Inspired by the popularity of our Allier Gorges tour, we take the same starting-point for this journey south through the constantly evolving but always dramatic landscapes of the Auvergne, via the remote Aveyron and Cevennes, to the shores of the Mediterranean. The route taken by the so-called “Ligne des Causses” as it makes its sedate, snaking progress through the heart of one of France’s most unspoilt regions, allows you to sample its many charms and share in its special so-called “douceur de vivre ». And, as you go, this little known corner of France soon reveals itself to be another of France’s best kept secrets, full of hidden surprises both scenic and cultural, and with a long tradition of hospitality and deserved reputation as one of the great culinary regions of France.
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This is a remarkably unspoiled, predominantly rural land of vivid contrasts, still relatively untouched by mass tourism. In the Auvergne, shaped by its volcanic prehistory, scenery encompasses fertile, gently rolling plateaux and, as the altitude increases, dramatic valleys, cliffs, gorges and cascading streams, the Aveyron brings to mind a rural idyll of years gone by, while the Cevennes is more wild, yet haunting in its untamed natural beauty. Each region has its own rich cultural heritage, as in the many historic monuments and museums, and vibrant crafts and gastronomic traditions, making use of the abundant local natural resources. Not least, you can expect a regularly warm welcome from locals justly proud of and happy to share the secrets of their rich past and uniquely gentle way of life.
This itinerary aims to give a flavour of all these different facets, following the route of the Ligne des Causses south in leisurely stages, with stops in the lovely old town of Issoire, with its rich Auvergnat Romanesque heritage, in the ville basse of Saint-Flour, whose medieval old town towers dramatically above from atop its volcanic outcrop, then to the charming market town of Millau, for years a sleepy backwater nestling in idyllic rolling Aveyron countryside but now dominated by the extraordinary feat of engineering that is its viaduct, highest in the world. The final leg takes you south to Montpellier or Sete, for connection with the return TGV to UK. The following suggested itinerary can be tailored according to individual requests
Day One:
arrival in Issoire with overnight on b & b
Day Two:
day free to explore the rich historic centre of Issoire. Overnight on b & b
Day Three:
Travel south through the Auvergne countryside to Saint-Flour, its medieval old town spectacularly perched atop a volcanic outcrop. Overnight on half-board
Day Four:
the typically rugged Auvergne landscapes give way to the lusher rolling hillsides of the Aveyron as you head south, crossing Eiffel’s famous old Garabit viaduct, to Millau, in the shadow of the modern technological marvel that is its own viaduct, highest in the world. Overnight on half-board
Day Five:
A whole morning to explore this delightful market town, before included excursion by taxi to the bridge and its museum. There may even be time to enjoy optional boat trip passing beneath it (pay locally). Overnight on half-board
Day Six:
Continue south through the dramatic Cevennes countryside to Montpellier or Sete, to rejoin TGV for return journey to UK
NOTE: Why not add a night at Montpellier or Sete before returning following morning (please ask for prices), or maybe combine with the Allier Gorges to describe a loop out and back from Issoire (please ask for details)
Prices
are per person based on 2 sharing a room.
1 April - 31 October: £635
Single supp £167
Check 1st class and peak travel supplements here.