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Cover photo: Cable car above the landscapes of Cantal ©Shutterstock / jef77

The Auvergne Cheese Route highlights five PDO cheeses: Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Fourme d’Ambert, Bleu d’Auvergne, and Salers. Each offers guaranteed quality and distinct local character. Unlike wine routes, there is no fixed itinerary, but Teritoria recommends discovering these dairy specialties by visiting the towns that share their names.

Saint-Nectaire  

This soft cow’s milk cheese is known for its creaminess and distinctive flavour. Its savoir-faire even dates back to the court of Louis XIV.

In a curve of the Couze Chambon valley lies the small town of Saint-Nectaire. Take your time to wander through it and discover its exceptional Romanesque church, perched atop Mont Cornadore and ranked among the top five Romanesque monuments in Auvergne. Admire the raw beauty of its white stones, hewn from volcanic lava, a reminder that Auvergne is an ancient volcanic land, where thousand-year-old rock lends the church its distinctive colour.

This unique volcanic identity is reflected in the town’s landscapes, from the old spa resort along the Courançon stream to the salt marsh and the petrifying water cave, which adds to the town’s charm. Saint-Nectaire has been awarded a Michelin Travel & Culture Star, recognising the site’s natural and artistic authenticity. When visiting Saint-Nectaire, don’t miss the Fontaine Pétrifiée (Petrified Fountain), a striking natural wonder known for its calcite formations. The water from the cave is exceptionally rare and has even inspired works of art.

Just a stone’s throw from Saint-Nectaire lies Freydefont-Saint-Nectaire and its dairy farm. Join passionate farmers as they take you through the making of Saint-Nectaire cheese, from milking (at 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday) to lactic fermentation (from 10:30 a.m. each morning).

Fourme d’Ambert 

The word “fourme” might sound familiar, but do you know what it means? It comes from Old French and originally referred to the mould or container used to shape cheese made from rennet or curdled milk. Over time, the word came to refer to the cheese itself: “fourmage” eventually became “fromage”. Today, only Fourme d’Ambert retains this historic name, a fitting link to its past, especially for a cheese made using mould from rye bread.

Ambert, officially recognised as a cycling town, lies in the plain that shares its name, surrounded by the Monts du Forez and the Monts du Livradois. Originally known for the high quality of its paper, used in the first editions of the Encyclopaedia in 1751, the town is home to several architectural treasures. Among them: the Gothic parish church of Saint-Jean and the Dolmen de Boisseyre, both listed as Historic Monuments. And don’t miss Ambert’s distinctive circular town hall, said to resemble the shape of a Fourme d’Ambert cheese!

In the heart of the town, the Maison de la Fourme d’Ambert has been welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday since the 14th century. It offers a chance to explore the history of this iconic cheese and understand how it’s made. After a delicious tasting in the cellar, set off to discover the jasseries, traditional wooden and granite huts with hollow tile roofs, and learn about the seasonal dwellings used by farmers during the summer months. Taste the sweet and savoury flavours of Auvergne’s PDO cheeses, watch the cheese-making process from curdling to tasting, and don’t miss the butter churn!

Bleu d’Auvergne  

A must-try on the Auvergne Cheese Route, Bleu d’Auvergne is a raw milk cheese made with rye bread mould. It has a creamy ivory texture, blue-green veining, and a delicate floral aroma.

This cheese originates from the small village of Laqueuille, perched at 1,050 metres in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Natural Park, the highest village in the region. With just 500 inhabitants, Laqueuille was once known as La Colha, meaning ‘shepherd’s hut’ in the local Pyrenean dialect. It is here, on this ancient rocky outcrop, that the famous Bleu d’Auvergne is matured for at least 28 days in cellars, with regular pricking to encourage the growth of Penicillium roqueforti. Its story is brought to life at the Laqueuille Museum, through exhibitions and shows blending provocation and banditry…

As you pass through this small, authentic village, let yourself be charmed by the Monts Dore during a hike to La Banne or the Trador Waterfall. As you climb toward the hamlet of Trador, a geological fault reveals a natural waterfall. Formed from ancient lava flows, the cooled rock fractured into striking polygonal columns known as ‘organs’.

Salers  

A member of the Auvergne PDO label since 1961, Salers cheese is made from raw milk collected from local farms and aged for seven months in wooden moulds. From April to September, the region’s red cows graze on lush pastures, producing a uniquely rich milk.

