CULTURE AND HERITAGE, LOCAL PRODUCE, OUTDOOR SITES Friday, March 27th to Monday, March 30th 2015
Auvergne Regional Tourist Board Corinne RENARD: +33 (0) 4 73 29 49 71 / corinne.renard@crdt-auvergne.fr
Allier Departmental Tourist Board Arlène BERNARD: +33 (0) 4 70 46 81 64 / a.bernard@allier-tourisme.net
This programme may be subject to changes.
Friday, March 27th 2015 Arrival at the Clermont-Ferrand airport or railway station at 11.30 a.m. at the latest
LUNCH AND VISIT AT LE DIAPASON
12.40 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.
The chef Raphaël Beringer and his wife opened the Diapason in 2013. This hotel and restaurant displays 6 rooms and combines gastronomy and music, the passions of the couple. Every weekend, the meals are enlivened with music. The dishes are modern, authentic and made with fresh produce. Le Diapason Rue du Clos de la Chaux – 63 500 LE BROC +33 (0) 4 73 71 71 71 / contact@lediapason.fr www.lediapason.fr
Transfer to Saint-Nectaire: 50 minutes 03.50 p.m. – 04.50 p.m.
GUIDED VISIT OF THE FONTAINES PETRIFIANTES
In Saint-Nectaire, the 50°C hot springs gush out in underground galleries dug out 200 years ago. The hard water of the spring is used to create unique art works. Les Fontaines Pétrifiantes Les Sources - 63700 SAINT-NECTAIRE +33 (0) 4 73 88 50 80 / contact@fontaines-petrifiantes.fr www.fontaines-petrifiantes.fr
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
Transfer to the Bellonte farm: 10 minutes
GUIDED VISIT OF BELLONTE CHEESE-MAKING FARM
05.15 p.m. – 06.45 p.m.
Bellonte farm is open every day free of charge. Here, you can watch the cows being milked and SaintNectaire cheese being made. A ten-minute film tells you about day-to-day life on the farm. Ferme Bellonte rue du 10 août 1944 - Farges - 63710 SAINT-NECTAIRE +33 (0) 4 73 88 52 25 / contact@st-nectaire.com www.st-nectaire.com
Transfer to Royat: 50 minutes
GUIDED VISIT OF ROYATONIC
07.45 p.m. – 08.00 p.m.
Visit the Centre Royatonic Bains & Spa: 2,400 m2 dedicated to fitness, relaxation and wellness in a volcanic ambience. Under a majestic wooden dome, or in the open air in a volcanic setting, fitness, relaxation and wellness await you every day, all year round. Royatonic Place Allard - 63130 ROYAT +33 (0) 4 73 29 58 90 / bains@royatonic.com www.royatonic.com
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
08.00 p.m.
CHECK-IN AT THE HOTEL PRINCESSE FLORE*****
In the heart of historic Royat, come and discover the luxury, comfort and elegance of the 43 rooms and suites at the Princesse Flore, with direct access to the Royatonic baths. The Princesse Flore is also home to a restaurant called la Table d'Isidore, which is open for lunch and dinner, as well as the Panoramique on the seventh floor, with amazing views over the town, open when the weather permits. Best Western Premier Princesse Flore***** 5 place Allard - 63130 ROYAT +33 (0) 4 73 35 63 63 / reservations@princesse-flore-hotel.com www.princesse-flore-hotel.com Diner at the hotel
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
Saturday, March 28th 2015 Departure from the hotel at 09.00 a.m.
ASCENT TO THE SUMMIT OF THE PUY DE DOME
09.30 a.m – 11.30 a.m.
Inseparable from the image of Auvergne, is the Chaîne des Puys range - 80 volcanoes stretching out in a north to south row nearly 30 kilometres long. The Puy de Dôme, with the prestigious label Grand Site de France, is the jewel of the range, peaking at 1,465 metres high. Visitors can reach the site on foot or by the rack railway, the Panoramique des Dômes. Le Panoramique des Dômes - TC Dôme – Taborda, Marion +33 (0) 4 73 87 43 09 / Marion.Taborda@snclavalin.com www.panoramiquedesdomes.fr
Transfer to Charroux: 1 hour
LUNCH AT LA FERME SAINT SEBASTIEN
12.45 p.m. – 02.30 p.m.
This not-to-be-missed Auvergne gourmet restaurant is recommended by Michelin and the Bottin Gourmand. Valérie Saignie welcomes you with warmth and her seasonal cooking. Her celebrated courgette fritters are an absolute treat! Capacity: 60 guests. Groups welcome, terrace, car park. La ferme Saint-Sébastien - Valérie SAIGNIE Chemin Bourion - 03140 CHARROUX +33 (0) 4 70 56 88 83 / contact@fermesaintsebastien.fr www.fermesaintsebastien.fr
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
GUIDED VISIT OF CHARROUX AND OF A GUEST HOUSE
02.30 p.m. – 04.00 p.m.
