Auvergne by Rail - The Secret Heart of France

Virtually untouched by the ravages of modern tourism, the Auvergne is truly a destination for Francophiles who appreciate the spectacular volcanic mountain scenery, picturesque rural villages, often adorned with magnificent Romanesque churches, historic towns and the elegant spa town of Vichy.  Our tour is based in the typical French town of Issoire at a charming family-run hotel and time is allowed here on market day to really experience French culture at its “Frenchest!”  A distinctive local cuisine – Puy lentils are renowned throughout the world – and excellent, hearty local wine complete this authentic portrait of provincial France.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and onwards to Clermont-Ferrand by SNCF fast train. On arrival, transfer by coach to Issoire (approx. 30 mins) and the Le Pariou Hotel. Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel. 

Day 2: Full day tour to Montpeyroux, Puy-de-Dome and Clermont-Ferrand.
One of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, the small village of Montpeyroux perches on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding picturesque valleys. Stroll the old streets and visit the 12th century St Pierre’s church. The summit of Puy-de-Dome gives the most wonderful views of the surrounding region. Take the Panoramique des Dômes rack railway up to the top, follow the path, formerly a Roman road, and the whole of the Auvergne will open up before you. Clermont-Ferrand, the regional capital, sits in the midst of wooded volcanoes. Once a solely industrial city, today Clermont-Ferrand is a vibrant city with a big café culture and plenty of boutiques and galleries.

Day 3: Full day to relax and explore Issoire at your leisure.
A small, tranquil and attractive town Issoire’s turbulent history stretches back to Roman times. Boasting an outstanding 12th century abbey church - St-Aistremoine, with excellent frescoes, today you can also visit the lively market in the town’s medieval core where you’ll find lots of delicious local produce and plenty of ideas for lunch!

Day 4: Full day tour to Le Puy-en-Velay and Brioude.
Le Puy-en-Velay is one of the most extraordinary towns in France. Set in a broad valley surrounded by ancient volcanoes, the terracotta roofs of the town are watched over by three religious landmarks perched on top of natural volcanic pillars – the Romanesque cathedral, Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe Chapel and a state of the Virgin Mary. The starting point of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage, Le Puy is also known for its lace and lentils. A small bustling town situated on a terrace overlooking the lush Allier plain, Brioude is famed for its church, the Basilique St-Julien, the largest Romanesque church in the Auvergne, dating from 1060.

Day 5: Full day tour to Orcival, Saint-Nectaire, Besse-en-Chandesse and Le Mont-Dore.
The pretty town of Orcival is dominated by its early 12th century Basilica, said to be one of the best in the region. Also noted for its Romanesque church, is Saint-Nectaire. Within the church you will find some wonderful examples of 12th century workmanship - a gold bust of St Baudime and a wooden Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Cornadore. We then head to the laidback mountain village of Besse-en-Chandesse which is made up of quaint cobbled lanes and lava-stone brick cottages and therefore the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. The former spa town of Le Mont-Dore sits close to the source of the Dordogne River at the foot of the region’s highest mountain. The thermal springs here were known to the Romans but were particularly busy in the 19th century.

Day 6: Full day tour to Vichy and Thiers.
The town of Vichy was a well-known spa and resort centre before it became the head of the French state during the Nazi occupation of World War II. The town’s turn of the century spa buildings and parks are now protected as part of France’s architectural heritage. Thiers sits on a steep hillside of the Durolle river valley, splitting it into a high and low town and has a wealth of wonderfully preserved half-timbered houses in the old quarter of the high town. The town is famed as a centre for the manufacture of cutlery.

Day 7: Transfer back to Clermont-Ferrand station to catch the return SNCF fast train to Paris. At Paris, board the return Eurostar service to St Pancras.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion. 

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers. In 2027, the maximum group size is 30 passengers. 

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as demanding due to visits to hilltop towns and attractions. Montpeyroux is a hilltop village and involves a steep walk of approx. 10mins to the summit, with places to rest on the way. Puy de Dome is reached by rack railway and the summit involves a circular walk of about 45 minutes. It is undulating with one section involving a number of steps. The most challenging part of this tour is the visit to Le Puy en Velay. To reach the cathedral there are more than 150 steps or steep streets. 
Passengers can choose how much or little walking they wish to do, setting their own pace. Those that do not wish to walk the more demanding sections, can stay below and explore the lower part of the towns and enjoy the views. At Le Puy en Velay there is a land train to the cathedral.

INCLUDED

• Return Eurostar and SNCF from St Pancras to Clermont Ferrand via Paris including transfer in Paris
• Six nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room 
• Welcome drink and dinner on the first night at the hotel
• Dinner on Day 6 (2027 only)
• Transfers and full touring itinerary 
• Tour manager throughout
  
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement - £285
• Seat upgrade on Eurostar/TGV. On the Eurostar this constitutes upgraded seating and light meal with complimentary drink with upgraded seating only on the French railway leg - £210
• Meals other than those stated
• Porterage and gratuities

PLEASE NOTE: As with most trains, passengers are responsible for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages.Trollies are available at St Pancras and Paris, but bags do need to be carried on to the platform.

Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890

HOTELS

Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire
Hotel le Pariou is a charming three-star hotel located just 20 minutes south of Clermont-Ferrand in Issoire. The hotel offers air-conditioned, comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, TV, telephone, minibar and hairdryer. The hotel also has a bar, lounge area, sun terrace, garden and outdoor swimming pool (seasonally heated).

Le Pariou Hotel Website

OUR VIEW ON THE HOTEL

Friendly, family-run hotel in Issoire with the centre of town only a short walk away. Perfect location for a leisurely stroll into town before picking one of the many restaurants for dinner and the ideal base for the sites visited on this tour. 

Pre-tour accommodation is available at the Premier Inn, London Kings Cross St Pancras, about 5 minutes walk from St Pancras International, at an approximate rate of £120 per room. Bookings can be made direct with the hotel on 0871 527 8672 or visit their website