La Chaise Dieu
One of the favourite towns to visit in the Auvergne. The location is beautiful, as you enter the town you cannot miss the statue of Notre Dame de France perched on a rock, over looking the town below. You can visit the Notre Dame cathedral, a world heritage site. The town is also famous for its Puy Lentils, which have achieved AOC status, which can be found in many of the delightful shops in the town. Le Puy en Velay is an hour away by car and is well worth a visit, just to see the views of the city, the shopping is fabulous and don't forget your Puy lentils, famous all over the world.
Issoire
Our closest town and is 30 mins drive. It is situated on the River Allier and is the town which marks the beginning of the Allier Gorges. There is a supermarket and many charming shops which sell local produce, lots of cafes and restaurants. It is also a great place to visit with is Romanesque Basilica of Saint Julien, the oldest in the Auvergne, Salmon and River House and Lace Museum. On Saturday, there is a lively morning market where you can buy fresh local honey, seasonal fruit and veg or even a goat or chicken!