Guided tour of the old town, classified among the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (France’s Most Beautiful Villages). An ancient strongpoint and an important trading crossroads in the Middle Ages, Charroux still possesses features of the period such as the sculpted stone façades dating from the 15th to 18th centuries, a 14th century corbelled, half-timbered house and a large number of wells. Charroux is also well-known for its mustard, used by top chefs the world over. An excursion into the Bourbon duchy full of charm and spice! Office de Tourisme de Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule – Cathy Monciaud 29 rue Marcellin Berthelot - 03500 SAINT-POURÇAIN-SUR-SIOULE +33 (0) 4 70 45 32 73 / ot.stpourcain@wanadoo.fr www.tourismesaintpourcinois.com / www.charroux.com
Transfer to Chareil-Cintrat: 30 minutes 04.30 p.m. – 05.30 p.m.
WINE TASTING AT THE CHATEAU DE CHAREIL-CINTRAT
Tasting of Saint-Pourçain (AOC since 2009), a wine produced on one of the oldest vineyards in France. Make the acquaintance of a wine once served at the tables of the kings of France, and Tressallier, an absolutely unique grape variety. Tasting will take place in the Château de Chareil-Cintrat. Office de tourisme de Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule 29 rue Marcellin Berthelot – 03500 SAINT-POURCAIN-SUR-SIOULE +33 (0)4 70 45 32 73 / ot.stpourcain@wanadoo.fr www.tourismesaintpourcinois.com
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
Transfer to Vichy
CHECK-IN AT THE VICHY SPA LES CELESTINS HOTEL*****
06.15 p.m.
Modern and refined, the hotel is located in a privileged position on the Allier Lake and boasts 131 rooms and suites with contemporary décor, restful and discreet. Two restaurants and a lounge bar also await you, opening onto a spacious terrace on the park side. The hotel is linked by a covered walkway to the Vichy Thermal Spa Les Célestins, a temple to wellness which obtained the World Spa Awards 2012. Vichy Spa Hôtel Les Célestins***** - Marc JOGUET 111 boulevard des États-Unis - 03200 VICHY +33 (0) 4 70 30 82 00 / marc.joguet@compagniedevichy.com www.vichy-spa-hotel.fr
06.45 p.m. – 07.45 p.m.
FREE TIME IN VICHY
The town of Vichy offers a great getaway for visitors, combining the delightful charm of its buildings with an eclectic French architecture including spring and river themed decorative features. Elegant and simple, Vichy offers a mixture of pleasures to be discovered during your holidays in France, including casinos, races, spa or fitness centres, lyrical art and Byzantine monuments.
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
08.00 p.m.
DINER AT LA TABLE DE MARLENE RESTAURANT
Located on the first floor of La Rotonde, the two rooms of the restaurant offer a panoramic view of the Allier Lake. The chef, Marlène Chaussemy learned from the great chefs of the Auvergne such as Régis Marcon, Alain Ducasse and Jacques Décoret. The menu changes seasonally every three months. Restaurant la Rotonde Boulevard de Lattre de Tassigny - 03200 VICHY +33 (0) 4 70 97 85 42 / info@restaurantlarotonde-vichy.com www.restaurantlarotonde-vichy.com
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
Sunday, March 29th 2015 GUIDED VISIT OF VICHY
09.00 a.m. – 10.00 a .m.
Queen of the spa towns in the time of Napoleon III, Vichy has preserved the features of a prestige spa of that period: baths, a prestigious Art Nouveau opera house, villas in diverse styles, superior hotels, two casinos, a racecourse, two 18-hole golf courses – and over 340 acres of parks and gardens on the shores of the Allier lake. Office de Tourisme de Vichy – Philippe Gendre 5, rue du Casino - 03200 VICHY +33 (0) 4 70 98 71 94 / otsi-dolores@vichy-tourisme.com www.vichy-tourisme.com
Transfer to Espinasse-Vozelle: 20 minutes 10.30 a.m. – 11.15 a.m.
VISIT OF THE GUEST HOUSE “JARDIN DES THEVENETS”
This 17th and 19th century residence is a treasure of the Bourbon countryside. Completely restored, it is today one of the pioneers of the “tranches de vie” (slices of life) style of décor. Inside, the rooms are still in their original state, with remains of the 19th century wallpaper, bare bricks and half-timbered walls. Chambres d’hôtes Le jardin des Thévenets Chemin des Thévenets - 03110 ESPINASSE VOZELLE +33 (0) 4 70 56 57 04 / lynn@jardins-des-thevenets.com www.jardins-des-thevenets.com
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
Transfer to Moulins: 1 hour
LUNCH AT THE GRAND CAFE
12.15 p.m. – 02.00 p.m.
