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Published: October 22nd 2017
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Geo: 45.7007, 3.16976
Monday morning we packed up leisurely in preparation for our next transfer of just over 200 miles. After the first 20 miles we joined the motorway network which took us almost to our next stop - Camping Le Clos Auroy at Orcet, south of Clermont Ferrand - in the area of the Auvergne, famed for its extinct volcanoes. The highest and most famous is the Puy de Dome and that is where we ventured yesterday afternoon.
In the morning, we needed some provisions so off we went to the local Lidl store - something of an infatuation for us now during our European travels, and when using the stores in the UK you can almost imagine yourself abroad! Anyway, while I was getting foodie items, David was despatched to find wine since the 'cellar' was empty. As a novelty, he will often pick up one of the cheaper ones (seriously cheap) to try, and previously in some instances, we haven't been disappointed. This one, as it turned out, a Corbiere (red) at €1.99 (£1.53) was brilliant value so we shall put a couple in our trolley on our next visit. It went down a treat with our pasta later.
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Panoramique du Dome
Electric powered rack railway. the sightseeing. A half hour journey from the site took us to the base of Puy de Dome, NW of Clermont-Ferrand, where you arrive at the car park, visitor centre and station. Since May 2012 visitors may only access the peak via an electric rack railway - a very modern affair - which has been laid on the route of the former roadway, though a service road does run alongside. The journey takes 15 minutes and the large windows of the carriages allow good views of the landscape as you ascend.
Once at the top it is decidedly cooler and windier so we were relieved that we had heeded the advice to wear appropriate clothing. We strolled along some of the hardstanding pathways round the summit taking in the surrounding countryside below, including numerous other 'puys', before studying remains and a part-reconstruction of a building. This is the Roman Temple of Mercury which was discovered during the installation of a weather station and is now a major attraction in itself as we learned from the audio-guide in the exhibition centre. Those Romans got everywhere and didn't seem daunted by obstacles that got in their way such as a 436m (base to
summit) lump of volcanic rock.
As we made our way down to the cafe for a hot chocolate and pastries, we came across several photographers with some serious bits of kit. They had received a tip off and were hoping to get pics of weaver birds enroute from Africa.
The weather was not so good today as we woke to grey skies and a little rain. Luckily come lunchtime things we looking better in time for our excursion to the Puy - it would have been pretty pointless if the visibility was poor - but the landscape would not be so luscious and green without some rainfall. No pain, no gain.
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