Puy-de-Dome accommodation in Auvergne
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Responsible tourism
Responsible tourism: Puy-de-Dome accommodation in Auvergne
Not only is Le Mont Dore located in an area of outstanding natural beauty but it also benefits from a railway station. Our Auvergne vacation accommodation is only a couple of minutes walk away and so it is possible to travel here from the UK entirely by public transport with minimum impact on the environment. In summer there is a daily direct service to Paris. We are also only about 6.5 hours from the channel ports so again it is not necessary to travel here by plane.
We encourage guests to respect the flora and fauna within the Parc des Volcans and to take advantage of the tranquillity of the Nature Reserve within the Parc. For our part we do our utmost to recycle wherever possible and try always to use eco cleaning products.
At our Auvergne vacation accommodation we source all our cheeses, meat and most of our fruit, vegetables and jams locally. We work closely with local businesses to arrange equipment, tuition and guiding and encourage guests to visit the local cafes and restaurants, all of which are independently owned.
When renovating our Auvergne vacation accommodation we used only local artisans and have installed an ecological boiler to heat both the house and hot water. We can arrange tours of local farms to taste the local cheeses and there is a museum nearby where it is possible to see how people lived in this beautiful but harsh environment in previous centuries. We dont charge high season supplements because we dont want to discriminate against families and those working in the educational sector.
13 Reviews of Puy-de-Dome accommodation in Auvergne
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2013 by Phil Smith
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Just taking in all the fantastic scenery of the Auvergne around Le Mont Dore, but
the highlight was walking to the top of Puy de Sancy (over 1800m high) and back
via the the ridges on both sides of the valley
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The area is ideal for walkers or most kinds of outdoor activities. There are
lots of waymarked and signposted trails, that range from gentle woodland
strolls to full mountain hikes.
Le Mont Dore is a small resort town - it was busy in late July but not crowded
and there are plenty of places to eat and drink. It also hosts a number of
music festivals - the Retro Rock festival was on while we were there, with
bands playing for free at a number of cafes and bars around the town.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We travelled independently to the Auvergne and stayed for a week at a friendly
bed and breakfast run by Caroline and Matt. They are well integrated with the
local community and businesses, and make every effort to reduce environmental
impacts in the way they run their business.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We really enjoyed the week in the Auvergne it is very unspoilt and it is an area
you can "get away from it all".
Reviewed on 02 Dec 2011 by Mary Cherian
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The quietness and natural beauty of Mont Dore in November. Caroline and Matt who run the place are very nice people and worth getting to know. With their dog and cat it feels so very homely/cosy (there are only 4 rooms they let out.) I had a small accident while staying there and Caroline went out of her way take me to the doctor and make me feel comfortable.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The operator provides a very good choice foods for breakfast. Unfortunately no other meals. There are many reasonably priced restaurants close by but dinner when the weather is bad can be difficult. However they allow you to use their microwave to heat up. The super market close by provides a large variety of TV dinners which are more than adequate.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Can't give a proper answer but I guess the town benefitted from us like they would benefit from any tourist. We walked everywhere which meant we did not burn any fossil fuels which would have had a very small impact on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very relaxing and enjoyable.
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2011 by Sarah Brennan
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The warm welcome and the charming town.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Really east driving route from UK, ideal accommodation choice for couples or
Families.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
As an out-of season ski resort, it was surprisingly busy. Local traders were not
short of passing business and the surroundings were so beautiful they could be
enjoyed simply.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our three teenage children claimed it was the best vacation we've had in
years...that's high praise indeed! Relaxed, easy to find something to enjoy in
stunning surroundings, with a friendly, quality service offered by attentive
hosts - thank you Matt & Caroline!
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2010 by Cath Marchbanks
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Snow arrived as we did. Brilliant hosts and comfortable accommodation.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Cross country ski areas were low on slow (but this was very early in the season). Difficult to get to alternative areas by public transport.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Hosts were environmentally conscious and supported local businesses.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great! A lovely place to go.
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2009 by Ben Moss
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Savouring all the beauty and wonder whilst walking in the hills and mountains around Le Mont Dore. It's a place to relax and take things at your own pace. I went in the summer time, and it's bursting with life and magic. Even the storms were exciting! Although it's not well documented in either Rough Guide or Lonely Planet, Le Mont Dore has lots of events going on. After walking during the day, it was great to catch a concert or gig, sometimes for free! My hosts were extremely kind and helpful, always keen to help: informing me of great walks, arranging transport to concerts, lending local guides and maps, advice about travel. And their B&B was very well kept, and breakfast certainly set you up for the day! Listening to Test Match Special with them and cheering as England regained the Ashes must have seemed like another world to the French - great stuff. It felt like a home away from home.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try to book as far in advance as possible, especially regarding train transport. I was fortunate to book my room within a short time of my arrival. While the cost of travel wasn't too expensive, I could have saved far more pennies (and pounds!) if I'd booked early. Traveling around the locality is possible without a car, and I didn't feel the need to rent one. But if you have more money to spend and want to explore further a field it might be worth it. The point is, it's possible either way:-).
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, I think so. The food was locally purchased, and the local economy certainly benefited from my custom, e.g., food, activities, etc. Traveling by train helped too. I felt the accommodation put a lot of time into recycling what they can and avoid unnecessary cleaning.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great time! I would certainly come again - perhaps in winter. It offered me exactly what I was after: a peaceful place, lovely hosts, and a wealth of inspiring walks.
