Salers, Medieval village in Cantal, France
Salers is a village built from dark volcanic stone perched on a plateau in the mountain regions of central France. The houses with their thick walls and slate roofs form a connected cluster of narrow streets and hidden corners.
The village emerged in the 15th century as an important regional center, leading to the construction of mansions and defensive walls with two entrance gates. Stone remains from that era still shape its silhouette today.
The main square displays Renaissance-era houses with ornate facades made from local lava stone, which still shape the village's character today. Residents use this space as they have for centuries, as the natural heart of daily life.
The village is accessible year-round and offers restaurants, parking areas, and public restrooms for visitors. The narrow streets are easy to explore on foot, though comfortable shoes are recommended.
The parish church houses valuable tapestries from the 17th century and a burial sculpture from the 15th century within its Romanesque porch. These religious artworks reveal the place's importance to the region in earlier times.
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