French-bedandbreakfast.com
Discover the real France.......................
|
|
|
|
The Auvergne Region We are situated between the Monts Dore mountains and the Artense Plateau in the French department of Puy-de-Dôme (63). Lying in the largest national park in France, the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne, Bagnols is a tranquil village, ideally situated for exploring the Auvergne region.
To the north of us, the landscape is one of rolling hills, pastures and rivers. To the south, the rocky plateau provides grazing for the local, red Salers breed of cattle and is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. To the west, the river Dordogne flows from its source high in the mountains, to the spectacular lake and dam complex at Bort-Les-Orgues. To the east, mountains alternate with lakes and waterfalls. The highest point in central France, the Puy de Sancy, rises to 1885m, marking the gateway to Europe’s largest chain of volcanoes, with more than 80 peaks and craters to discover.
Whatever you plan to do during your stay, the only question will be whether you'll have enough time to enjoy everything on offer? Within a 20 or 30 minute drive of our house, you will be able to visit any of the following: Bagnols - is our nearest village, at 850m (2788 feet) altitude. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness trail through the wooded Bois de Burols. We have many local cycle routes for road and mountain bikes (see the section on Cycle Tours) and walks available. The village has several shops, including an excellent boulangerie and charcuterie. Besse-en-Chandesse - a picturesque medieval town, with narrow cobbled streets, leading to a 12th Century Romanesque church. There is also a ski museum and a regular farmer's market. Super Besse - (see the Skiing & Wintersport section). In addition to being the area’s leading ski area, there is plenty to do in the summer, with swimming, canoeing and windsurfing on the 14 hectare lake and a cable car to Puy Ferrand with incredible views of the Monts Dore. For the more energetic, the hiking and mountain biking routes are extensive. For motor sport enthusiasts, a round of the International Ice Racing Andros Trophy championship is held here each year (usually the last weekend in January). Lac Pavin - probably the most beautiful lake in the Auvergne. It covers 44 hectares and is formed in a volcanic crater some 92 metres deep, at an altitude of 1197metres. Being almost circular and entirely surrounded by trees, the setting is truly spectacular, with far reaching views of the ski area at Super Besse. Walking, boating and fishing are all available and there is a lovely climb to Puy du Montchal. In winter, cross-country skiing trails go right up to the lake. Lac Chauvet - another volcanic crater lake, less well known that Lac Pavin, but still a beautiful and peaceful area with fishing and walking on offer. Close by is the Cascade de la Barthe, where white water tumbles down over basalt columns. La Tour d’Auvergne - at an altitude of 1000m, this picturesque small town in a rustic setting, is famous for it’s basalt columns and ancient church. There is a lake for swimming and, when snow permits in winter, a cross-country ski course runs around the lake. Pont-de-la-Pierre waterfall - close to La Tour d’Auvergne, is typical of the many cascades in the region. Radio and Phonograph museum - located near Bort-les-Orgues, exhibits over 400 working models of radios and record players dating back to the 19th century. Bort-les-Orgues - this is the nearest large town to us, and complete with bars, banks, supermarkets and a variety of shops, it is an interesting place to explore. Famous for it’s columnar basalt and with magnificent views over the Dordogne valley, Bort was once a major centre for the tanning industry. Barrage du Bort - not just a dam but the showcase of hydro-electric production in the Dordogne. Tours of the dam are available, which give the history of its construction and the local leather tanning industry. More importantly for sports enthusiasts, the lake produced by the dam, provides a spectacular setting for all types of water sports, both sail and motor powered. See Château de Val. Château de Val - is a pretty 15th century château on the lake, just to the north of the Barrage du Bort. It stands on a rocky outcrop and has far-reaching views over the lake. Throughout the summer, the chateau provides an ideal setting for 'son et lumiere' shows. At the base of the chateau is the water sports area (see Other Outdoor Activities) where facilities include a supervised beach (in season), boat launching, mooring and river cruises. From here, windsurfers, canoes, dinghies and powered boats can be launched. It is also the location for an annual water sports festival, usually during the first week of July. Barrage de Lastioulles - a series of inter-connected lakes for sailing, fishing or observing nature. The quiet local roads traverse the dams and bridges, making for a pleasant cycle or drive. For much of the year, sailing tuition is available here, usually in catamarans or on windsurf boards and the beach (with lifeguard in summer) is very popular.
Gorge d’Aveze - a sheer sided thickly wooded gorge, carved out by the river Dordogne, with lovely views of the surrounding valley. Puy de Sancy - standing at 1885m, this is the highest point in the Massif Central. Standing on the top platform, there are spectacular 360º views of the Dômes, Monts Dore and Cantal mountain range. On a clear day, the Dauphiné Alps can be seen to the South. From Mont Dore town, a short drive and an easy 45 minute walk, takes you to the base of Puy de Sancy. A cable car or for the energetic, a well used path, followed by a lengthy set of steps will take you to the top platform. The base of Sancy is an ideal starting place for walks in the Chaudefour valley nature reserve. Many of the Grandes Routes (GR) marked paths traverse this area.
Le Mont Dore - a picturesque old spa town with the thermal baths still in regular use. It is the starting place for several hikes, or for the less energetic, why not try a ride on the 19th Century funicular railway (return tickets are available!).
At the top is Park Robinson, a tree house based activity area for all ages, with some very high rope ladders (closed in winter). A further 30 minute fairly gentle walk will take you to the top of Le Capucin and from here the entire Mont Dore range can be appreciated. Owing to the mountainous area, there are several spectacular waterfalls within easy reach of Le Mont Dore. The Rivers Dor and Dogne, from their source in the mountains, merge to run through the middle of the town, with informal public gardens on one side and narrow cobbled streets on the other. An interesting place to explore. From the Col de la Croix St-Robert, a winding road with dramatic views, will drop you back down into Le Mont Dore. La Bourboule - another spa town, set in the lush upper Dordogne valley. It has it’s own micro-climate with little variation between seasons. Parc Fênestre, with its combination of open grass and woods is an ideal place for children. There is also a small train & cable car. To the south of La Bourboule is Roche Vendeix, with a ruined 14th century castle and spectacular views around Col de la Soeur. These are just some of the attractions within about 20 minutes of Bagnols. If you want to go slightly further a-field, here are some more suggestions: Towns: Clermont Ferrand, St Nectaire, Vichy, Condat, Murol, Orcival. Volcanoes: Puy de Dôme, Puy de la Vache. Lakes: Lac d'Aydat, Lac Chambon, Lac de Guéry, Lac de Serviėre, Lac de Montcineyre. Natural features: Roches Tuilière, Cantal mountains, La Banne d’Ordanche. Parks: Parc naturel Régional Livradois Forez, Parc des Dômes. Tourist attractions: Vulcania, Racing circuit de Charade. For anyone wanting maps or guidebooks of the area, we recommend the following, a small selection of which we keep for sale at the house: IGN Map 2432ET - Top 25 series – 1:25,000 scale – Title: Massif du Sancy. Good walking map. IGN Map 2433 O - Top 25 series – 1:25,000 scale – Title: La Tour d'Auvergne. Covers Bagnols and our house. IGN Map 49 - Top 100 series – 1:100,000 scale – Title: Clermont-Ferrand. Best general map. Michelin Green Guide Book – Auvergne & Rhône Valley. Excellent information but limited maps. |
