-Saturnin castle

The peace of the village we see today gives little clue to its historical activity, which is perhaps best understood when you see the castle of Saint-Saturnin. Originally constructed in the 13th century, the castle was much modified in the 15th century when it became the residence of the Count of Auvergne, chamberlain to King Louis XIV - including the turret being added to the round tower. This 'modernisation' programme resumed in the 17th century, with the refurbishment of the large interior halls.

Catherine de Medici and her son Charles IX established their court in the castle at Saint-Saturnin in 1566, a trend followed by her daughter 20 years later, who ultimately gave the castle as a gift to King Louis XIII.

During the years and decades that followed the chateau had a variety of uses from a chocolate factory to an orphanage. The last private owners, the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul, left in 1970.

Attractions nearby

This part of the Auvergne is especially interesting to those with an interest in the religious architecture of the region. Among the best examples are the 12th century church at Saint-Nectaire and the cathedral at Clermont-Ferrand, both within easy reach of Saint Saturnin.

Photos of Saint-Saturnin (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Saint-Saturnin: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Saint-Saturnin, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Murol 15km; Puy-de-Dome 16km; Issoire 18km; Orcival 20km; Villeneuve-Lembron Chateau 22km; Mozac 24km; Volvic 24km; Mont-Dore 24km; Usson 24km; Riom 26km; La Bourboule 29km; Aulteribe Chateau 34km; Parc des Volcans 38km; Blesle 38km; Livradois-Forez Regional Park 40km; Thiers 42km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Saint-Saturnin

Saint-Saturnin tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise Notre Dame (Saint-Saturnin) - religious monument (1km) : Jardins du château de la Batisse - remarkable garden (4km) : Jardins du château d'Opme - remarkable garden (8km) : Eglise de Notre Dame (Saint-Nectaire) - religious monument (11km) : Eglise de Saint Léger (Royat) - religious monument (12km) : Basilique Notre Dame du Port (Clermont-Ferrand) - religious monument (13km) : Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Clermont-ferrand) - religious monument (15km) : Eglise de Saint Austremoine d'Issoire (Issoire) - religious monument (18km) :

French version: see Saint-Saturnin (Francais)