Location

The gîte is in the forested hills above the village of Marat. This lies near to the Dore Valley in the Livradois-Forez Natural Regional Parc in the department of Puy-de-Dome and region of Auvergne. The nearest large village is Olliergues (10 minutes drive). Nearest towns are Thiers (30 minutes) and Ambert (25 mniutes). Cities - Clermont Ferrand (50 minutes); Vichy (50 minutes); Lyon (2 hours); Paris (4.5 hours).

The gîte is reached via small country roads and a quiet track. It is quite secluded with hamlets half a mile either side of it.

The gîte is in the mountains of the Auvergne at 800 metres above sea level. Climate can be quite variable but the main experience has been hot sunny days and cool (insect free) evenings in the summer.

The views of the forests and mountains of the Livradois Forez are enchanting. There is some lovely wildlife to be seen including deer, red squirrels and wild boar. There are always birds of prey overhead calling to one another.

Click here for information including more detailed descriptions (with pictures) of the gîte and surrounding areas .