The produce here is as colourful as the little town of Salers itself. Perched at 950 metres in the Monts Cantaliens, this medieval village is listed among France’s ‘Sites Remarquables du Goût’ (Remarkable Sites of Taste). Visitors can explore the Church of Saint-Mathieu and the old bourgeois houses built from volcanic stone and slate. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the ‘La Pastourelle’ trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Cantal region, whether by mountain bike or on foot.

Just a few kilometres from the village of Salers, the farm “Les Burons de Salers” invites you to discover the history of the region’s famous cheese, gentian liqueur, and the local speciality: truffade.

Cantal  

Last but not least on the Auvergne Cheese Route is Cantal, named after the ancient Gaulish-Celtic word Cantalo, meaning ‘borders.’ This sparsely populated mountainous département offers raw, untamed beauty across a range of landscapes and weather conditions: green rolling valleys, glaciers, lava flows, lakes, and of course, AOP cheeses.

Cantal is the oldest cheese in the region, with a history stretching back nearly 2,000 years. Its distinctive flavour comes from the rich pastures of the Cantal region and a preparation process that includes over 30 hours of cellar ageing.

This explains why there are different types of Cantal, depending on how long they’ve been aged: the youngest is less than two months old, the mature variety is aged for over six months, and the older it is, the more intense its flavour.

No more searching for brown signs to guide you along the Auvergne Cheese Route, you now have everything you need to meet producers and discover their savoir-faire. To explore more routes celebrating local produce and our regions, subscribe to our newsletter. Extend the experience with a gourmet getaway using our gift cards and boxes, valid at all our partner establishments in Auvergne and beyond. Perfect for lovers of local flavours, our loyalty programme offers exclusive benefits at every stage of your journey, for ever more authentic stays.

By Émilie FALLOT NGUYEN  

Cover photo: aerial view of the French village of Locronan, in Finistère, Brittany © Shutterstock /photofort77

Listed as a Historic Monument since 1924, Locronan is one of Brittany’s most prestigious sites, known for its traditional Breton architecture. Steeped in Celtic beliefs, a centuries-old textile heritage, and landscapes that have inspired some of the greatest painters, Locronan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Locronan: Between Sea, Mountains, and Belief

Nestled in the heart of the mountains and perched above the sea, Locronan stands as a beacon of ancestral Breton beliefs. Once a sacred site for the Celts, it hosts the Troménie every six years, a ritual procession calling for forgiveness. For the occasion, locals and visitors don traditional Bigouden costumes.

A land of miracles, Locronan is said to be the site of fertility wonders, particularly at the Church of Saint Ronan. This legend is believed to have inspired the name of the Bois du Névet, derived from ‘Németon‘, meaning ‘natural temple under the vault of heaven’ in Breton. The Church of Saint Ronan also features twelve remarkable points, symbolising the twelve months of the year and twelve male and female deities.

All these symbols reinforced fertility beliefs and drew visitors seeking blessings to conceive. Even the Duke and Duchess of Brittany are said to have visited in 1905 to pray for an heir and the continuation of their line. The church was officially listed as a Historic Monument in 1845.

Locronan is steeped in Celtic legends. On the Saturday before the first Sunday in May, young men who have come of age plant a beech tree, a symbol of spring’s awakening.

Similarly, the first day of November marks the beginning of the Celtic year, a gateway to a powerful night. On this night, the great festival of Samonios takes place, when communication between the world of the living and the dead becomes possible. Bread for the dead is distributed until the first Sunday in November.

Locronan, the hemp and flax route in Brittany

Thanks to the renown of the Church of Saint Ronan, Locronan prospered with the arrival of visitors, which boosted the work of craftsmen, merchants, and minor nobles, all of whom contributed to the creation of the city of weavers.

Brittany’s climate and abundant streams made it possible to cultivate hemp and flax in Locronan as early as the 15th century. Since then, the town and its textiles have gained lasting renown, used to outfit the largest ships of the French kingdom, including the Armada and even the ships of Christopher Columbus. The Hôtel de la Compagnie des Indes, founded in 1689 by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, worked closely with the Bureau des Toiles, established in 1669, to inspect fabric quality and stamp them with the “Locronan” mark before export. Today, the Hôtel de la Compagnie des Indes is open to visitors, offering a deep dive into the history of maritime exploration.

Flax and hemp grown in France are among the most sustainable and eco-friendly textiles. Their cultivation requires no excessive irrigation or chemicals, significantly reducing their environmental impact. Grown locally, they avoid long-distance transport and support short supply chains. In addition to being biodegradable, these fibres are strong, durable, and make use of the entire plant. Hemp, in particular, absorbs large amounts of CO₂ and helps regenerate the soil. Unlike cotton or polyester, their production is simple, clean, and local.

