From Clermont-Ferrand (the capital of the Auvergne) I tuff towards a conversational piece France. That was another man here long ago. When injected volcanoes fire and ashes. When hissed the ground and everything was moving. But now I enjoy peace and quiet and an intense green landscape. A wonderful road trip to relax. Are you coming?
balloons everywhere
My road winds around ancient volcanoes and rock formations. The soil is black lava, but also green and idyllic by fertility. I stop the car and silently I enjoy the dozens of hot air balloons floating over. At about sunset, the volcanic landscape from above the most beautiful ...
A balloon flight over the ancient volcanic landscape. Beautiful!A balloon flight over the ancient volcanic landscape. Beautiful! Old overgrown craters. A source of spring water.Ancient craters. Now overgrown and a source of spring water
Hills are interspersed with volcanic lakes. Where now graze the famous Auvergne cows, poisonous sulfur fumes ever came up. I love to dwell already touring with that stuff. I feel small. An insignificant mosquito, on this earth who is in constant motion. Everything is impermanent, so I enjoy here and now, to the fullest. "Destination reached" cries my GPS. Enough for this first day. Driving the cozy La Bourboule and go enjoy a wonderful French meal. And then to bed.
Dawn in La Bourboule. A stately spa town in the Auvergne.Dawn in La Bourboule. A stately spa town in the Auvergne Lovely late summer in La Bourboule.Lovely late summer in La Bourboule
Auvergne - hot springs and healthy bubbles
If I am to enjoy the next morning on my balcony watching the sun rise, murmurs under me an insignificant trickle: the Dordogne. Where the Dordogne in the Dordogne is a wide flowing river, she is in her hometown here in the Auvergne, still small and playful. At 1800 meters altitude rises from the river boosted spring water. Because many sources you see here in this ancient volcanic landscape.
The water spray up to the thermal baths of Royat. Good to drink and bathe.The water spray up to the thermal baths of Royat. Good to drink and bathe
The numerous thermal water has resulted in the Auvergne for a cure-rich history. The spring water is widely used for: bathing, drinking, mud wraps. And there were times (and not so long ago) that natural sources of healing were also the only sources. Maori bathed in mud, Tunisians bathed in healing waters and Sweden in a freezing cold lake. But here in the Auvergne so: drinking and bathing.
The minerals in the well water of Chatel Guyon colors the rocks.The minerals in the well water of Chatel Guyon colors the rocks
In Auvergne, the thermal springs of volcanic origin: minerals, much dissolved CO2, pleasantly warm. If like me you pass five treatment sites in 3 days, you get it all at. The ' Route Thermal ' shows that there has emerged a true cure tradition: Royat, La Bourboule, Mont Dore, Chatel Guyon, Vichy. Beautiful spas in baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau style. Often they are still in full use for medical purposes, but the buildings are very beautiful to look ordinary. And sometimes (as in Royat) in addition to the classic and modern bath tub occur.
Relax in the autumn sun on the baths of Mont Dore.Relax in the autumn sun on the baths of Mont Dore
Auvergne - treatments on stand
Maybe I'm a little set romantic. Whether it is to late ... Anyway, I thoroughly enjoy this stylish places during my trip. Auvergne combines a beautiful soothing nature with soothing spa stately places. Not corny but classic, dignified and classy. Of course the public accordingly. But that is precisely the soothing of this road trip. Rest assured, in the Auvergne you can be very active. But I do not right now ...
The baths of Mont Dore are beautiful. Greek, Roman and Moorish time.The baths of Mont Dore are beautiful. Greek, Roman and Moorish time The baths of Royat. Stately and a rich history.The baths of Royat. Stately and rich history Fortunately, there is more than well water in the Auvergne.Fortunately, there is more than well water in the Auvergne
The legacy of Napoleon
Napoleon is always portrayed with his right hand under the handling of his coat. For now I know that is because the best man always had problems with his stomach. In each course where I'll hear or read the same: Napoleon visited this place because the well water was so good for his stomach. He visited them all. But he was very happy in some places, and there he built properties. And you can still see.
In Vichy you can still see clearly the traces of Napoleon. He had problems with his stomach and kuurde much.In Vichy you can still see clearly the traces of Napoleon. He had problems with his stomach and kuurde much Vichy Napoleon III was very happy. He made the city great and lived in this Swiss chalet.Vichy Napoleon III was very happy. He made the city great and lived in this Swiss chalet
The effect is the same everywhere: a visit by Napoleon delivers huge fame. Suddenly everyone comes there cures. And socialize, and be seen, and visit the casino, and expensive restaurants, and beautiful parks. In short, Napoleon as PR machine brought the Auvergne lot. But times have changed. Not every treatment takes place the wealth and status as well can hold. That worked mainly in Vichy.
The spa gardens in Vichy. Peace.The spa gardens in Vichy. Peace
Vichy - rich history
I'm saving the best for last. I go to Vichy. It is a city that has been able to retain the old status and fame. And even expanded. Because who knows Vichy not? As a modern cosmetic product? Here's marketing still works fine. Perhaps because Napoleon really came here to live. In a Swiss chalet (!) Because he loved it. The chalet is still there, on the edge of the spa park. Just rent for tourists.
Vichy exudes the luxury of the buildings in the spa park.Vichy exudes the luxury of the buildings in the spa park
I stay in hotel Vichy Celestin , built against the new spa. The 5-star hotel (not self-paid but offered) of the Vichy Celestin firm which is different from the Vichy brand, which is owned by the company L'Oreal in Paris ... It's a beautiful hotel, but it may also or for € 450 per night. But, to be honest, the spa is great. And, also to use as you do not sleep at the hotel. It is even the only spa in the world where you can be treated with original Vichy products. No other spa can use Vichy products. Yes, in cosmetics play major interests ...
The old spa building. Now in use for medical treatments.The old spa building. Now in use for medical treatments
Vichy has four different thermal springs, each with a very different composition minarale. Only one source can anyone drink. This water will also be bottled sold all over the world. The three other sources are behind a fence and can only be used on prescription. The mineral content is so high that it falls under the medicijnwet. That activity was indeed discovered by farmers: the cattle had to be drunk knew exactly which source problems.
The new spa in Vichy: a temple to the water.The new spa in Vichy: a temple to the water
Lying in the shower
My road trip through the Auvergne is super relaxed. But today I will conclude with further relaxation: I go to the spa to enjoy the only real unsurpassed Vichy shower! Lying under a battery of showers where hot healing spring water flows at the same time I get a massage with aromatic oils delicious ... Look, am I not at home.
Vichy is the only spa in the world where Vichy products are working.Vichy is the only spa in the world to work with Vichy products
Punctuality I register at the reception. A friendly lady speaks to me in English. Also an advantage in the smaller places cure everyone speaks only French, and I do not. I take off my clothes, disposable panties, and I lie. This is truly heaven on earth. I lose all sense of time. I hover around volcanoes, Napoleon gallops past, I win a million in the casino ...
The Vichy shower is magical: a reclining massage under a thermal shower.The Vichy shower is magical: a reclining massage under thermal shower
My masseuse was afterwards as wet as I am, but that seems to be a problem. I come back to earth and remember that the third day is already over. The next day I must again return to Clermont-Ferrand. drop off rental car and just reminisce at the airport. Three days road trip in style - what a wonderful mini-vacation.
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