This charming little village has fewer than 1,000 residents, but its authentic character and the captivating beauty of the Loire, which here is still just a turbulent river, provide a dream setting for lovely walks in search of fascinating natural and historic sites.
If you're looking for the great outdoors, you'll be delighted with the many hiking trails, including on the Suc de Ceneuil, a volcanic peak with a stunning view over the plain of Emblavez, or around the impressive Ravins de Corbœuf, the "Colorado of Auvergne", seven miles from Saint-Vincent. More energetic visitors can get on their bike and hit the famous GR3, the Sentier de la Loire, which follows this magnificent wild river along its entire length.
You'll also have a chance to discover the numerous landmarks of the Velay region. The region is home to the first chateaux in the Loire, including the unmissable Château de Lavoûte-Polignac, a superb thousand-year old building situated 2.5 miles away from Saint-Vincent, and the Château de la Rochelambert, a mediaeval fortress near Saint-Paulien, just over nine miles away. In the same village, you can see the Église Saint-Georges de Saint-Paulien, a 12th-century building with a striking multicoloured appearance.
On returning to Saint-Vincent, you can spend a little time on the peaceful Ile de Cheyrac, which stands between the two branches of the Loire. Picnic tables and games are provided for family fun, with a view of the Château de Margeaix, which stands majestically on the hillside.
Saint-Vincent can be reached by train and the station offers rail links to Lyon and Saint-Étienne via the TER Auvergne et Rhône-Alpes train service. If you want to come by air, Puy-Loudes Airport is just over eight miles away. Once you've arrived, the best way to see the region is by car or on foot.