The painters’ route in Cornuaille

Brittany has long inspired artists, and the Charles Daniélou Art Museum is living proof. Founded by the mayor of Locronan, who also served as a minister during the Third Republic, the museum houses a collection of paintings celebrating the beauty of the region. Works by Emile Simon, Désiré Lucas, Kamesuke Hiraga, Yvonne Jean-Haffen, and others bear witness to Brittany’s vibrant artistic life in the 20th century.

The museum presents works from the town’s collection, including Les Eaux-Fortes by Marie-Renée Chevalier-Kervern, paintings by Henri Le Sidaner, and a large canvas by Odette Pauvert, the first woman to win the Prix de Rome in 1925, now on display for the first time since its restoration in 2019. This piece, designated a National Treasure, is also protected as a Historic Monument. The museum also features works donated by Charles Daniélou (1878–1953) and Rector Maurice Dilasser. Finally, the sculpture Anne de Bretagne by Jean Fréour, acquired by the town in 2018, greets visitors at the entrance.

Locronan among the “most beautiful villages in France”

Tucked away in the Finistère region, Locronan stands watch in the early hours of summer, as golden light brushes its façades, highlighting finely carved dormer windows and making the slate roofs sparkle. On the main square, the houses gently encircle the Saint-Ronan Church and its Pénity Chapel, like a silent theatre.

Inside, stained glass windows and the pulpit recount the legends of the saint. Outside, narrow streets lined with old houses invite you to stroll. Here, no cars break the spell, only wooden signs, discreet shopfronts, and the aroma of warm kouign-amann guide your steps. Let yourself be enchanted by the mystical charm of Brittany with our gift cards and gift boxes, perfect for treating yourself or someone special to a stay in the region.

Discover more legends from Brittany and beyond in our newsletter. Already under Brittany’s spell? Join our loyalty programme and be rewarded for your loyalty.

By Emilie FALLOT NGUYEN 

Cover photo: Côte des Légendes, Brittany © Shutterstock / BreizhPixelWeb

The Côte des Légendes (Coast of Legends) takes its name from the many historical sites that inspired Breton legends, tales, and folklore. It stretches for nearly fifteen kilometres between the towns of Guissény, Goulven, Kerlouan, Brignogan-Plages, and Plounéour-Trez. Let’s set off to discover this land of legends, with its authentic monuments, unspoilt nature, and dramatic coastline. If you take your time, you’ll find that Breton magic is all around you: behind every corner, a fountain of youth awaits, and a megalith rises from the middle of a field. Every place is steeped in enchantment. 

Lesneven, the charm of heritage

Begin your journey through this authentic heritage in the town of Lesneven. Capital of the former Pays de Léon, Lesneven reveals itself through granite-hued streets, old Breton houses with blue shutters, and age-old legends. Since 1720, the former Ursuline Convent has watched over the town. This multifaceted building has served as a maritime hospital for Brest fishermen, a girls’ school, and now stands as a guardian of regional history as the Léon Museum. Its former chapel, cloister, arcades, and stained-glass windows offer visitors a true journey through time. 

Immerse yourself in 50 years of history by watching the film about the Léon Museum, tucked away in the heart of the convent, or explore the heritage of the Pays de Léon on a connected walking tour through its streets.
As you wander through the town, take the time to slow down and enjoy the Monday market! Crowned the ‘Most Beautiful Market in France’ by TF1 in 2021, the square comes alive with authentic local traders offering honey, beer, Breton crêpes, and more not to mention live music and passionate artisans who delight visitors of all ages.

Lesneven is full of surprises. At every turn, you might stumble upon the Eye of Lesneven, a striking sculpture by artist Marc Didou, inspired by a 1628 engraving and now a landmark of local heritage.
Let yourself be captivated by Place Flo and its mysterious “watchful eye”… and above all, by the timeless charm of Brittany’s most authentic villages.

Coast of Legends and Faith

The tour of the Côte des Légendes continues in Folgoët, a medieval town where a spiritual atmosphere seems to permeate the winding streets. At the heart of it all stands a true architectural gem: the Basilique Notre-Dame de Folgoët. This imposing Gothic church, adorned with black kersanton stone and majestic stained-glass windows, has stood here since 1423, resisting both fires and the ravages of the Revolution. Now over 600 years old, the basilica was once a favourite of Anne of Brittany and remains a place of mystical contemplation.

