The Chauvet Cave 2 in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (Ardèche)
The Chauvet Cave, ring any bells? If yes, great, if not, it's time for a little online research. Chauvet Cave 2 (also known as Caverne du Pont-d'Arc) is an exact replica of the original Chauvet Cave, which was closed to prevent its deterioration. So, here's your chance to discover paintings that are 36,000 years old, along with the smell, temperature, and humidity of the original cave. Yeah, they didn't do things by halves. And to top it all off, it's a perfect place to escape the heatwave. What more could you ask for, honestly?
Chauvet Cave 2
4941 Route de Bourg St Andréol - 07150 Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
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The Castle of Grignan (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 the Marquise de Sévigné stayed here near her daughter in the 17th century. The history lesson is over. But seriously, this is a beautiful castle that will take you away from Versailles. Not as luxurious, we admit, but still very respectable in appearance. Oh, and it's the largest palace in the southeast of France, just like that...
The Castle of Grignan
23 rue Montant au Château - 26230 Grignan
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The UNESCO Geopark Beaujolais (Rhône)
Not far from Lyon, Beaujolais has been part of the UNESCO Geoparks since 2018. With one of the most complex geologies in France and Europe, the Beaujolais geopark is a must-visit in the region, whether you love nature, landscapes, or are a wine enthusiast. In addition to its unique vegetation, the area also boasts hectares of vineyards and small villages scattered along the steep and winding hills. It offers an enriching and enchanting getaway during your visit to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
UNESCO Geopark Beaujolais
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The Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval in Hauterives (Drôme)
When we start from the assumption that it's called the "ideal palace," we can already tell you what to expect. To be honest, we're not completely sure about its perfection, but one thing is for sure—it's unconventional. It doesn't follow any architectural rules, as rebellious as you during your teenage years. But let's talk about its fascinating story: Ferdinand Cheval, a postman by trade, spent 33 years collecting unusual stones he came across during his rounds to build this monument of originality. Today, it is classified as a historical monument and welcomed almost 305,000 visitors in 2019.
The ideal palace of Postman Cheval
8 rue du Palais - 26390 Hauterives
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The Michelin Adventure in Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme)
© Michel Peres
Let's be serious for two minutes: who doesn't know the famous Bibendum, the red gastronomic guide, the green guide and the famous tire brand? The Michelin success story began in Clermont-Ferrand in 1889. The museum dedicated to the company tells the great history of a company that left its mark on its time and future generations in a timeless and exotic setting. An opportunity to rediscover the main lines of the company, from the first removable tire to the future lunar wheel, through maps and the famous guides that still make 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)
The solution to finally get away from the city after leaving this (wonderful) capital city is right here. Located in the heart of the Ain department, the Parc des oiseaux in Villars-les-Dombes is the perfect opportunity to combine a walk, a visit, and to contemplate the grace of birds in their natural habitat. It is also one of the few major reserves of its kind in Europe. So open your eyes wide, look up to the sky, and admire the wild parade of birds while secretly dreaming of doing the same...
Parc des oiseaux
01330 - Villars-les-Dombes
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Le Volcan de Lemptégy in Puy-de-Dôme
© Olivier Grunewald
You can't visit the region without going to the famous volcanoes of Auvergne. In the heart of the Chaîne des Puys, the Volcan de Lemptegy offers an immersive and fascinating experience: a visit to the depths of a 100% natural volcano. Whether on foot or by small train, the guided tour reveals all the treasures of the site along with the richness of its history throughout time. To end your visit, the site also has exhibition spaces and a fun attraction. Learning 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 Puy-en-Velay, the European capital of the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle trails, exudes history and religion. It's like an open-air museum spread across 35 hectares. The Puy-en-Velay is home to numerous classified buildings such as the Hôtel-Dieu, the Chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe, and especially the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral of Puy-en-Velay and its cloister, classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1998. It is also the second favorite monument of the French people. And yes, it is also called "Our Lady", so you won't feel too out of place. But don't worry, it is highly unlikely to catch fire as it is made of volcanic stone...
43000 - Le Puy-en-Velay
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Les Caves de la Chartreuse (Isère)
If there is one mystery that intrigues in the region, it is that of the Chartreuse. For many centuries, this region has continued to attract the curious and the wildest theories. In Voiron, in the heart of Isère, you can discover the longest liqueur cellars in the world. An incredible and timeless adventure into the deepest secrets of the Carthusian monks. But also an opportunity to learn more about the making of this renowned beverage from around the world (and maybe even taste a few sips, you know). Caves de la Chartreuse
Pioneer of modern architecture and an essential reference, both in theory and art, for architecture in the 20th and 21st centuries, Le Corbusier is the creator of Europe's largest architectural complex built in the 1960s in Firminy, Loire. On-site, you can discover a collection consisting of the UNESCO-classified Maison de la Culture since 2016, the Stade and the André Wogensky Swimming Pool, the housing unit with its nursery school and rooftop terrace, and the Saint-Pierre church which offers a unique acoustic experience. Le Corbusier Site
© Caves de la Chartreuse
10 boulevard Edgard Kofler - 38500 Voiron
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The Le Corbusier site in Firminy (Loire)
© grofouillis.canalblog.com
Maison de la culture - Boulevard Périphérique du Stade - 42700 Firminy
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