Besse-en-Chandesse
Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise
A medieval town built of black volcanic stone, where the gate bell tower, slate-paved lanes, and cheese shops radiate a strong Auvergne atmosphere.
Besse is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Monts Dore region. Its stone gate bell tower, Queen Margaret's House on a narrow lane, and the 12th-century church of Saint-André are all built of dark volcanic stone. Restaurants in town serve aligot (mashed potatoes with cheese), truffade (potatoes fried with cheese), and Saint-Nectaire cheese. Super Besse ski resort is 7 km away, and Lac Pavin lies about 4 km southwest of the town. Visitors often combine a trip here with the lakes and the Chaudefour valley on the same day.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Lac Pavin
- Lac Chambon
- Château de Murol
- Grottes de Jonas
- Vallée de Chaudefour
- Saint-Nectaire
- Puy de Sancy
- Le Mont-Dore