Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines: Mining History and Plan d’eau

Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines combines the history of coal mining with the leisure area around the Plan d’eau and hikes offering views of the town and the Bouble Valley. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can plan your trip around these different interests: cultural history, time by the water or a longer hike.

Mining history in several forms

The Maison de la Mine presents the mining history of Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines, which began in 1741, and the town’s development. The visit includes reconstructions of a chambre chaude and a lamp room. This lets you encounter local history both in reconstructed spaces and through the story of the town’s development.

An immersive room uses virtual and augmented reality, panoramic screens and three-dimensional machines to immerse visitors in the coal mines. The room was added in 2024; check before your trip whether it is open.

The Chevalement du Puits Saint-Joseph is also part of the town’s industrial heritage. Built in 1926, it is 40 metres high and weighs 160 tonnes. As a cultural and historical symbol, it commemorates the two centuries of coal mining that had a major influence on the history of Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines. The Maison de la Mine and the Chevalement focus on different aspects: one presents the history and development of the town, while the other is a structure with its own symbolic significance.

Plan d’eau: mining history and leisure

The Plan d’eau was created as a leisure destination after the collapse of mine tunnels left two large depressions at the southern entrance to town between the 1950s and 1960s. Its creation thus links the history of mining with later recreational use.

The Plan d’eau has an unsupervised swimming area on a fine-sand beach. Bear in mind that there is no supervision if you plan to swim, and check the bathing conditions before your visit. Pedal boats are available to rent; check in advance whether they are available during your trip.

Hiking around Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines

The La forêt du Quartier circular hike is 16 kilometres long, rated difficult and listed as taking 4 hours and 45 minutes. Its length, difficulty rating and estimated time together provide concrete guidance for planning your day.

The route follows a body of water to Youx, offers views over the Bouble Valley and Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines, and then passes near former mining settlements. The hike brings together scenic views and traces of industrial history.

The starting point is at Place Saint-Ménilie, by an 11th-century church. In the old town centre, there is a car park near the church. Check the route conditions locally before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Arlanc, Jumeaux, Chastreix, Saint-Maurice-Près-Pionsat, Royat, Saint-Bonnet-Lès-Allier, Viscomtat, Joze

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