Best Attractions in the Massif Central  The Massif Central is best explored by those who love the great outdoors with excellent walking in the summer months and the closest skiing to Paris in the winter months.  All the major attractions in the area take advantage of the geology of the area, for example with many canoeing centres, underground caves to explore and centres such as Vulcania which are built around the theme of the volcanic past of the region.

Parc Ecureuil

Location: At Chatel-Guzon (just north of Clermont-Ferrand) take the D415 in the direction of Manzat.  The car park is signposted just on the outskirts of Chatel-Guzon.

General Info:  Entry prices for 2006 are €7 for age 4-8, €10 for age 9-12, €15 age 13-16 and €19 for over 16s.  Check their website or telephone 06 77 13 46 31 for further information.

Description: A traditional tree top adventure course, perfect for any children who enjoy outdoor activities and don’t mind exerting a bit of energy to entertain themselves!  The juniors and adult courses last about 2.5 hours.  You have to be over 1.4m high to take part in those.

Our recommendations: If you have some young children they will most likely need accompanying.  You might want to consider whether you’re better of just walking round with them rather than taking part yourself.

For the children: Even those as young as 4 are catered for with a short course.  They have to be in the range of 1.05 – 1.2m tall.

     - Aven Armand caves
     - Chaos de Monpellier-le-Vieux
     - Mont-Dore Aventures
     - Parc Ecureuil
     - Roquefort Société
     - Saint-Nectaire Aventures
     - Site Troglodyte de Jonas
     - Volcan de Lemptegy
     - Vulcania
 

Something the children will love - try canoeing in the Tarn.