Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise is a commune situated within the Puy-de-Dôme department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France. It lies at the geographic coordinates 45.5139 north latitude and 2.9336 east longitude, positioning it firmly in the heart of the French Massif Central. The administrative structure of the commune is part of the broader regional framework that governs local governance and territorial planning in this area. As a designated commune, it serves as a fundamental unit of local administration for its residents and contributes to the cultural and economic landscape of the Puy-de-Dôme department.

The settlement has undergone significant nomenclature changes throughout its history, reflecting shifts in administrative status or local identity. It was officially known as Besse-en-Chandesse from 2 April 1961 until 1 July 1973. Prior to this period, the place was simply called Besse. These name changes mark specific eras in the commune's development, though detailed records of its founding or early origins are not provided in the available sources. The current name, Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, represents the modern identity of the locality.

The landscape is defined by natural features, most notably the river Rhue, which has its source within the boundaries of the commune. This geographical characteristic influences the local environment and hydrology. The area is also associated with the nearby ski resort of Super-Besse, which adds a recreational dimension to the region's physical character. The presence of this resort indicates that the terrain supports winter sports activities, distinguishing it from purely agricultural or urban zones in the surrounding department.

Visitor appeal is largely driven by its connection to major sporting events and outdoor activities. The ski resort of Super-Besse hosted the first mountain finish of the 2008 Tour de France, a prestigious cycling race that draws international attention to the location. This event highlights the area's suitability for high-altitude athletic challenges and tourism. While specific local traditions or festivals are not detailed in the sources, the association with the Tour de France provides a notable cultural landmark for visitors interested in sports history and mountain scenery.

The population of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise was recorded as 1,442 as of 2023. This figure reflects the current demographic size of the commune. The economy is likely influenced by the nearby ski resort and the natural resources provided by the river source, although specific economic data is not available. Access to the area is facilitated by its location in central France, though specific transport links are not enumerated. The climate supports the existence of a ski resort, suggesting seasonal variations suitable for winter sports.