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Auvergne, a desire for nature
3 stops
6 nights
107 miles
Enjoy a few days in northern Auvergne, and recharge your batteries in these landscapes synonymous with happiness and well-being. Here, you'll travel at a different pace, always gazing towards the valleys that herald the chain of dormant volcanoes further south. Everything here is a pretext for taking a stroll and wandering about; oak forests, towpaths, rivers, and railroad tracks evoke memories of a forgotten world. In this part of the Massif Central, the noise of old factories has given way to birdsong...
01
Departure
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Montluçon
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Walk in the Forest of Tronçais
Stretching over some 27,000 acres in the heart of the Allier region, the Forest of Tronçais is one of the most beautiful oak forests in Europe. Its boasts a countless number of remarkable oaks, some of which are more than 300 years old. Planted by Colbert in the 17th century and decorated with fountains and ponds, it has since become 'wild' again. Numerous trails have been laid out for hiking enthusiasts. It now benefits from the Forêt d'exception® label created by the ONF (National Forests Office).
During your stay
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Stroll along the Canal de Berry
Between Montluçon and Vallon-en-Sully flows the pretty Canal de Berry. The river was the backbone of local industry until the end of the 19th century, as it enabled barges to bring goods to the site. The old towpath now offers a splendid walk away from all traffic. Along the way, you'll discover locks and their adjacent houses, a canal bridge, and a drawbridge...
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63 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Vichy
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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An evening at the Vichy Opera House
Classified as a historical monument and a unique testimony to Art Nouveau architecture, the Vichy Opera House was the epicenter of the summertime music capital during the first half of the 20th century. The Opera then had its own orchestra, choirs, singers and corps de ballet. Entirely restored, its decorative style still impresses the spectators who come to watch operas, jazz concerts or musicals.
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45 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Durtol
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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A beautiful journey by railcar (Courpière)
53 miles of railway tracks with tunnels, bridges and viaducts, and a change in altitude of several hundred meters constitutes this panoramic railcar excursion between La Chaise-Dieu and Ambert via Arlanc. An original and peaceful way to discover the superb hilly landscapes and gorges of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park.
During your stay
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Discover the Valley of Factories in Thiers
Along the Durolle River, a marked trail allows you to plunge into a past world. One after the other, the incredible series of abandoned small-scale and industrial-size factories of Thiers evoke the work of cutlers, tanners and papermakers. The Usine du May now houses a space dedicated to culture, and the 'Creux de l'Enfer' has become a center of contemporary art.
Itinerary suggestions