Autumn walking in the Auvergne

No need to head for overseas summer sun – if the weather office is correct and we’re really due a barbecue July and August – so why not plan a healthy autumn walking break instead?

Belle France recommends exploring the Volcanoes of the Auvergne as a refreshing way to walk off all the summer excesses of the barbecues and ice-cream variety.

Starting and finishing in the Roman spa town of Le Mont Dore, staying in an ornate Art Deco hotel with pool and good restaurant, there’s around five to seven hours of independent rambling – along narrow woodland paths and country lanes – on each walking day.

Highlights in the search of the now extinct volcano cones include many a remote and utterly beautiful lake, waterfalls and peaceful, pretty villages.

Costs in September start at £699 – for those making their own way to Le Mont Dore – or from £731 including ferry travel or including return train travel from St Pancras International, the price is £919.

Included is six nights’ half board accommodation, luggage transfers between overnight hotel stops and detailed route notes/maps.

For more information log on to Bellefrance.co.uk.