Chambon sur Lignon in June

I am going to be in Chambon sur Lignon for a wedding on June 28, 2008, would like to stay 7-10 days in the area, and would appreciate ideas from those who have been there -- what other towns in the area should I visit? Should I rent a car? I%26#39;m really looking forward to it but want to make sure I see and feel everything I can while I%26#39;m there -

--newyorkwalk

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%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;what other towns in the area should I visit?%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

Definitely Le Puy en Velay, a beautiful city and one with a great tradition of dentelle (or lace making). There is even a school here just to learn this fine art. This area is also known for its lentil beans and wonderful recipes made from the local product.

http://www.ot-lepuyenvelay.fr/

Also located here is Francois Gagnaire, one of the finest restaurants in central France:

http://www.francois-gagnaire-restaurant.com/

%26lt;%26lt;,Should I rent a car?%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

This area is farmland and countryside. You will definitely need a car.

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I%26#39;m from near there. My suggestions!

Renting a car is essential. Driving is easy as it%26#39;s a country area and even in summer few tourists. Le puy en velay is worth a visit - its wierd! also la Chaise Dieu. I dont know where you are flying in from but Lyon is a great town, particularly the restaurants (its the gastronomic capital of france).

Have fun!

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Thanks to you both -- I%26#39;m planning to be in the area for about 10 days, will have a car and want to just discover the area as well as anything else wonderful within driving distance. Also want to just relax with good coffee and a sketch book in some beautiful places. First of all, hotels -- the wedding is going to be at Clair Matin, and they have rooms there, but they%26#39;ve also reserved rooms at Bel Horizon, Bois Violotte, Hotel du Velay, La Plage and Beau Rivage --any suggestions on which would be the best place to stay? Second, should i make my base at whatever hotel i choose, and drive to other places from there? or is there another city you think I should move to during the trip and go from there?

thank you for your suggestions!

-newyorkwalk

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sorry dont know the hotels so can%26#39;t advise on that one, but if you dont choose well june isnt that busy so just change. As for multi base or stay where you are it really depends on how busy you want to be (and how good the hotel is!)just chill and see how you go would be my advice around here. YOu can buy tourist maps at any supermarket. I recommend visiting in particular re larger towns:

1. Valence is only 1.30h from Chambon and gives a real different taste of france (and is hotter) as its down in the Rhone valley.

2. Lyon is gastronomic capital of France and a lovely city to visit.

3. Le Puy is a must from where you are.

4. Chateau lavoute polignac is v. picturesque on the banks of the loire river. v.nice on a sunny day.

And if you like walking/sketching basically this is an outdoors kind of area so getting a local walking guide from the tourist office and just setting off round by mont mezenc from where you are is wonderful. Its not an area with a lot of money, its very untouristy, and so just by /driving through local areas and villages you%26#39;ll really get a taste of hidden rural france.

And before i forget, weather changes massively in this upland area so pack for both winter and summer -Even in june you will definitely need a fleece for some of the time.

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