Sous les toiles de PauTiLou

A UNESCO World Heritage site on account of its spa heritage, Vichy (20 minutes' drive) has several well-maintained parks stretching along the banks of the Allier. Other riverside attractions include Beach Celestine, with a roped-off area for swimming, and the Aloha Parc Vichy inflatable adventure course. The Vichy Opera House is where the state of Vichy France was created in 1940. For a spot of forest bathing, head to L’Allée des Géants (35 minutes’ drive), which translates as the Alley of the Giants (also known as the Witches’ Path due to its somewhat spooky nature). Walking trails of varying lengths snake among gnarled centuries-old, moss-covered beech trees. On the outskirts of Riom, Parc Mirabel (an hour) is an amusement park with treetop adventure courses and bouncy, inflatable structures. Younger kids might enjoy feeding the rabbits or ‘splashing’ around in the ball pit; meanwhile, the entire family can play a round of miniature golf. Le Pal (55 minutes) has rollercoasters, rhinos and other wild animals (what a combination, indeed). Vulcania (an hour and 20 minutes) also has a tremendous number of rides, plus science workshops and views of Puy de Dôme.