The property: A converted stone-built former forge in which cartwheels and small tools were made, the detached and independent accommodation is on one level and has been completely and tastefully refitted and refurbished for 2008. It stands on the edge of a typical Auvergnat village and is close to the owners’ property. Views from the windows and garden overlook the surrounding wooded mountains, the city of Clermont Ferrand and the Puy de Dome. La Maison de Réflexion provides cosy 3-star accommodation (award pending) complete with wood burner and electric heating, it consists of one double and one twin-bedded room, a spacious lounge/diner , a very well-equipped American-style kitchen and a good-sized shower room. At 750 metres, the air is clear, the water pure and the area rich in flora, fauna and birdlife. An ideal haven for relaxing, walking and recharging the batteries. For more details please visit our website.

Outside Area: La Maison de Réflexion stands alone on the edge of the village, in its own enclosed lawned garden complete with outdoor dining table and chairs, sun loungers and BBQ. The gîte looks out over the beautiful wooded mountains of the Montagne Thiernoise towards Clermont Ferrand with its backdrop of La chaine des Puys.

Surrounding Area: The small rural village of Pitelet nestles amongst the wooded hills in the picturesque Puy de Dôme, one of four 'départements' which make up the Auvergne region in the heart of France. At an altitude of 750 metres, the air is clear, the water untreated and the area rich in flora, fauna and birdlife which makes it ideal for those who want to "get away from it all" and enjoy the area's tranquility and unspoiled surroundings - ideal for exploring on foot or bicycle or just sitting and reflecting.

Should you prefer more organised activities, there are water sports, outdoor heated swimming pool, mini-golf and tennis and squash courts available for hire around the lake at nearby St Rémy sur Durolle (10 kms) as well as restaurants and cafes. The town itself has a small selection of essential shops, bars and cafes and boasts a small Sunday morning market.

Our nearest large town, Thiers, has been the centre of the French cutlery manufacturing for five centuries, a fact that is celebrated at the fascinating Musée de la Coutellerie. The region is the home of the famous "Sabatier" kitchen knife and "la coutellerie" is still very much a cottage industry, and is still practised by individuals working in a modest workshop attached to their village home. In July each year, Thiers also hosts the lively summer Pamparina music festival in July with 150 free concerts in the town's streets. A market is held there each Saturday.

The spa town of Vichy in the neighbouring département of L’Allier (40 kms) with its celebrated opera house and famous for its healing waters, its golf course and its trotting horse stadium, is also well worth a visit. It now boasts a brand new swimming centre complete with olympic-sized pool.

And we should not forget Clermont-Ferrand (40 kms), the capital city of the Auvergne and the home of the Number 1 of motor tyres and Bibendum, the Michelin man. The company is currently building a state-of-the-art visitor centre due to open in the near future.

The Montagne Thiernoise forms the northern part of one of France's beautiful natural regional parks, the Livradois-Forez, and a short distance by car to the south-west is the stunning chain of volcanoes from which the 'département' gets its name and its highest peak, the Puy de Dôme. The more adventurous might like to see them from a hot air balloon or paraglider. Or you might want to visit one or more of the area's interesting chateaux.

And when you have worked up an appetite savour some of the local speciality foods. Hams, saucissons, preserves. the distinctive Saucisson de Choux made in nearby Arconsat, tripe in tomato sauce followed by one of the delicious cheeses from the milk of cow, goat and sheep as the region boasts one of the largest number of AOC cheeses in France - accompanied by a glass or two from the smaller, yet equally distinctive choice of wines.

Other comments: This property is also available for summer holiday rentals.

Pricing Info: 700 Euros per month - October to April inclusive. Our prices include electricity, water and logs for the fire. We would like 50 percent of a month’s rent as a deposit for damage, breakages etc and payment a month in advance.
Availability:   Please contact the owner to confirm availability.

For further information and to book please contact:
N.B. Use your international dialling code in place of the + sign e.g. dialling from UK would be 00 33 
Please take into account any international time differences before calling.
Please quote ‘Rent a place in France.com’ when contacting the owner.

Name: Andree & Gary Lloyd Languages spoken: English, French, German Tel No: +33 (0)4 73 94 06 53 Time to contact: Anytime     Website: www.slowholidays-auvergne.com

       

NB. We are happy to receive enquiries by telephone or email.

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