Pays d’Issoire and Val d’Allier
A holiday in Pays d'Issoire – Val d’Allier is an immersion in southern Auvergne with its Monk and Nun roof tiles, Genoise tiling, vine-covered hillsodes, Mediterranean vegetation and refreshing fountains.
Pays d’Issoire and Val d’Allier –the south of Auvergne
A welcoming region of volcanoes, indelibly marked by the history and geology of the past, which can be explored at any time of year while staying in one of its many gites and B&Bs.
Between Massif du Sancy and Val d'Allier, the Route du Dauphiné d'Auvergne is a journey through scenery bathed in sunshine, vast areas of rolling landscapes with volcanic peaks, vine-covered hillsides and steep-sided valleys. Between the Vallée des Couzes and the Plaine du Lembron, the road winds between basalt plateaux, limestone and leafy valleys, past quaint villages, fine churches, castles and other places steeped in history. Fall under the spell of the picturesque medieval village of Montpeyroux; the Plateau de Ronzières; the Rocher de Vodable, site of the ancient fortress of the Dauphins d'Auvergne; the Romanesque church of Colamine and its magnificent Maestra; the Château de Villeneuve-Lembron and finally, the village of Boudes, well-known for its vineyards. The Route is ideal for a touring holiday of any kind : by car, bike or on foot along the GR hiking path « Tour en Dauphiné d'Auvergne », a loop of 85 kilometres between peaks, hills and valleys. Day-long walks are possible too, like the one from Villeneuve-Lembron to Chalus which has magnificent views of the Dauphiné, Livradois and Lembron regions.
To cool down a little, go to the Cascade du Gour d'Appât, a waterfall which can be reached from Apchat, or the Source Romaine de Bard with its discovery trail recounting the story of the Roman coins discovered there.
La Vallée des Saints
You simply have to taste the delicious specialities of this part of the region, starting with wine which has been produced here in quantity for ages, thanks to the favourable climate and soil. In fact this wine-growing area was for many years the third largest in France ! Over the past few years, enthusiastic wine-growers have revived this original wine that they are delighted to present to visitors. The traditional wine-growing village of Boudes is also home to an astonishing landscape : the Vallée des Saints. This mini-Colorado of Auvergne is a 27 hectare protected area of reddish-coloured fairy chimneys, cirques and cliffs which can be explored along a 2-hour discovery trail. These wonderful geological formations harbour a multitude of birds and lots of species of orchids. An amazing place for visitors of all ages, definitely not to be missed !
Discover Puy de Dôme with Gites de France Puy de Dôme : Puy de Dôme, Livradois-Forez, Clermont-Ferrand City Guide.
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