Secret France... the Auvergne

In the heart of the Auvergne is the Puy-de-Dôme volcanic region. This is an area of history, traditions, culture, stunning nature and French savoir faire. Our tour is based off the beaten track in Issoire, close to the natural parks of Massif du Sancy and Chaîne des Puys. It is a treasure where rushing rivers sit alongside grandiose craters and the plains rise and fall in a haze of soft light.

Puy-de-Dôme • Clermont-Ferrand • Massif Central

Day 1 Short Channel crossing and on for dinner and an overnight stay near Paris.

Day 2 South past Orléans and with a possible stop en-route at Bourges. Continue to Issoire for a 5 night stay.

Day 3 A day to relax, enjoy the hotel's garden and pool and explore the little town of Issoire. See the ornate church interior and the open squares and shopping streets

Day 4 A perfect introduction to the region with a trip by rack railway to the top of the Puy-de-Dôme to view the panorama complete with dormant volcanoes, plains, peaks and Clermont-Ferrand. In the afternoon explore vibrant Clermont Ferrand.

Day 5 Sit back, relax and enjoy the views on a scenic excursion to Le Puy. Set at the heart of the Massif Central, this historic and impressive town is surrounded by volcanic hills. It has a religious pedigree with a location at the start of the French Pilgrim's route to Santiago.

Day 6 Villages of the Auvergne excursion with a first stop in walled Montpeyroux. Perched on a hill it boasts splendid valley views and is a great place to wander and relax. On then to Saint Saturnin. See the 13th century castle before continuing to Usson, an attractive village that clings to the side of a volcanic dome.

Day 7 Depart Issoire and travel north to the Paris area for an overnight stay.

Day 8 To Calais for a Channel crossing and home.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

Hôtel Le Pariou, Issoire

A friendly 3 star hotel a short walk from the main square in Issoire. It has 2 buildings a few metres apart. Bedrooms are comfortable and with air conditioning. Le Pariou has a bar, restaurant, terrace and outdoor swimming pool. It is well located for visits throughout the region.

• 3 star • 54 bedrooms • Lift

• Outdoor swimming pool

• Coach parking

Your tour includes:

• Return short Channel crossings

• 1 night half board on the outbound journey

• 5 nights half board in Issoire with:
Buffet breakfast
3 course dinner with choice from night 3

• A trip on the Puy-de-Dôme rack railway

• 1 night half board on the inbound journey

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.