Following the guide. - Nobody passes the castles of Val and Auzers by chance. Located on the rocky peak overhanging the vast lake of Bort-les-Orgues, the 15th century castle of Val is one of the most remarkable castles of High-Auvergne. 12.5 miles away from Val, sheltered by volcanic ramparts, the castle of Auzers is the guardian of a five centuries-old history with its typical architecture and its lauze roofs. Away from the main roads yet accessible by car, this building faces the splendid panorama of the chain of the Puys. As everywhere in Sumène-Artense, history of man is bound to exceptional natural sites.

Bassignac, a veil of plants - Heir to a skilful past, the village of Bassignac, crossed by the Sumène, keeps a trace of its history thanks to a surprising botanical garden dedicated to the tinctorial and textile activity. Did you know that fuller's teasel, a plant that grows in these wild lands, was formerly used to card? Through the inventory of over 150 plants, you will learn all the unusual things about the entirely natural products used in the textile sector before the arrival of chemistry.