The Auvergne - France's Secret Heart with Charming Villages & Spectacular Scenery

The Auvergne - France's Secret Heart with Charming Villages & Spectacular Scenery

The Auvergne is a region of dramatic landscapes, charmig villages, architectural treasures and a unique culture and history.

7 days from £579

Excursions & Visits
• Paris - world-famous sights
• Villages of the Auvergne - picturesque countryside and beautiful views
• Vulcania and Clermont - the history of this fascinating region

For a little extra why not try..
• St. Nectaire - pretty Auvergne town and traditional cheese-making
• Paris by night - spectacular views
• Paris sightseeing - see the famous landmarks

Your holiday itinerary
Day 1 Local departure by coach then on to the Paris area for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Paris - Included morning in Paris. Join our optional sightseeing tour to see the famous sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Champs Elysees. Continue to Besse-et-Anastaise in the Auvergne for a four-night stay. (B,D)
Day 3 Villages of the Auvergne - The Auvergne is home to no less than eleven of the 150 villages ranked as 'the most beautiful villages of France'. On this superb included excursion we see four 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 Montepeyroux, famous for its wines, and one of the real highlights of the Auvergne, Usson, with its magnificent views over the volcanic hills; St. Saturnin with its 13th century castle; and St.Floret, with its medieval buildings situated in a narrow valley. (B,D)
Day 4 Cheese-Making and St. Nectarine - Today's optional excursion is to a traditional farm where you can learn about the process in making the traditional St. Nectaire cheese. You can also visit the grottoes and old troglodyte houses. We also visit the pretty towns of St. Nectairne and Issoire, so typical of the region. (B,D)
Day 5 Vulcania and Clermont Ferrand - Our included excursion begins with a visit to the fascinating Vulcania theme and leisure park, set in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes National Park. Learn the history of this unique region and discover what is bubbling under your feet before we visit Lemptegy Volcano. We continue to Clermong Ferrand with its maze of quiet streets lined with Renaissance houses. The old houses and cathedral of Clermont, built from black volcanic rock, are part of the 'ville noire' (black town), with the Puys Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. (B,D)
Day 6 Paris by Night - To the paris area for an overnight stay. Today you can join our optional tour to see this spectacular city at night and its historic buildings are illuminated along the banks of the River Seine. (B,D)
Day 7 To Calais, then return home. (B)
Included Meals: B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Your hotels
You’ll stay for four nights at the 3-star Brit Hotel les Mouflons in the pretty village of Besse-et-St-Anastaise. The hotel has a traditional restaurant, bar, games room and sauna. All bedrooms have T.V. and telephone. The hotel does not have a lift but rooms are only on two floors.  Overnight stays in the Paris area will be in city-style hotels.

What’s Included?
• 6 nights' accommodation with 6 continental breakfasts & 4 evening meals
• Excursions and visits as detailed above
Travel by Silver Service coach and receive
• Extra legroom for your added comfort
• Rear lounge to relax and chat
• Free personal headphones with a choice of music and DVD's
• Porterage at your hotels