Road-Tripping Through South-Central France

Visit the Hot Spring Museum in Chaudes-Aigues

82 degrees, discovered in the 14th century, this spring at the center of town flanks the Musee du Geothermie that tells the tale of the spring and the birth of geothermic technology.

Enjoy a spa day

Take in the waters at one of the many spas and hotels in the town. The larger area, the Occitaine, is a renowned retreat. Coin d'Aubrac Hotel & Spa in Chaudes-Aigues has a particularly nice setup with multiple pools and a hammam.

Take an off-road adventure

Gevaudan Evasion offers two- and four-wheel tours of the forested hills and roads of Lozere, some that are also training ground for the Tour de France. The terrain can get rough, but they have a good practice track for anyone who needs acclimation. No special international license is needed to ride.

Dive off a dormant volcano

Puy-de-Dome is a 4,806-foot-high dormant volcano with a view of the 80 volcanoes in the surrounding region. Hike to the top or take the Panoramique des Domes, a scenic cogwheel train. At the top, find the Temple of Mercury, a second-century Roman relic, then hike on down or take a paragliding tour to the valley below.

Visit the Collegiate Church of Saint Medard

Climb the bell tower of this Gothic church in the center of Sauges for 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.

Solve the mystery of the Gevaudan Beast

Between 1764 and 1767, a mysterious beast stalked the local villages between Sauges and Mende. It is speculated the beast could have been half-man, wolf, or lion, that it roamed on two legs or could possibly fly. The history of its capture captivated the nation at the time. Trace the trail of its carnage from the Museum of the Bete de Gevaudan in Sauges to the Gevaudan Musee in Mende.

La Criee, Clermont-Ferrand

A great fish restaurant a walk away from the hotels on the main strip.

Glutton & Gourmand

A wonderful, homey bistro in Chaudes-Aigues with excellent, traditional meat/potato and cheese multi-course meals. Live musical acts pop up regularly on the cobblestones. Don't be surprised if there is a sing-a-long!

Restaurant Sierge Vieira

A creative, culinary temple with two Michelin stars that practices "emotion culinare" in the medieval Chateau de Couffour castle overlooking Chaudes-Aigues.

Delices & Dumas

Offers hearty meals to pilgrims traversing the countryside around Sauges. A nice departure from traditional countryside meals with kebabs, salads, and Turkish dishes.

Les Portes d'Apcher Restaurant

This restaurant in Saint Chely d'Apcher has a really nice contemporary menu and wine list in an Alice in Wonderland-inspired dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a stellar view of the countryside, especially at sunset.