Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of France with the Auvergne Tour, a cultural exploration of the region's rich history and natural beauty. Begin your adventure with a scenic train ride from St Pancras to Clermont-Ferrand, and settle into the charming Le Pariou Hotel in Issoire. Discover the enchanting Romanesque churches and the unspoilt rural atmosphere of Auvergne, with highlights including the spectacular volcanic scenery of Puy-de-Dome and the elegant spa town of Vichy. Wander through picturesque villages like Montpeyroux and Le Puy-en-Velay, and enjoy the vibrant café culture of Clermont-Ferrand. With a full touring itinerary led by an experienced tour manager, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, all while staying in a friendly, family-run hotel. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:
Location: Clermont-Ferrand
Accommodation Name: Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire
Meals Included: Dinner
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and onwards to Clermont-Ferrand by SNCF fast train. On arrival, transfer by coach to Issoire (approx. 30 mins) and the Le Pariou Hotel. Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Full day tour to Montpeyroux, Puy-de-Dome and Clermont-Ferrand.
Location: Clermont-Ferrand
Accommodation Name: Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire
Meals Included: Breakfast
One of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, the small village of Montpeyroux perches on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding picturesque valleys. Stroll the old streets and visit the 12th century St Pierre’s church. The summit of Puy-de-Dome gives the most wonderful views of the surrounding region. Take the Panoramique des Dômes rack railway up to the top, follow the path, formerly a Roman road, and the whole of the Auvergne will open up before you. Clermont-Ferrand, the regional capital, sits in the midst of wooded volcanoes. Once a solely industrial city, today Clermont-Ferrand is a vibrant city with a big café culture and plenty of boutiques and galleries.
Day 3:Full day to relax and explore Issoire at your leisure.
Location: Issoire
Accommodation Name: Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire
Meals Included: Breakfast
A small, tranquil and attractive town Issoire’s turbulent history stretches back to Roman times. Boasting an outstanding 12th century abbey church - St-Aistremoine, with excellent frescoes, today you can also visit the lively market in the town’s medieval core where you’ll find lots of delicious local produce and plenty of ideas for lunch!
Day 4: Full day tour to Le Puy-en-Velay and Brioude.
Location: Le Puy-en-Velay
Accommodation Name: Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire
Meals Included: Breakfast
Le Puy-en-Velay is one of the most extraordinary towns in France. Set in a broad valley surrounded by ancient volcanoes, the terracotta roofs of the town are watched over by three religious landmarks perched on top of natural volcanic pillars – the Romanesque cathedral, Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe Chapel and a state of the Virgin Mary. The starting point of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage, Le Puy is also known for its lace and lentils. A small bustling town situated on a terrace overlooking the lush Allier plain, Brioude is famed for its church, the Basilique St-Julien, the largest Romanesque church in the Auvergne, dating from 1060.
Day 5: Full day tour to Orcival, Saint-Nectaire, Besse-en-Chandesse and Le Mont-Dore.
Location: Auvergne
Accommodation Name: Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire
Meals Included: Breakfast
The pretty town of Orcival is dominated by its early 12th century Basilica, said to be one of the best in the region. Also noted for its Romanesque church, as well as its cheese, is Saint-Nectaire. Within the church you will find some wonderful examples of 12th century workmanship - a gold bust of St Baudime and a wooden Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Cornadore. The laidback mountain village of Besse-en-Chandesse is made up of quaint cobbled lanes and lava-stone brick cottages and therefore the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. The former spa town of Le Mont-Dore sits close to the source of the Dordogne River at the foot of the region’s highest mountain. The thermal springs here were known to the Romans but were particularly busy in the 19th century.
Day 6:Full day tour to Vichy and Thiers.
Location: Vichy
Accommodation Name: Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire
Meals Included: Breakfast
The town of Vichy was a well-known spa and resort centre before it became the head of the French state during the Nazi occupation of World War II. The town’s turn of the century spa buildings and parks are now protected as part of France’s architectural heritage. Thiers sits on a steep hillside of the Durolle river valley, splitting it into a high and low town and has a wealth of wonderfully preserved half-timbered houses in the old quarter of the high town. The town is famed as a centre for the manufacture of cutlery.
