A Breath of Fresh Air on the Way to Clermont-Ferrand

Leave Geneva early in the morning, heading straight to Lake Annecy, where you'll have the chance to admire one of the biggest lakes in Europe – a dreamy location, for sure!

Head up the mountain and get a perfect and unique view of Lake Annecy. The second-biggest lake of glacier origin in France, it’s 27.59 square kilometres of clear blue water, surrounded by wonderful mountains.

Make a little stop at Plage Du Sougey, where you can take a dip in the water if the weather allows it, or just admire the mountains and the clear water from the sand.

"This small, intimate restaurant in the village of Malleval offers a menu of eight homemade dishes. You’ll have the opportunity to savour fresh regional food, such as frog legs with parsley, or foie gras terrine for the most ambitious.
Make sure to book a table before getting there.
Opening Hours: Thursday – Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday: Closed

After lunch, take a walk in the village of Malleval and reach the belvedere. At an altitude of 283 m, in a hairpin bend of the D79, the Malleval Belvedere offers a unique view of the village and the mountains. Take a deep breath of fresh air before getting back in the car and heading towards Clermont-Ferrand.

Make a stop at this little chapelle, hidden in the middle of nowhere. It’s over 300 years old, and its architecture is typical of 18th-century French art.

When you arrive in the centre of Clermont-Ferrand, park your car in the cathedral car park to enjoy the city on foot.

First, head to the Basilique Notre-Dame du Port, the massive basilica that overlooks the city. It was built in the 12th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

Then, make your way to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, a real emblem of Clermont-Ferrand. It’s the first and largest building constructed entirely of Volvic lava. It’s inspired in particular by the Rayonnant Gothic style of the Île-de-France, and is the setting for a unique collection of stained-glass windows, including Romanesque lancets, and wall paintings.

Finish your day at l’Écureuil, a cosy restaurant located in the centre of Clermont-Ferrand. You can appreciate the cuisine of famous chef Benoît Piedpremier, which combines the flavours of the Mediterranean, Piedmont, and Auvergne.
Head to their official website to book a table in advance.
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed

Spend the night at Clos Beaumont, a lovely guest house just outside the city. The rooms are located in a Maison de Maître from the end of the 19th century, a former vineyard property in the Côtes d'Auvergne. The architecture is typical of the region: it features elaborate Volvic stone frames, which can be found in the architecture of many buildings in Clermont-Ferrand.
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