These are some of the places we have been - all are worth a look. There's much more to explore of course and we'll add these as we discover them. If you know of others drop us a line and we'll add them to the list.

Brioude - a very pleasant town for shopping and mooching around.

Issoire - the nearest/easiest to access town. Supermarkets (Carrefour) and superstores for DIY, furniture, clothes etc. are all on its outskirts. The centre of town is very quaint and is built around a central plaza. Hopefully you'll never need it, but the nearest hospital is here in Issoire.

Ambert - for centuries was the centre of paper making in France and there is still a working paper mill just east of the town. It's a very nice town to wonder around and for those with a bit more energy, there is an aqua park just south of Ambert on the D906. This is also where we found the cheapest diesel - Ambert that it, not the aqua park!

Le Chaise-Dieu - a touristy place, with one of the best sculpure/painters we've seen to date. The abbey church of St Robert is impressive as is the Salle de L'Echo. Apparently constructed so plague infected parishioners could still go to confession because if two people stand in opposite corners facing the wall, you can hear each other as clear as a bell. Quite spooky really, but good fun.

Mont-Dore - both a beautiful spa town and one of the very first french ski resorts. As a ski resort it's still in operation today and be clearly seen from the St Germain to Issoire road when covered in snow.

Saint Nectaire - picturesque place and makers of a very tasty cheese.

Lac Chambon - a lake where you can swim, canoe, relax, picnic etc. but the best thing about it is it's below Mont Dore (which can be seen in the background) so the view is stunning.

Billom - the area is apparently renowned for garlic growing but we found Billom an interesting little place because of its medieval quarter. If you like markets there's one on a Monday morning, which is usually over by noon so make sure you get there early.

Thiers - is historically the country's greatest manufacturer of knives and still produces about 70% of knives made in France. It's built on the steep slopes of the valley of Durolle.

Clermont Ferrand - is the department capital and the place to go if you want to hit the shops. It is also linked to Paris by the TGV (fast train).

Saint Germain l'Herm - the local town where you'll find the doctor, a dentist and several really good shops. You MUST have the bread - it's simply the best you'll ever taste!

Fayet Ronaye - just a short walk down the road, and although nothing more than a small hamlet, this is where the Mairie (mayor) for Ardennes is located. There are some valley walks which start here.

Boudes - the local wine producing village. All the producers are happy for you to try so be prepared to get sloshed!

Besse/Super Besse - the other side of the mountain to Mont Dore.The pass between is spectacular, and although Super Besse is just essentially the ski village, the old town of Besse is a beautiful traditional village.

Le Puy en Velay -capital of the Haute-Loire region and famed for its churhes perched on the top of mini mountains. Like many places in the area, it has a lovely medieval quarter.

Millau Viaduct - from valley to its top, it's taller than the Eiffel Tower. A wonder of the modern world. And the motorway (A75) on the way down is a treat - climbs to over 1100 metres which is higher than the highest mountain in England!

St Flour -