The Village of Echandelys

The village of Echandelys represents the centre of the commune of the same name. Located in the centre of the Auvergne at Latitude (DMS): 45° 32' 60 N Longitude (DMS): 3° 32' 60 E the village sits at an altitude of 800 meters and has a population of around 250 people.

The Village boasts its own chateau which has been inhabited by the Marquis of Echandelys and his ancestors for many generations. The current Marquis resides in Paris but comes to the village during the summer often inviting all of the local inhabitants to fetes or festivals held at the chateau.

The village is also the start point for two major walks in the area which take in a number of the local sites including a second chateau up near the hamlet of Les Deux Freres, a prehistoric megalith site and a major roman road which was once the major route through the area.

The main activity of the area is farming and as such much of the local area is surrounded by fields and farm animals. There are however many wild animals prevalent in the area as well including the red squirrel, pine martin and numerous birds of prey. The area also has a number of more timid creatures but if you are lucky you can spot the odd deer in the forest fringes in both the early morning and evening. If one is very lucky you may even see the elusive wild boar.

During the Autumn and Winter the area plays host to the local hunting community who are allowed to hunt in various reserves on three days a week. They gather in the hunt lodge in the centre of the village providing a very different and interesting spectacle for the photographer.