Orcet: Church, Bridge and Local History

When looking for a hotel in Orcet, the town’s history may also be part of your decision. The Église Saint-Mary, medieval remains beside winegrowers’ houses, the Pont du Malpas and heritage along the Auzon represent different themes. They range from church architecture and former fortifications to historical transport and water uses.

Church and historic town centre

The Église Saint-Mary dates from the 11th to 13th centuries and was built on the site of a chapel belonging to a 7th-century Benedictine priory. Its Gothic portal dates to the 13th century and is classified as a historic monument. These dates highlight different aspects: the building’s history spans several centuries, while the portal belongs to a specific period. The town centre also features medieval remains beside winegrowers’ houses.

The former fortifications and the history of ownership are also part of the town’s history. The Porte Nord on Rue des Remparts provided access to Orcet’s fortified village. From the 17th century onwards, the Maison des Comtes on Place Henri Romeuf was owned by the lords Aragonnès. These examples represent different aspects: the Porte relates to access to the fortifications, while the house reflects the history of its ownership.

Roman connections and historic routes

At La Serre, Julius Caesar had his 35-hectare main camp established during the Gallo-Roman period. Two boundary markers commissioned by Napoleon III are associated with the camp. In Orcet, they can be seen on Avenue de Gergovie and Rue du Consul. The dates refer to two distinct periods: the camp is attributed to the Gallo-Roman period, and the markers to the time of Napoleon III.

The Pont du Malpas is an old Roman bridge that was once complemented by a ford. It made access to neighbouring villages and exchange with them easier. On the Auzon, the Lavoir de la Narse points to another former use: Orcet’s washerwomen used the washhouse until the 1930s. The heritage along the Auzon also includes a waterwheel and its mill channel; they were probably used to irrigate nearby orchards. Thus, evidence of washing sits alongside evidence of water use probably connected with orchards.

Walking route, leisure and getting there

The signposted De l'Auzon à Gondole walking route is a 9.5-kilometre circular trail between Le Cendre and Orcet. The stated duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the route has 165 metres of elevation gain. Distance, time and elevation gain offer different points of reference for planning. Use the stated duration to plan your timing and check trail conditions before setting out.

Fermyland is a leisure park in Orcet with more than 30 activities. These include rides, a water area, a petting farm, a climbing course and inflatables. The park operates seasonally; take this into account when planning your trip and check opening times before travelling. Orcet is accessible by car via the A75 or the N89.

Discover more destinations: Vernines, Saint-Victor-La-Rivière, Doré-L'église, Sayat, Vic-Le-Comte, Aubière, Auzelles, Saint-Genès-Champanelle.

For the main travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.