The Chauvet Cave 2 in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (Ardèche)
The Chauvet Cave, ring a bell? If yes, great! If not, a quick internet search is in order. Chauvet 2 Cave (also known as the Pont-d'Arc Cave) is an identical replica of the original Chauvet Cave, which was closed to prevent deterioration. You'll have the chance to discover paintings that are 36,000 years old, with added smell, temperature, and humidity of the original cave - they didn't cut any corners. And to top it off, it's a perfect place to escape the heatwave. What more could you ask for, honestly?
Chauvet 2 Cave
4941 Route de Bourg St Andéol - 07150 Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
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The Grignan Castle (Drôme)
© P. Blanc
Awesome! I am the pride of Drôme, I owe my reputation to a great lady, I am, I am…: the castle of Grignan. Madame la Marquise de Sévigné stayed there near her daughter in the 17th century. The history lesson is over. Seriously, this is a very beautiful castle that will give you a break from Versailles. Not as luxurious, we admit, but still with a very respectable silhouette. Oh and it's the largest palace in the southeast of France, just like that…
Château de Grignan
23 rue Montant au Château - 26230 Grignan
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UNESCO Geopark Beaujolais (Rhône)
Not far from Lyon, Beaujolais has been a UNESCO geopark since 2018. With one of the most complex geological formations in France and Europe, the Beaujolais geopark is a must-see in the region, whether you love nature, landscapes, or are a wine enthusiast. In addition to offering unique vegetation, the area also features hectares of vineyards and small villages scattered across the steep and winding hills. This makes it a rich and enchanting getaway during your visit to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
UNESCO Geopark Beaujolais
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The Ideal Palace of the Postman Cheval in Hauterives (Drôme)
When we say it's called the "ideal palace," you already know it's going to be colorful. To be honest, we're not sure about the ideal part, but one thing's for sure, it's anticonformist. It doesn't follow any architectural rules, as rebellious as you were during your teenage years. But its story is worth a detour: Ferdinand Cheval, a postman by profession, spent 33 years collecting unusual stones he came across during his rounds to build this monument of originality. Now classified as a historical monument, it welcomed nearly 305,000 visitors in 2019.
The Ideal Palace of the Postman Cheval
8 rue du Palais - 26390 Hauterives
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The Michelin Adventure in Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme)
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© Michel Peres
Let's be serious for a moment: who doesn't know the famous Bibendum, the red gastronomic guide, the green guide, and the renowned tire brand? The Michelin success story began in Clermont-Ferrand in 1889. The museum dedicated to the company tells the fascinating tale of a business that made its mark on its era and future generations in a timeless and exotic setting. It's a chance to rediscover the highlights of the company, from the first detachable tire to the future lunar wheel, as well as the maps and famous guides that still uphold Michelin's reputation today.
L'Aventure Michelin
32 rue du Clos Four - 63100 Clermont-Ferrand
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Le Parc des Oiseaux in Villars-les-Dombes (Ain)
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Enjoy the colorful life!
Have a great day!
The solution to finally get away from the city after leaving this (wonderful) capital is right here. Located in the heart of the Ain department, the Bird Park of Villars-les-Dombes is the perfect opportunity to combine a stroll, a visit, and to admire the grace of birds flying freely in their natural habitat. It is actually one of the only large reserves of this kind in Europe. So open your eyes wide, look up to the sky, and admire the wild ballet of the birds while secretly dreaming of doing the same...
Bird Park
01330 - Villars-les-Dombes
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The Lemptégy Volcano in Puy-de-Dôme
© Olivier Grunewald
You can't pass through the region without visiting the famous volcanoes of Auvergne. In the heart of the Chaîne des Puys, the Volcan de Lemptegy offers an immersive experience: a guided tour inside a 100% natural volcano. Whether on foot or by small train, the guided excursion reveals all the treasures of the site as well as the richness of its history through the passage of Man. To conclude your visit, the site also has exhibition spaces and a fun attraction. Learn while having fun.
Volcan de Lemptégy
31 route des Puys - Les Maisons Rouges - 63230 - Saint Ours Les Roches
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Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
© Mariedofra
The European capital of the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle trails, Le Puy-en-Velay exudes history and religion. Like an open-air museum spanning 35 hectares, Le Puy-en-Velay is home to many classified buildings such as the Hôtel-Dieu, the Chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe, and most notably the famous Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Puy-en-Velay and its cloister classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 and the 2nd favorite monument of the French. Yes, it is also called "Notre-Dame" so you won't feel too out of place. And don't worry, this one is highly unlikely to burn down since it is made of volcanic stone...
43000 - Le Puy-en-Velay
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The Caves of the Chartreuse (Isère)
Joyful and friendly style! 🌟
© Caves de la Chartreuse
If there's one mystery that intrigues in the region, it's the one of the Chartreuse. For many centuries, this region has never stopped attracting the curious and the wildest theories. In Voiron, in the heart of Isère, you can discover the longest liquor cellars in the world. An incredible and timeless adventure into the hidden secrets of the Chartreuse monks. But also the opportunity to learn more about the production of this renowned beverage around the world (and maybe even taste a few sips, after all).
Caves de la Chartreuse
10 boulevard Edgard Kofler - 38500 Voiron
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The Le Corbusier site in Firminy (Loire)
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© grofouillis.canalblog.com
Leading figure in modern architecture and a key reference in theoretical and artistic terms for 20th and 21st century architecture, Le Corbusier is the mastermind behind Europe's largest architectural complex built in the 1960s in Firminy, Loire. On site, you can explore a complex consisting of the UNESCO-listed Maison de la Culture since 2016, the Stade and Piscine André Wogensky, the Unité d'Habitation with its kindergarten and rooftop terrace, and the Church of Saint-Pierre with its unique acoustics.
Le Corbusier Site
Maison de la Culture - Boulevard Périphérique du Stade - 42700 Firminy
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