France impressions
The volcanic landscape in the Puy-de-Dome and Cantal departments in Auvergne is unique, wild and original. If you are looking for peace and quiet, the Cantal department is the right place for you. There are countless lakes, lonely forests and waterfalls.
The places and surroundings:
Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise:
beautiful, picturesque small town with 1500 inhabitants. Nice streets in the center and a weekly market. Very good starting point for holidays and excursions in the area. The landscape is very beautiful and idyllic.
Murol and its chateau:
beautiful, quaint little place in a dreamlike landscape. His Chateau de Murol, located above the village, is particularly worth seeing and is a listed historical monument. Be sure to visit the castle ruins and enjoy the views of the beautiful surroundings.
Salers (Cantal):
medieval, picturesque small town in the Cantal department. Cobblestone streets, beautiful old houses and a nice square with several restaurants. Nice shops with products from the region, overall a very nice cityscape, the surroundings are fantastic. Good starting point for a detour to the Puy Mary.
Die Seen :
Pavin Lake:
Volcanic maar lake on the edge of the Monts Dore. Mysterious and beautiful. A path leads around the entire lake, highly recommended. The water shimmers dark blue, the forest around the lake is mystical and idyllic. Probably the most beautiful lake in the region.
Chambon Lake:
Idyllic lake at an altitude of almost 900 m. Many campsites, gites and some hotels on the lakeshore are still not built. You can walk around the entire lake. A hike to the Dent de Marais viewpoint is highly recommended. Magnificent views over the lake and the mountains.
Guery lake:
The Lac de Guery is idyllic and completely unspoilt at almost 1250 m and is therefore the highest lake in Auvergne. You can walk along the bank and enjoy the view. It's just beautiful here and you can enjoy the peace and quiet.
Other excursion tips:
Chateau de Val:
This chateau, which is a listed historical monument, is beautifully situated on the Lac de Val.
Rochés Tuiliere and Sanadière:
Imposing rocks, of which you have a great view from the Pointe de Vue at the Col de Guery. Definitely a highlight of this region.
Chaudefour Valley:
beautiful valley surrounded by imposing cliffs near Chambon-sur-Lac. A hike through the Vallée de Chaudefour should definitely be on the to do list. Pure nature including a beautiful waterfall.
Great Cascade of Mont Dore:
A hike to the Mont Dore waterfall is one of the highlights of this region. The waterfall is impressive and the forest is idyllic and beautiful. If you walk up to the plateau at Col de Siante Croix Robert you have a wonderful view of the town of Mont Dore and the Massif de Sancy as well as the Dordogne valley
Col de Morand:
Mountain pass between Chambon-sur-Lac and Le Mont Dore. Great starting point for hikes. Then you can try the typical Ferme food in the Auverge, truffade (potato, garlic and cheese mixture with salad). After that you will definitely be full for a long time!
My restaurant tips:
Restaurant Les Jonquilles in Besse & Saint Anastaise
Small Beach in Chambon sur Lac
Auberge Buron du Col on the Col de Morand
Pizzeria Le Picotin in Murol
My calendar Auvergne:
