Just outside Mainatja-te

Mainatja-Te is located next to Cheylade and Riom-ès-Montagne, in the Cantal region. It's worth looking at these two beautiful communes surrounding us.

Cheylade

Cheylade is a small village tucked away in the mountains of the Cantal, with a peaceful, leafy setting. Surrounded by nature, between lush forests and gentle hills, Cheylade offers a pleasant setting for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. Puy Mary, a notable volcanic peak, watches over the surrounding landscape.

The village of Cheylade offers several options for lovers of outdoor activities. Hiking trails crisscross the countryside, offering views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The area is also renowned for paragliding, attracting fans of aerial activities.

As well as its natural surroundings, Cheylade also boasts a fine cultural heritage. The church of Saint-Léger is an architectural legacy demonstrating the region's history. The narrow streets of Cheylade are lined with ancestral stone houses, in keeping with traditional Auvergne architecture. Life in Cheylade is punctuated by festive events throughout the year. These local festivities, along with the traditional markets, demonstrate the conviviality of the community. For more information, visit the Cheylade website Cheylade website.

Riom-ès-Montagnes

Riom-ès-Montagnes, with its Avèze distillery and its famous Fête du Bleu, offers visitors an authentic foray into the gastronomic riches of the Cantal. The commune is committed to perpetuating local traditions while offering its cheese-making expertise and gentian-based specialties to delight gourmets.

Riom-ès-Montagnes' passion for cheese is best demonstrated during the annual Fête du Bleu. This event is an opportunity for locals and cheese lovers to celebrate Bleu d'Auvergne and appreciate the Cantalien cheese-making craft.

The Avèze distillery, located right in the heart of Riom-ès-Montagnes, encapsulates the authenticity of the Cantal region by producing a traditional drink made from gentian. This mountain plant, with its distinctive flavor nuances, is enhanced by the ancestral expertise of this local establishment.

Renowned for its resilience in mountain conditions, gentian is at the heart of the region's liqueur tradition. Its aromatic and medicinal properties have been put to good use for centuries, and gentian has become a key component of Cantalien flora.

Tasting Avèze is a unique taste experience. Connoisseurs will recognize its complex aromatic palette, combining the herbaceous notes of gentian with sweet and subtly bitter touches. This liqueur can be enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif, revealing all its elegant flavor.

Find out more on the Riom-ès-Montagne website.

The Cantal: a truly unique region

The third-largest département in France, the Cantal reveals a veritable mosaic of treasures. Its diverse landscapes range from the rugged Cantal mountains to the gentle curves of the Cézallier plateau. The splendor of the region is accentuated by unspoiled lakes, meandering rivers, and lush forests, all of which are a haven for biodiversity.

Beyond Cheylade and Riom-ès-Montagne, the Cantal is dotted with picturesque villages and towns. Salers, with its carefully preserved medieval architecture, and Murat, perched on a basalt outcrop, are just some of the gems to be discovered. Each commune has its own story to tell, contributing to the department's cultural range.

Traditions are at the heart of the Cantal's cultural heritage. From the ancestral practice of transhumance to colorful folk festivals, the department maintains its link with its roots. Churches of yesteryear, châteaux, and museums offer insights into the deep history that has forged the Cantal's identity.

A trip to the Cantal would be incomplete without sampling its culinary specialties. The local gastronomy, which features local products such as the famous Cantal cheese, Salers meat, and truffles, is a tribute to the flavors of the region. Traditional markets, set in charming villages, offer an array of the best local produce and regional crafts.

The Cantal is an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain biking, and horse-riding trails crisscross the region, inviting the more adventurous to discover all its secrets. The region's volcanic past has sculpted unique geological formations, making the Cantal a fascinating place to discover.

The Cantal website provides further information on the département. The same goes for the tourist office website of Haut Cantal, which focuses more on what's on around Riom-ès-Montagne and Cheylade.