We would like to tour the Massif Central / Auvergne region from Lyon (round trip) for 4/5 days...Any suggestion?

Hi. I'll be there for the first time in two weeks. We've rented a house in a village just west of Issoire. We are planning to make day trips in the area, probably concentrating on the triangular area between Clermont-Ferrand, le Puy-en-Velay, Aurillac, and back up to Clermont-Ferrand. If we have time, we may also drive up towards Vichy.

I'll be posting some notes when we get back at the end of May. When were you planning on going?

Anselm

Sauxillanges has a nice view over the valley, it also has a ceramist who works with lava tiles, or had one; his tiles make nice gifts. Besse-en-Chandesse is categorized as <i>un des plus beaux villages de France</i>. Le Puy-en-Velay is not to be missed. La Chaise-Dieu is worth a visit. Moudayres had a farm house turned into a museum, and it also has a hotel-restaurant listed in the Michelin Red Guide. It is south-east of Le Puy-en-Velay, in a relatively wild and isolated area.

It all sounds great...Thank you!

We'll be going in July.

Regarding the northern part of the Massif Central, around Puy du Dome: I stayed in the historic village of Murol, west of Issoire, and did some ski du fond in several areas around there in January. The lanscape is quite dramatic and the towns are lovely. I'm sure the hiking is as good as the skiing. There is also fishing, horseback riding, etc. You might check out the hikes at www.onedayhikes.com I have done several of the hikes recommended, though not the one at Puy de Sancy. If you have time, e-mail the local tourist offices and ask for brochures -- I have been amazed at the great material they send (maybe not outside of France, though).