" We wish to provide our guests with a truly specatacular holiday and have tried to include information for all ages and tastes "
Richard & Sarah
Website about Auvergne
Videos about Auvergne
Beautiful places in the area !
PUY-GROS
The property is situated on the outskirts of the peaceful friendly hamlet of Puy Gros in the Livradois National Park.
The hamlet comprises 7 houses centred around a farm dating from the 16th century. It has a history of wine production. There is a village party every summer.
Puy Gros has a bread and croissant delivery every Saturday and Tuesday at 9am.
Home
3 minutes by car !
USSON
The village of Usson is situated on top of a volcano (639m.) and can be seen directly from the property. Usson village, built in black, red and grey volcanic stone, is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Once a fortified village, it is steeped in history, and imprisoned Queen Margot the wife of Henry IV for 19 years.
This village dating back to 311AD provides views of this vast, relatively unknown, beautiful landscape. The volcano summit is accessible and a mass of country tracks around provide both long and short walks. It has an excellent rooftop restaurant/ bar and artisan workshops adding further to its charm.
SAUXILLANGES
This is an historic Clunic village dating back to 927AD. It nestles in the undulating hills of the Livradois forest and boasts a well stocked grocers, several boulangeries, boucheries, bars, restaurants, post office, bank, doctors surgeries', garage, tennis courts (indoor and out), outdoor swimming pool, rugby and football pitches, boules and fishing.
A market is held every Tuesday morning.
3 minutes by car !
7 minutes by car !
CHATEAU DE PARENTIGNAT
With an English garden, Parentignat is open in the summer providing information in English and sometimes providing English tours.
Not destroyed during the revolution due to the local popularity of its owners, this chateau houses an interesting collection of art and furniture dating back to Louis XIV.
ISSOIRE
This town has a lively market every Saturday morning and hosts an annual folk dance and music festival in July which attracts folk groups from across the world. The Romanesque Abbatiale is well worth a visit. There is an airfield and gliding club and performance cars can be tried out at the Circuit d'Issoire.
There is a lake and beach with jet skiing, banana boats, restaurants, bar, BBQ, volleyball, boules, pagodas and sun loungers. Canoeists can enjoy a day on the river Allier.
A newly built swimming pool and balneo spa provide indoor and outdoor pools, flume and picnic area.
10 minutes by car !
MONTPEYROUX
Also classed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, this charming fortified village built on the site of a volcano circles around a keep at the summit. Dating from the 11th century the keep is open during the summer months.
Montpeyroux enjoys restaurants, cafes and many small artisans’ shops. Built in hamstone, which was once quarried locally, this picturesque village also provides breathtaking views of volcanoes, mountains the river Allier, vineyards and the surrounding area.
20 minutes by car !
BOUDES
(mini Arizona)
The beautifully preserved medieval village of Boudes, has an impressive history of wine production, and still hosts wine tasting of little known local wines. Just outside the village is the Valley of the Saints, 27 hectares of forest which is situated in a Natural Parc. This valley houses gigantic statues or "buttes" in red and ochre some up to 30 m high. Best seen in the early morning sunlight whilst savouring a coffee and a selection of the delicious local pastries, this medium circular walk of one and a half hours (free entry) has a natural Roman spring, 37 species of birds, and 17 species of orchids.
20 minutes by car !
CERMONT-FERRAND
This city provides all major and transport links, is the departmental capital and the HQ for Michelin and successful ASM rugby club team. It is also has an historic centre with interesting museums which can be accessed by tramway.
The city has a backdrop of a chain of over 80 volcanos, the highest being the Puy de Dome.
30 minutes by car !
PARC ANIMALIER
(Ardes sur Couze)
At Ardes sur Couze, this Park offers a real link with nature hosting over 70 species including monkeys, lions, tigers, wolves, and hippos all set in truly spectacular scenery. In certain areas there are few fences and a real hands-on experience can be enjoyed.
The children and adult play areas just add further enjoyment to this day out.
40 minutes by car !
SUPER-BESSE
(ski resort)
Can be seen from your holiday home. At 1850m high, this centre is equipped with 16 teleskis, 3 telesieges and a telecabine, 27 pistes for alpine ski (5 green, 9 blue, 9 red, 4 black) and a ski de fond with 105km of pistes.
The centre has a reputable ski school that caters for beginners and the more experienced. There is also an indoor swimming pool, ice rink, and toboggan run for beginners and the more experienced.
50 minutes by car !
MONT-DORE
(ski resort and spa town)
Mont-Dore is a beautiful little town full of character and charm with a spa centre housed in a Romanesque building.
The resort offers 33 pistes (15 green, 9 blue, 7 red and 2 black) also 25km pistes of ski de fond. The centre offers a variety of treatments and "cures” for many illnesses. There is also a weekly market.
55 minutes by car !
VULCANIA
Nestled amongst the chain of 80 volcanoes, this adventure park has been cleverly constructed inside a simulated volcano which even features hot steam rising. This site offers many different attractions including volcanic and earthquake-erupting related rides, younger children’s rides, also 3D and 4D screen entertainment and activities, many scientific and futuristic. Most of the activities can be enjoyed in a comfortable seat whilst being thoroughly entertained.
All ages are catered for. Classement of walking easy. Great for a rainy day. Language is not a problem.
1 hour by car !
PUY-DE-DÔME
Visible from the house, this is the highest in the chain of volcanoes at 1459m and is used in the Volvic Water TV advert. Set in the Regional Natural Park of Volcanoes of Auvergne, the summit can be reached by a new tramway system or a good walk !
The summit has 2 restaurants, (one being a Michelin Star), boutique, museum, Visitors Centre and remains of a temple dating back to the 1st century. Other activities include picnicking, whilst hang gliders take off and soar before one’s eyes. For the really adventurous ones amongst you, tandem jumps can be arranged.
1 hour by car !
1 hour and 30 minutes by car !
LE PUY-EN-VELAY
This splendid town has some of the most extraordinary sights in France.
Its volcanic chimneys are surmounted by various historic monuments, which are a feast for the eyes, especially at night, when they are illuminated and appear life like.
THEME PARK
(Le Pal)
At Saint-Pourcain-sur-Besbre, this theme park and zoo provide fun for all the family with rides for all ages set in forest land.
2 hours by car !
