If history is your passion…
Less than a kilometer from “Chez Labache” is
the Chateau de
Lafayette, museum and birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette. The Marquis is
known for his role as a defender of human rights in the French Revolution but
particularly famed for the gallant aid he provided to the Americans in their own
revolution in the late 18th century.
Ten minutes away is
Domeyrat, a feudal castle that brings history alive with exciting
reenactments and fun and informative tours of the castle’s chambers and defenses.
A trip back in time to the days of lords and ladies makes this a perfect
afternoon activity for young and old alike.
Numerous Roman churches make Auvergne a unique tourist destination – including
La Basilique de
Brioude, known for the mosaic of its stone paved floor, or L’Abbatiale
d’Issoire and its richly colored paintings.
The historic villages that dot Auvergne’s countryside hide many wonderful
secrets as well:
-
Lavaudieu, and its historic cloister and church as well as its stained glass
museum
- La
Chaise Dieu, a historical village known for its magnificent tapestries, and even
more so for its “Echo Chamber” with unique acoustics that allow one person to
speak into the corner of the room and be heard by another in the far corner,
while no one else in the room can hear what was said. This room was used for
confessions to keep priests from contracting leprosy from parishioners
-
Richard de Bas, a museum of the ancient art of papermaking, where visitors can
experience the mill-driven mechanism that was used centuries ago, and purchase
their own paper made on location
- For
more recent history, the Museum of the Resistance offers startling stories and
artifacts from the French Resistance during World War II. More history from the
war can also be found at the World War II museum in Mont-Mouchet.
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If nature is your interest… Countless trails criss-cross the region, with many only a
short stroll from your front door. Follow hidden paths to discover the
incredible diversity of Auvergne’s flora and fauna. Spectacular wildflowers,
soft mosses and ferns, meadows and woodland animals will capture the admiration
of any nature lover. If sports are your love… Auvergne has much to offer for the outdoor sports lover.
Local events and festivals -
Annual music
festival of Chaise Dieu (featuring traditional folk music and symphonic
orchestra with more than 1,000 artists from across Europe)
The village of Chavaniac-Lafayette is home of the Massif Central region Nature
Conservatory and offers a spectacular view of local biodiversity.
In Lavoute-Chillac, 15 kilometers from Boisseuges, bird lovers can visit the
House of Birds to learn more about local species.
These include the village of Boisseuges's Lidenne, the Senouire river, the
fishing pond in Chavaniac-Lafayette and in the Allier River.
Hunting is
also a widely practiced sport in the wild and wooded landscape.
The region of Auvergne is particularly rich in geologic history, as the Massif
Central, an old volcanic chain, runs through it. The geological museum and
education center, Vulcania,
is located only an hour away near Clermont-Ferrand, and the region is dotted
with numerous fluorite, coal and antimony mines.
Take a swim, canoe or kayak down the cool Allier River – only 10 minutes away.
Repel down a volcanic rock face, go for a mountain bike ride along the rocky
forest trails, test your reflexes on a challenging enduro dirt bike ride in the
region’s mountains, or relax on horseback while you enjoy the majestic scenery
offered by Auvergne’s natural wonders.
In winter, cross-country skiing is only 30 minutes from “Chez Labache” and
downhill skiing is only 1 hour and 30 minutes away at Super-Besse.
- "Fête du Roi et de
l'Oiseau" - medieval reenactment and Renaissance festival in Puy en Velay
- Les musicales
2008 - Annual concert and music festival in Puy en Velay