The Grand Café, a café and brasserie with historic monument status, has retained its Art nouveau circa 1889 style, paneling, mirror-covered walls, clock and barometer. During the 1910s, it was here that Gabrielle Chanel, who came from Moulins, sang “Qui a vu Coco dans l’Trocadéro?” (Who has seen Coco in the Trocadéro?), which is how she came to be known as Coco. Le Grand Café 49 place d’Allier - 03000 MOULINS +33 (0) 4 70 44 00 05 / legrandcafémoulins@yahoo.fr
02.30 p.m. – 03.00 p.m.
GUIDED VISIT OF THE MAISON MANTIN
Louis Mantin, a wealthy middle-class citizen, bequeathed his house to the town in 1905, so now, a century after his death; visitors can visit "a specimen middle-class residence of the 19th century". The house, frozen in time for ever, conserves the collection of the master of the house, who was a scholar of enquiring mind and a lover of art. Tours are offered exclusively accompanied by a guide/commentator, booking required. Office de Tourisme de Moulins – Laurent Laborie 11, rue François Péron - 03000 MOULINS +33 (0) 4 70 44 14 14 / bienvenue@pays-bourbon.com www.moulins-tourisme.com
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
GUIDED VISIT OF MOULINS
03.00 p.m. – 04.00 p.m.
Formerly the biggest town in Le Bourbonnais, which was France’s largest duchy, today Moulins is listed as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire; one which knows all about the art of showmanship. Come and find out about its rich heritage in the cobbled streets of its historic district, in which you’ll see timber-framed houses rubbing shoulders with hotels and stately buildings, and admire some of its gems. Office de Tourisme de Moulins – Laurent Laborie 11, rue François Péron - 03000 MOULINS +33 (0) 4 70 44 14 14 / bienvenue@pays-bourbon.com www.moulins-tourisme.com
04.30 p.m. – 05.30 p.m.
VISIT OF THE HOTEL LE CLOS DE BOURGONE****
In an oasis of greenery, this lovely 18th century home has 11 four-star rooms. The fine dining restaurant, styled along the lines of 1920s Paris, serves sophisticated, full-flavored, regional dishes, using fresh, highquality produce. Le Clos de Bourgogne**** 83 rue de Bourgogne – 03000 MOULINS +33 (0) 4 70 44 03 00 / contact@clos-de-bourgogne.com www.clos-de-bourgogne.com
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
CHECK-IN AT THE MERCURE HOTEL****
06.00 p.m.
The Hotel Mercure offers 42 air-conditioned bedrooms with internet access (free-wifi). Located 7 km north of Moulins, all of the rooms have a view of the landscaped 4 hectare grounds and of the pool. The restaurant serves traditional cuisine and has a large dining room and terrace. Mercure Moulins Nord**** - Kang SOK KOSSAL RN7 – 03460 TREVOL +33 (0) 4 70 46 84 84 / H0827@accor.com www.mercure.com/fr/hotel-0827-hotel-mercure-moulins-nord/index.shtml
Departure from the hotel at 06.45 p.m. 07.00 p.m.
VISIT AND DINER AT THE HOTEL DE PARIS****
This 4-star hotel in the heart of the historic centre of Moulins is a prestige establishment which blends elegance, comfort, high quality of welcome and traditional management in the French style. Make the acquaintance of this hotel with its 37 rooms, swimming pool and gastro restaurant, not to mention the remarkable spa down in the crypt of the former chapel. Hôtel de Paris**** 21 rue de Paris – 03000 MOULINS +33 (0) 4 70 44 00 58 / info@hoteldeparis-moulins.com www.hoteldeparis-moulins.com
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com
Monday, March 30th 2015 GUIDED VISIT OF THE CENTRE NATIONAL DU COSTUME DE SCENE
09.00 a.m. – 10.50 a.m.
The Centre National du Costume de Scène is based in a former cavalry barracks built at the end of the 18th century. It is home to a fine collection of around 10,000 set costumes, some of them made by Christian Lacroix and Jean Paul Gautier, from the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the ComédieFrançaise and the Opéra National de Paris. A new permanent exhibition is dedicated to Rudolf Nureyev CNCS Quartier Villars, Route de Montilly - 03000 MOULINS +33 (0) 4 70 20 76 20 / info@cncs.fr www.cncs.fr
11.32 a.m. Train departure for Paris
www.auvergne-tourisme.info www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com
www.planetepuydedome.com