The Petrifying Fountains of Saint-Nectaire

Saint-Nectaire

Here, man turns water into stone! In Saint-Nectaire, volcanic activity is still evident: hot springs gush from the center of the Earth, giving rise to a craft unique in the world: petrification.

Le P’tit Plus

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Since 1821, in the heart of the Sancy Massif in Auvergne, the Fontaines Pétrifiantes de Saint-Nectaire have been preserving a craft that is unique in the world: the art of petrification, a very rare artisanal process that transforms thermal mineral springs rich in limestone into one-of-a-kind decorative objects. Here, tradition, science, and creativity have come together for seven generations of passionate artisans.
Products bearing the “CARACTÈRE SANCY” label, proudly crafted in the Sancy region, reflect not only the expertise but also the passion for their craft and the deep connection to their region shared by the producers and artisans of the Sancy Massif.
These products have been certified through a partnership with the Sancy Tourist Office.
As a result, our limestone bas-reliefs and crystallized objects have been awarded the “CARACTÈRE SANCY” label.

Labels & distinctions

Living Heritage Company Accreditation Caractère Sancy Qualité Tourisme™

Opening

Du 14/09/2026 au 04/10/2026

Self-guided tour lasting about 1 hour

lundi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

mardi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

mercredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

jeudi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

vendredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

samedi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

dimanche

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

Du 05/10/2026 au 18/10/2026

Self-guided tour lasting about 1 hour

lundi

–

mardi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

mercredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

jeudi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

vendredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

samedi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

dimanche

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

Du 19/10/2026 au 01/11/2026

Self-guided tour lasting about 1 hour

lundi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

mardi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

mercredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

jeudi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

vendredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

samedi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

dimanche

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 18:30

Du 02/11/2026 au 22/11/2026

Self-guided tour lasting about 1 hour

lundi

–

mardi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

mercredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

jeudi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

vendredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

samedi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

dimanche

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

Du 19/12/2026 au 31/12/2026

Closed from November 23 through December 18, inclusive.Self-guided tour lasting about 1 hourClosed on December 25.

lundi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

mardi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

mercredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

jeudi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

vendredi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

samedi

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

dimanche

09:30 – 12:00 et de 14:00 – 17:30

Rates and Means of payment

Adult: 11 €
Child (7-15 years): 7 €.

Free entry for children under 7, accompanying guides, the drivers.
Group rate available for 25 people or more.

Check
Bank/credit card
Cash

Individuals: No reservation required.
Groups: Reservations required.

Comfort, equipment and Services

Car park
Coach access
Coach parking
Free car park
Guided group tours obligatory
Guided group tours on request
Guided tours
Motorhomes allowed
Online shop
Permanent entertainments organiser
Permanent exhibition
Pets welcome
Private parking
Shop
Toilets
Tourist brochures
Unguided individual tours available permanently

Home of animals

Accepted animals
Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Home adapted tourism

Accessible with assistance. 100% accessible with ramps, height-adjustable furniture, accessible restrooms, and nearby parking.
Written and visual materials, subtitles for all videos, and trained staff.
Barrier-free path, tactile elements, high-contrast signage, and lighting throughout the entire circuit.
Educational materials, hands-on activities, visual aids, and trained staff.

Localisation

Last update 3 September 2026