Puy-de-Dome Farmhouse for Rent: Beautiful Country Retreat on Hilltop in Central France - Property 243343

Accessibility: It is located 5 hours due south of Paris by car and 3.5 hours south of Paris by train to Vichy, where car rentals are readily available. The regional capital city of Clermont-Ferrand is 60 km or one hour across the valley below and to the west. There are three nearby airports with car rentals readily available: Clermont-Ferrand Aulnat, 45 minutes; St. Etienne, 90 minutes; Lyon Saint-Exupéry, 2 hours.

Grounds: Outdoors there are many beautifully landscaped flower beds, rose bushes, apple and cherry trees. There is a large garden and a private outdoor shower and bath. The property is on the summit of a ridge with beautiful views across forested and rolling hills. From the garden, one can see the sun rise behind the hills to the east and set behind the mountain Puy-de- Dôme and its chain of volcanoes to the west. This is an ideal place for people who love nature, quiet relaxation, beautiful surroundings and have a desire to experience French country life.

Activities: Hiking on trails through the woods and hunting for mushrooms are great pleasures without poison oak or poison ivy to ruin the fun. Bicycling is the main local sport spring to fall. Snow-shoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing are nearby in the winter, and there are ski stations about an hour away. Throughout the year there are open markets 20 minutes away in three nearby towns, specializing in local and regional food products world famous for such specialties as Bleu d'Auvergne, Forme d'Ambert, salt-cured ham and organic (biologique) fruits and vegetables. The Regional Park Livradois-Forez offers many sites and activities year-round. Just across the valley, the magnificent Chaîne des Puys of Auvergne Volcanoes National Park offers great hiking and skiing and is home to Vulcania, the European Park of Volcanism.