Suggestions of things to do and see here

Towns and Villages
Le Puy en Velay – described in the France Rough Guide (and in similar terms elsewhere) as ‘one of the most remarkable towns in the whole of France with a landscape and architecture which are totally theatrical’.
La Chaise Dieu – with its abbey church of St-Robert founded in 1044 and restored in the fourteenth century by Pope Clement VI. An excellent classical music festival takes place here in August. www.chaise-dieu.com
Ambert – which was from the 14th to 18th century the centre of papermaking in France.
Lavoute sur Loire – with its theatrical castle perched on a volcanic outcrop over the Loire.
Chalencon – a picturesque little gem overlooking the river Ance and five minutes from us.

Walking
We have lots of maps and walks in English, of all lengths. Memorable walks include the lava flow of Bourianne, and the circuit of the Ance Valley taking in lovely views of Chalencon.

Swimming
We can advise on some really stunning natural swimming sites in the Loire and Ance where you will often be the only people there.
There is also an open air (heated) pool at Retournac in the summer just next to the river Loire, and a pool at Lavoute indoor and open all year.

Mushrooming in Spring and Autumn we can let you into our best tips for mushrooming

Kayaking and Quadbiking are available in Retournac – Base du Moulin

Climbing Ist category climbling less than half an hour away. At Retournac ten minutes away there is a good local site with optional instruction for children and adults, and great fun for a family even if you haven’t done it ever before. We have the climbing guide book for the area.

Horse riding for little ones at Claire Poney at Boisset,www.claire-poney-nature.fr or Alain Giraud at Allegre http://club.quomodo.com/ecuriedegourmessaume/accueil/bienvenue
or Henri Alligier at Bas en Basset http://club.quomodo.com/ecuriedegourmessaume/accueil/bienvenue.

Huskies Five minutes away at Saint Maurice you can try your hand at dog sleighing – summer or winter, and great fun for the whole family. www.tracesdereves.com

Fishing First and second category fishing on the Loire and Ance.

Mountain Biking, archery, and orienteering are all available at Chomelix www.centre-lesmarchesdauvergne.fr