Day 7:
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer back to Clermont-Ferrand station to catch the return SNCF fast train to Paris. At Paris, board the return Eurostar service to St Pancras.
What's Included
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Return Eurostar and SNCF
Return Eurostar and SNCF from St Pancras to Clermont Ferrand via Paris including transfer in Paris.
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Six nights' accommodation
Six nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
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Welcome drink and dinner
Welcome drink and dinner on the first night at the hotel.
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Transfers and full touring itinerary
Transfers and full touring itinerary conducted by tour manager.
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Tour manager
Tour manager throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included.
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Double for sole use supplement
Double for sole use supplement costs £294.
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Standard Premier/1st Class upgrade
Standard Premier/1st Class upgrade on Eurostar/TGV is not included. On the Eurostar, this constitutes upgraded seating and a light meal with a complimentary drink, with upgraded seating only on the French railway leg.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those stated are not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Accommodation
Hotel le Pariou is a charming three-star hotel located just 20 minutes south of Clermont-Ferrand in Issoire. The hotel offers air-conditioned, comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, TV, telephone, minibar and hairdryer. The hotel also has a bar, lounge area, sun terrace, garden and outdoor swimming pool (seasonally heated). ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and onwards to Clermont-Ferrand by SNCF fast train. On arrival, transfer by coach to Issoire and the Le Pariou Hotel. Return journey follows the same route.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes six nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at Le Pariou Hotel in Issoire. The hotel is a charming three-star establishment with air-conditioned rooms, private bath/shower, TV, telephone, minibar, and hairdryer. It also features a bar, lounge area, sun terrace, garden, and a seasonally heated outdoor swimming pool. ...more ...less
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Is there a tour manager present throughout the trip?
Yes, a tour manager is present throughout the trip to conduct transfers and the full touring itinerary.
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What is included in the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and then continue to Clermont-Ferrand by SNCF fast train. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by coach to Issoire and the Le Pariou Hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome drink and dinner.
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What can I expect to see on the second day of the tour?
On the second day, you will visit Montpeyroux, Puy-de-Dome, and Clermont-Ferrand. Montpeyroux is a picturesque village known as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.' You will also take the Panoramique des Dômes rack railway to the summit of Puy-de-Dome for stunning views of the region. The day concludes with a visit to Clermont-Ferrand, a vibrant city with a rich café culture. ...more ...less
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What activities are planned for the third day?
The third day is a leisure day in Issoire, allowing you to relax and explore the town at your own pace. You can visit the 12th-century abbey church, St-Aistremoine, and enjoy the lively market in the town's medieval core.
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What are the highlights of the fourth day?
On the fourth day, you will tour Le Puy-en-Velay and Brioude. Le Puy-en-Velay is known for its extraordinary setting among ancient volcanoes and its religious landmarks. Brioude is famous for the Basilique St-Julien, the largest Romanesque church in the Auvergne.
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What will we explore on the fifth day of the tour?
The fifth day includes a tour of Orcival, Saint-Nectaire, Besse-en-Chandesse, and Le Mont-Dore. You will visit notable Romanesque churches, enjoy the quaint mountain village atmosphere, and explore the former spa town of Le Mont-Dore.
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What is the focus of the sixth day of the tour?
On the sixth day, you will visit Vichy and Thiers. Vichy is known for its spa buildings and parks, while Thiers is famous for its cutlery manufacturing and well-preserved half-timbered houses.
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How does the tour conclude on the seventh day?
The tour concludes with a transfer back to Clermont-Ferrand station to catch the return SNCF fast train to Paris, followed by boarding the return Eurostar service to St Pancras.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Wednesday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions
Auvergne by Rail Tour
7 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Clermont-Ferrand, Issoire, Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne, Vichy, Paris
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 35
Age range:
18-99