The builder’s words are said to still echo within these sacred walls. According to legend, Salaün ar Fol prayed to the Virgin Mary throughout the construction, and upon his death, a lily engraved with the words Ave Maria miraculously appeared on the home of the young craftsman, who is said to have lived in a hollow tree.
The town takes its name from the Breton word Folgoad, meaning “the madman of the woods,” in homage to its builder. Since then, the monument has been considered sacred, becoming a major site of pilgrimage. Every year, 20,000 travellers come in search of the mystery behind the healing fountain of Folgoët. And since 2020, artist NUSH has drawn inspiration from this local legend to create The Hollow Tree — an installation located behind the Basilica that symbolically retraces the story.

If you’re lucky enough to be near the Basilica, you might spot some black Ouessant sheep or ditch goats — one of the smallest sheep breeds in the world.

Unspoilt Nature and Rich Biodiversity

The Côte des Légendes is a concentrated dose of unspoilt nature. Its black cliffs, unpredictable waves, and salty sea air conceal a landscape as breathtaking as it is mysterious. Modest in size — just fifteen kilometres long — the Côte des Légendes nonetheless reveals unexpected treasures, including three natural gems classified as Natura 2000 sites.

From the Curnic marsh in Guissény, where reeds rustle in the wind and dunes shelter rare orchids (eleven species in total), glass-winged dragonflies, and silent storks, to the Landes de Langazel, guardians of 11,500 years of history, where meadows, ponds, discreet insects, and wild carnivorous plants still whisper ancient tales of life… and finally to the Bay of Goulven, a vast amphitheatre of foam and sky, a sanctuary for over 20,000 birds and 163 species, protected under the RAMSAR convention.

A short walk, yet a profound journey through time, life, and nature’s unbroken memory. For the more adventurous, the GR34 offers even greater rewards, 2,000 km of Breton coastline revealing wonders of authenticity, including the small town of Meneham and the legendary lighthouse of Pontusval.

Meneham has stood the test of time, its appearance shaped by wind and tide: once a guardhouse watching over the sea, then a barracks, a hamlet of peasant fishermen, and later a village of artisans.
Today, it stands as a living jewel of Breton heritage. Between Roscoff and Les Abers, you’ll find a string of thatched cottages nestled against the rocks, a landscape sculpted by granite and time, where beaches blend with dark stone blocks like remnants of another world. Its name, derived from Menez and Ham, meaning ‘hamlet on the hill’, already evokes the delicate balance between sky and earth.

Listed as a historic site since 1975, it now celebrates, like Teritoria, 50 years of recognition. This is where the land of Pagan begins: a place of legends, shadows, and ancient tales. It is said that the great stones are creatures frozen by a spell. The most famous legend tells of the Paganiz and their ghostly shipwreckers, who lured ships to the coast to plunder the wrecks under the black moon. Today, Meneham has been transformed into a creative haven, a village of artisans where you can discover the skills of leatherworking, woodworking, ceramics, and even photography. Each workshop is a window into a craft, a memory, a hand shaping the present.

A few kilometres from the village of Meneham rises the Pontusval Lighthouse, an 18-metre-high structure perched on the rocks of Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages, where it has stood for over 150 years. Once used as a blockhouse during the Great War, it is now one of fourteen lighthouses in Finistère listed as historic monuments, though fully automated since 2003. In Breton, the word for lighthouse is tour-tan, meaning “tower of fire”, a fitting name for Pontusval, which is deeply tied to fire through local legend. According to the tale, a dragon once lived in the valley at Pontusval, feasting on three innocent victims every Sunday. One day, when the beast set its sights on the lord’s son, the despairing father threw himself from a cliff, only to be saved at the last moment by the knights of Pontusval, who rose to face the dragon and ultimately cast it into the sea. The name of the town is said to come from this legend: from the Breton Poul Beuz an Aneval, meaning “the abyss where the beast was drowned.” 

As a tribute to the legend, The Dragon’s Egg is an art installation created by Les Nouveaux Voisins as part of the Ribin’ de l’Imaginaire festival. This charred wood structure, shaped like an egg, rests among the rocks and crystal-clear waters. 

Dsicover this unique path, where every stone, every wave, and every breath of wind tells a story. Whether you’re a dreamer, an explorer, or simply curious, your legend begins here.

If you’ve been enchanted by the magic of the Côte des Légendes, explore Teritoria’s hotels and restaurants across Brittany to plan your stay. Browse our gift shop to bring home a little Breton magic, or subscribe to our free newsletter for inspiration, travel ideas, and stories from the region.   

By Émilie FALLOT NGUYEN