We have decided to offer a big trip to France again in 2024. This time we're heading to the Massif Central, an area that is completely unknown to many of us. This area with the extinct volcanoes and lonely plateaus is extremely interesting, especially for nature lovers, and has a lot to offer. In addition to the rustic, very beautiful towns, the local culinary specialties should not be underestimated. Since the Massif Central is relatively far south, we organized the trip so that we spent the first and last night in the same hotel, so that we could travel with a trailer and towing vehicle.

Travel description Massif Central 2024

Route and program

Day 1 (Friday September 13, 2024)

Individual arrival to our first hotel, south of Beaune. Our tour starts and ends in this hotel. If you would like to travel with your classic car on a trailer, you can leave the towing vehicle and trailer here. The location can be easily reached from all directions via the motorway (south of Dijon).

2nd day (Saturday September 14, 2024)

We drive to Vichy, a spa town that has been known since Roman times and is home to the most important spa in France. Also known for the mineral water of the same name. We continue towards Clermont Ferrand and the Volcanoes National Park. The chain of volcanoes (Puys) is the northern boundary of the Massif Central. Our hotel is close to the Puy de Sancy.

3rd day (Sunday September 15, 2024)

Today is the first day of rest. If you want, you can drive to the nearby Puy de Sancy (at 1,886 meters the highest peak in the Massif Central) and take the cable car to the summit. From there you have a fantastic view of the protected landscapes of the mountain ranges. Another option is to visit Murol Castle, go on a short hike, enjoy the beautiful area or relax a bit.

4th day (Monday September 16, 2024)

We continue south, past some smaller puys and maars (volcanic lakes). The path takes us through several medieval towns, some with impressive views. Finally we reach the Truyer gorges and the famous Garabit viaduct. (Who could have been the designer?) Then we go straight to the hotel.

5th day (Tuesday September 17, 2024)

On the way on the plateau you always have to expect unusual road users. We pass idyllic little mountain villages and interesting towns, like Espalion with a very beautiful old town and a diving museum. Passing Lac de Pareloup, you can soon see the next impressive landmark. The 343 meter high and 2,460 meter long Millau motorway viaduct. We will spend 2 nights in Millau.

6th day (Wednesday September 18, 2024)

On the rest day you have the opportunity to explore the leather town of Millau. The old town with southern French flair invites you to linger. But if you want to do something else, you can visit, for example, the cave of Dargilan or Aven Armand. If you are more interested in nature, you have the opportunity to have a very special nature experience nearby. Three species of vultures: griffon vultures, black vultures, and the very rare Egyptian vultures can be observed from several stations (it's best to take binoculars with you, these guys fly damn high).

Day 7 (Thursday September 19, 2024)

We have reached the southernmost point of our journey and are leaving Millau. Through the famous Tarn Gorge with spectacular landscapes peppered with remarkable natural sites and breathtaking viewpoints! Dizzying limestone cliffs with a height of up to 500 meters, seas of rocks and untouched valley basins. But castles, Romanesque churches and typical hamlets and villages have also made this protected natural area famous. At St Emine, one of the most beautiful villages in France, we leave the gorge and then continue on the plateau to the next hotel.

Day 8 (Friday September 20, 2024)

This stage first takes us to the former Benedictine monastery of La Chaise-Dieu, founded in the 11th century. Finally we reach the Loire, where of course a castle cannot be missed. Then we continue straight to our last hotel.

9th day (Saturday September 21, 2024)

Our journey ends in the same hotel where our journey through the Massif Central began. After breakfast together, everyone can begin their individual journey home.