The Undiscovered Auvergne

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Local departure by coach then onwards to the Paris area for an overnight stay.

• Day 2 - Paris

  Spend the morning in Paris and join our optional sightseeing tour, which takes in the famous sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame and the Champs Elysees. Continue to the Auvergne for four nights.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 - Villages of the Auvergne

  The Auvergne is home to many beautiful towns and villages, and on this superb included excursion we experience three of these, all teeming with heritage, history and stunning architecture.

  This really is the true Auvergne, a land where time seems to have stood still. Medieval and Romanesque churches and buildings create a most memorable picture.

  We visit Usson, with its magnificent views over the volcanic hills; St. Floret, with its medieval buildings situated in a narrow valley, and Montpeyroux, famous for its wines and one of the real highlights of the Auvergne.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 - Le Puy en Velay

  Included excursion to Le Puy en Velay an important pilgrimage town in medieval times, and a departure point on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route. Astounding volcanic peaks topped with churches and statues offer a magnificent sight to visitors, and the towering Romanesque west front of the cathedral proudly proclaims its UNESCO World Heritage title. After a guided tour of the town in the tourist train, you will be free to discover the traditional Le Puy lace and green lentils in the local crafts shops, or why not sample the famous Verbena liqueur –La Verveine du Velay.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5 - Volcan de Lemptegy & Clermont Ferrand

  Included excursion, as we start the day with a visit to the aptly named ‘Volcan de Lemptegy’ where we learn more about the anatomy of volcanoes.

  We enjoy a documentary film, a guided visit by motorised train, and a visit to the ‘Explosive Mine’. We continue to Clermont Ferrand, which began life as two distinct cities – Clermont, once a Celtic and Roman settlement and now a thriving city, and Ferrand, which provides a complete contrast with a maze of quiet streets lined with Renaissance houses.

  The old houses and cathedral of Clermont, built from volcanic rock are part of the ‘ville noire’ (black town), with the Puys Mountains providing an awe-inspiring backdrop.

  With its superb cathedral, bustling Place St-Pierre, the capital of the Auvergne is a quite unique city.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6 - To Paris area

  To Paris for an overnight stay.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 7

  Return home.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Hotel Le Pariou in Issoire.

Overnight stays in the Paris area are in city-style hotels.