Message Forums

Do you put your tent up - or do you prefer to overnight in a hotel like lots of other tent users?  If so, there are plenty of budget hotels in both places. 

Here's a website giving some other campsites in the area you're looking for:

http://www.officedetourismedevierzon.com/navigation.php?page=82

And the site in Bourges http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=9607

no we have two small tents for overnight stops as with 3 kids two /three rooms needeed in most hotels making it a dear option the kids are 11,15 and 17 we have done this for years but never this route

just followed the links the site at bourges is just the thing thanks

It's a lovely route, especially in the Southern half, when you get near to Clermont Ferrand - look out for the old volcanic peaks off to the west - with the Puy de Dome nearest to Clermont Ferrand.  Then you have a winding section down through Issoire, and from there the road climbs gradually up to a high point which is higher than Mount Snowdon!  They are long climbs though - no hairpin bends or anything.  There are spectacular views all down the autoroute south of Clermont Ferrand.  Keep a look out for St Flour over to your left, and the Aire at the Viaduc du Garabit is worth stopping at for a look at the Viaduct and the lake below - nice place to have a picnic lunch, we've found (but no Service area so make sure you have something with you). 

Then you're up into the high country of the Aubrac - and if you're lucky you'll see buzzards and other birds of prey perched on the posts for the motorway fence or even golden eagles overhead!  Get further south and there are more spectacular views, then the Millau viaduct (and several other long viaducts), and across the Larzac plateau.  You may see vultures overhead at this point - they were reintroduced on the cliffs of the Gorges du Jonte, nearby, then through the tunnel at what was the Pas de l'Escalette, and the stunning view as you come out of the tunnel, followed by the long descent down to the coast!

We love the route!  I hope you do, too.