The area

The short version: space, tranquility, rough nature.

Here you have a view of the vast (wine) valleys of the Allier and the peaks of the Massif Central: the ski resort of Super-Besse and the volcanic mountain range around the Puy de Dôme to the distant foothills of the Alps.

The biggest secret of central France: the Gorges de la Sioule. This gorge with spectacular rock formations is a must for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers and leads you via Château Rocher and the Romanesque bridge at Menat past Château Chouvigny and Viaduc de Rouzat. La Sioule is the cleanest river in France. Canoeing, swimming, hiking, paragliding: everything is possible. For those who dare: the Via Ferrata is a spectacular climbing course over the granite rocks of the gorge. Slightly less intense but very worthwhile is the climbing amusement park Accro Sioule at 10 minutes.

Vibrant cities Vichy and Clermont-Ferrand (candidate Capital of Culture) can be found within an hour. For groceries and weekly markets, you can go to Bellenaves, Ébreuil, Gannat or St-Eloy-les-Mines. Charroux, visible from the gîte, is in the top 10 of the most beautiful French villages. Along the way you pass castles and a monumental viaduct by Gustave Eiffel.

Our favourites:
1. Climbing the Puy de Dôme (walking or by train)
2. Canoeing the Gorges de la Sioule
3. Meandre de Queuille – Amazone of the Auvergne
4. Crossing the Gorges de la Sioule
5. Climbing parc Accro Sioule / Via Ferrata (expert level)
6. Tour des Châteaux (Veaux, Chouvigny, Rocher …)
7. Exploring Clermont Ferrand and Vichy
8. Cycling, skiing or sleighing at the Monts Dore/Super-Besse
9. Lac Chambon – swimming in a vulcano
10. Musée Automobile Bellenaves