Les Roulottes et Cabanes du Livradois

Setting out on foot, saddling up on horseback, screaming along a zipline – there are so many ways to get active in the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park. Walking and mountain bike trails are all around, and there’s a stable 15 minutes' drive away for folk who’d like to hoof around on horseback. If you've ever fancied following the birds up into the branches, wing over to the canopy trails at Forêt Aventure five minutes’ drive away; there are special courses for intrepid small sorts as well as the grownups. Feet planted safely back at ground level, wander into Cunlhat for tennis courts, miniature golf and a golf course. Elsewhere in the area, take in castle visits at the hilltop ruins of Château de Mauzun (20 minutes' drive) or the elegant Château d’Aulteribe (half an hour), or glide gracefully through the countryside on a scenic train ride from Ambert (25 minutes). It's also worth making the half-hour drive for a potter around the medieval streets of Billom; if you’re a fan of the ‘stinking rose', time your visit to coincide with the town's August lively garlic fair.