Best Attractions in the Massif Central  The Massif Central is best explored by those who love the great outdoors with excellent walking in the summer months and the closest skiing to Paris in the winter months.  All the major attractions in the area take advantage of the geology of the area, for example with many canoeing centres, underground caves to explore and centres such as Vulcania which are built around the theme of the volcanic past of the region.

Site Troglodyte de Jonas

Location: Take the D978 from A75 Jcn 6 near Clermont Ferrand to Champeix, then the D978 towards Besse, turning off for St Pierre Colamine to find the Site de Jonas.

General Info: www.grottedejonas.com.  Open from the Easter holidays through to the 30th Sept as well as other French school vacation times.

Description: A fascinating troglodyte village cleft in the rocky cliffs of this volcanic region.  Originally this was a medieval village of more than 70 dwellings, linked by corridors and spiral staircases over more than 5 levels.

Our recommendations: Combine with a visit to Saint-Nectaire Aventures for an excellent day out for the family.

For the children: Good place to visit if your children like the fresh air and to let off steam.  But not so much directly interesting for them.

     - Aven Armand caves
     - Chaos de Monpellier-le-Vieux
     - Mont-Dore Aventures
     - Parc Ecureuil
     - Roquefort Société
     - Saint-Nectaire Aventures
     - Site Troglodyte de Jonas
     - Volcan de Lemptegy
     - Vulcania
 

Something the children will love - try canoeing in the Tarn.