Reviewed on 07 Mar 2009 by Keith Carmichael
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A skiing vacation obviously relies on good snow and the conditions in the Massif Central this half term break were excellent. The town of Mont Dor is delightful - although perhaps not that exciting for young teenagers, once supper is over! The ski area is a picture and all the staff associated with the ski area could not be more helpful. A perfect place for beginners, intermediates - or families with young children. Everyone is very friendly and hospitable, particularly our hosts Caroline and Matt who were always very attentive to our every question. Breakfast is brilliant!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A house for dog lovers! A resident elderly greyhound and a delightful mongrel called Scruff! If you have any allergies to pets then this is not the place for you! If you are able to travel by train (Eurostar - TGV - Local) then your home for your few days in the mountains is less than 50 yards from the charming railway station. One of the great train journeys of a life time to enjoy. A free local bus service anywhere within the town (every 15 minutes) takes you to any part of the mountain you may wish to explore further. Particularly popular is alpine (cross country) skiing. Snow shoes/cross country skis, available for hire everywhere.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The free bus service massively reduces the number of cars in town and near the slopes. The town seems to provide the management and leadership required for a successful tourist business - which gives a 'co-operative' type of feel to the whole town.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Delightful, enjoyable, good fun (but not cheap). Why should it be?
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2008 by Angela Clinch
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had a superb vacation. We had wanted a short quiet break with some familiar and some new activities that we could take at our own pace. Matt and Caroline made arrangements for us to ride, snowshoe and ski. We had never skied before and had thought that we were too old to try. However we went and took a couple of lessons and we loved it. I found snowshoeing quite strenuous but our guide let me catch up whilst he talked to the group about the ground, trees, rocks and wild animal tracks. We had some breath-taking views from the mountains which we reached by horse, on foot and on the cable car at the ski station. We toured nearby to view the mountains, lakes and a couple of local villages and a Romanesque basilica.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Talk to Caroline and Matt about any aspect of your vacation. Use what French you have because people seem to appreciate it and it will help you get the most out of your stay.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Caroline and Matt liaised with local people to arrange eating out (we are veggies), riding, snow shoeing, skiing lessons, and hire of equipment. They directed us to bus stops and advised us about places to go and see. We sampled the delicious and famous local cheeses as well as jams, wine, and spring water. We thought it was a fantastic advantage to be based in the town and so near to all the facilities and the bus and train. We walked in Le Mont Dore and took the local free bus to the starting points for riding, snowshoeing and skiing.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a wonderful break. We had a lovely warm room with a big comfortable bed. We needed a special diet which Matt and Caroline catered for. They produced delicious breakfasts and wonderful suppers and provided free cold drinks and wine. Caroline and Matt were the perfect hosts: they left us to enjoy our vacation and they helped us and guided us when we asked so we could get the most out of it.
Reviewed on 06 Jan 2008 by Andre Lanser
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The couple who own the accommodation; very friendly and inclusive.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have fun and if you have not tried skiing, give it a go.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Very much so; for instance, the couple who own the accommodation walked everywhere and encouraged this and further, suggested using the bus. All the food was bought from locals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, highly recommend the accommodation, the couple who run it and the town.
Reviewed on 03 Nov 2008 by Anne Mace
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking in the mountains, seeing the beautiful autumn colours against snow-clad hills and enjoying very unspoiled and agricultural landscapes. We also enjoyed hearing an excellent guitarist - Jerome Petrie - playing in a local restaurant in Le Mont-Dore and were grateful to our hosts for telling us about the performance which we otherwise might have missed.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Public transport facilities in the area are somewhat restricted out of the main season - so it is useful to have a vehicle, but there are nice walks in and around the village if you get good weather - which unfortunately we did not.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - we were served local produce for our good breakfast and our hosts had plenty of information and knowledge of the locality to share.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The weather was disappointing and detracted from our overall enjoyment, but we loved the environment and particularly appreciated that the accommodation was kept really warm during very cold weather. We also appreciated the drink-making facilities in our room and the access to cold drinks whenever we wanted them...a nice touch.
Reviewed on 25 Sep 2008 by Christine Mcintosh
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing Puy de Dome and particularly the views from the top.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Comfortable and good value accommodation owned by a very friendly and helpful English couple. Lots of good advice about local walks etc. Excellent breakfast choice including ham and eggs. Tea/coffee in room which is a bonus in France + complimentary beer and soft drinks! Also TV/DVD player in room with good choice of DVDs to watch in case of bad weather or just feeling lazy.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - products at the B&B sourced from local suppliers. Also we patronised local restaurants every night and most lunch times. We were able to walk or just a short car journey to most places we visited. We also played at the local golf course which was great for "vacation golf" and had stunning views.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyable.
Reviewed on 04 Oct 2007 by Brigid Delaney
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful countryside, great for walking, very friendly people.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just be prepared for very changeable weather as in all mountain regions.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, all local produce served at meals, very easy access to walking areas.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Super vacation, very pleasant stay with Matt & Caroline. Lovely house, great food & wine, great walks!
Reviewed on 29 Aug 2007 by Nicola Noble
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spectacular scenery, fabulous food, copious drink, wonderful walking, terrific thermals and comfortable accommodation.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a decent camera!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - local produce at accommodation; availability of public transport; local amenities provided every possible requirement.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Friendly and helpful hosts in a super setting.
Reviewed on 07 Sep 2007 by Lisa Rabanal
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sitting on the terrace with friends, the stars, and a bottle of wine after a days' walking. Adrenalin fuelled terror doing acro-branching. Driving through spectacular mountain scenery.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Remember that lots of things in France are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I don't think we had a negative impact.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great few days in Mont Dore. Our stay at this accommodation was very relaxed. Caroline and Matt were extremely helpful and welcoming and created a home from home for our none-too-easy party of 4 adults and 5 children!
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