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We flew into Clermont-Ferrand, rented a car and drove to its sister cities Royat-Chamalieres. We drove the narrow roads until we got atop a hill where we had a spectacular view of Clermont-Ferrand (see its article on my site) and found our camping site situated deep within the coniferous trees.
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We discovered that Royat-Chamalieres had a ton of water fountains scattered in the middle of narrow round-abouts, in the middle of parks and against the numerous cliffs due to the city being part a chain of extinct volcanoes. The water, from volcanic underground, has great healing properties and is warm. People cherish its healing abilities, and people come from all around the world to relax at their numerous spas.
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There are many caves in this area. Here you can visit the famous `Grotte du Chien`(Dog Cave). Inside you`ll be able to witness Roman ruins. The Romans took their soldiers to these caves to wash and heal their war wounds with the mineral happy water. Also you`ll be able to buy and see a museum full of petrified objects. They show you how they make these art pieces with letting the water flow for a certain amount of time on the different objects, which after a while becomes hard as rock. Petrified art pieces take 1 week to a few months to be ready.
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You`ll find in a great assortment of `Trompe L`Oeil` painted by Slobo here in there in the city. They are paintings of building on drab buildings. Giving the illusion of a totally different edifice than what it actually is. Amazing!
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The Camping site `Camping de L`Oclede`is clean and welcoming. Sites are seperated by trees in most areas for maximum privacy between tents. It has clean and great facilities; Washing machines/dryers; hot showers; etc, For more information you can get in touch with them at phone number 04 73 35 97 05
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I enjoyed the `difficult`hike through the Arboretum. The park is divided in more than a dozen different kind of trees. The hills are steep and the hike may be stenous, be sure to bring good shoes/boots.
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Published on Sunday October 5th, 2003
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