France and Italy, 2004

We stayed in the Château du Pasredon, in the countryside about 10 km outside the town of Issoire. Beautiful countryside, interesting villages, and excellent food. None of it in any of the guide books, and a pleasant absence of other tourists.

This is the Château: sort of an upmarket B&B. Madame was very elegant, very French and very helpful. The upstairs corner windows were our bedroom, dressing room and bathroom.

The view of the Château's grounds.

A short distance away was the hilltop village of Usson, perched on a volcanic plug. The streets were steep, with interesting street lights.

Towards the top of the hill was an old and interesting church, about 11th century

The "organ pipes" of the volcanic rock. Most of the village was built from this rock.