Fontaines Pétrifiantes

Since 1821 the Papon family have been putting St-Nectaire's hot springs to creative use. At the "Petrifying Fountains," mineral-rich waters are channeled to make art. Calcium-heavy water lashing against an object gradually causes a mineral build-up; using a 14m-high waterfall, the Papon family allows artistic molds get drenched until mineral sculptures take shape. The well-designed museum and showroom are truly original and there's a gift shop full of mineral art.