nature – HEAL

This is one of the best Campanile hotels I’ve ever stayed in, recently refurbished with excellent staff and good restaurant.

We checked in on a blistering mid July afternoon as the mercury pushed past 40 degrees. Our room was superbly clean and the air conditioning running, the maid even helped us with our bags, not just for the tip but because she could see were oldies.

Light and airy, the motel style room was very comfortable and clean. The restaurant is superb and convenient.

Just down the road is a lovely bakery with wonderful croissants and sandwiches. The Pain aux chocolate with almonds is a particular favourite.

Campanile – Le Brézet
44 Rue Claude Guichard
63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
+33 4739 18891 (direct)
Website
Comfy bed and easy parking

Clermont Ferrand is in the Auvergne and conveniently situated near major autoroutes. An ancient city with a thriving centre easily accessed by buses and trains and trams. Visit the Michelin museum and cathedral.

Puy de Dome is a popular destination. You can drive to the peak, but the train is such a nice ride and at €18 adult (€12 child) round trip it’s not expensive. A family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) is €49.

Nearly 1.5km above sea level the ancient volcano Puy de dome is a nice place to walk and enjoy the views over the French countryside. With a cafe and museum, there is plenty to do even if the sun isn’t shining.

Visiting Troyes?…Try this self catering apartment HERE

A quick note on a nice day out in Cornwall. Between Bodmin and St Austell lies Hidden Valley which is aptly named because it really is off the beaten track. That said, the road is good and access is easy. If you want to spend a few hours in absolute peace and quiet looking at a huge array of flowers, here are some of the ones I spotted along the way…

Cambrian poppies seed themselves easily and are an ideal way to populate a wild flower garden.

Built in traditional Cornish style this lovely well is based on old Cornish Holy Wells.

Scientific name – Digitalis is used in heart medicine to increase blood flow around the body, which can also reduce swelling in ankles and hands.

Allium bulbs should be planted out in autumn and will grow well in poor quality soil. They love full sun, so we are trying them in Spain this year.

Dry the seed heads out for lovely decorations in flower arrangements. For more information about growing Honesty > HERE

Limnanthes douglasii are an annual which self seeds and grows easily.

Common wild flower also known as stinky Bob. Herb Robert is edible, the leaves and flowers can be used fresh and dried in salads and teas. It is also believed to repel mosquitoes if rubbed on the skin.

In addition to the flowers, there is a nice self service tea hut where you can sit and have a picnic with tea, coffee and milk in the fridge, included in the entry price of £7.50. For more information, go to the website > HERE

Tag: nature

🇫🇷 Clermont Ferrand – Campanile

📷 From Hidden Valley, Cornwall…