Freezing Their Nuts Off!

It’s freezing out there. The track is sheet ice! Perfect conditions then for the drivers competing for the Trophée Andros, a series of motor races which take place each December and January in some of Frances chillier locations. Rallying doesn’t get more extreme than this!

The races take place on specially created floodlit ice circuits and attract drivers from all types of driving disciplines. The symbiosis of highly skilled driver, nerveless navigation and finely tuned machine over some of the most testing of tracks provides a highly entertaining spectacle as the drivers push their machines to the limit. Unsurprisingly, this unique event brings out the crowds in large numbers despite the often sub-zero temperatures, who contribute to the uniquely Gallic atmosphere with strong vocal support for their favourite drivers. Spectators are warmed not only by the spectacular racing but by plenty of vin chaud and hot food. Even so you would be wise to equip yourself with a sizeable hip flask and some good silk underwear before venturing to the track.

King of the constructors is Toyota which with its Auris and Corolla cars has secured 16 victories out of 27 races since its debut in the 2006/7 season. The current Andros trophy champion is Toyotas quadruple F1 world champion, Alain Prost, who was also victorious in the 2006/7 season. However, Alain has some way to go to beat the most successful ice racer of all time, Yvan Muller, who has no less than ten championships to his name. Another driver from the world of F1 on Toyotas books is Olivier Panis who, whilst not as successful as Prost, regularly appears on the winner’s rostrum. Last seasons grand finale at the Stade de France was attended by over 62,000 spectators and saw Prost and Panis, who teamed up for this exhibition event, continuing their domination of the sport with yet another victory. No doubt then that the competition attracts some of the best drivers in the world.

For the technophiles among you the Auris “ice” is a four wheel drive four wheel steer model built around the Lexus RX 300 3 litre V6 rear mounted engine pumping out over 300 bhp. The lightweight glass fibre body sits over a rigid welded steel “cage”. Tyres are standard issue Continentals, with a tread only a few inches wide covered with hundreds of tiny steel studs for extra grip on the ice.

The climax of each season is always at Superbesse in the Puy de Dome region of the Auvergne, in the Sancy Mountains south west of Clermont Ferrand. This year’s event is on Saturday 31^st January. There are two classes of car race, the top drivers competing in the Elite Class and the second tier of drivers competing in the Promotion Class. As well as the main car races there are also ‘Pilot’ bike races and the Trophée Andros Feminine in which teams of female drivers in tandem with their instructors compete for the championship in 600cc buggy style cars. Each victory is celebrated by car and bike riders alike showing off their skills at hand brake turns and wheelies, almost as spectacular as the racing itself.

Spills, thrills and skills. Not something you get every Saturday night. Well worth the admission price.

For somewhere to stay near the action visit Auvergne France Vacances.

Auvergne Holidays - Self-Catering Auvergne - Ski Auvergne - Welcome

Auvergne Holidays - Self-Catering Auvergne - Ski Auvergne - Welcome

Murol Knights

Driving along the D5 road between the Col de la Ventouse and Murol you will pass through some beautiful countryside as you head towards the Sancy mountain range which rises in front of you after a few kilometres. Further on you are treated to the magnificent sight of the château of Murol which appears ahead of and slightly below you as you round a bend and start the winding descent into the town of Murol itself. This great brown stone mediaeval castle is one of the finest examples of 13^th century military architecture in France, standing on a basaltic outcrop overlooking the town. This elevated position commands magnificent views from all sides (the summit of the main tower is at 950m) and would clearly have been a formidable structure for any invading army to try and penetrate. Since 1889 the château has been classified as a ‘monument historique’ by the French Ministry of Culture.

Today, a group called ‘les Paladins du Sancy’ run the château and stage excellent authentic demonstrations of mediaeval combat, weaponry and horsemanship in the châteaus purpose built arena, which seats over 400 people.

Each week during the school holidays children can attend knights training school in the main hall in Murol where they can make costumes, shields and swords (from scrap materials, I would stress) and learn how to behave like a mediaeval knight. Afterwards the church square in Murol turns into a parade of trainee knights resplendent in their new outfits. Suddenly in the distance you hear the clatter of horses’ hooves, growing in intensity as the baron and his men ride into the square. They dismount and each trainee knight is knighted by the lord and handed a certificate to mark their passage into the ranks of the nobility. Quite an achievement for any small child!

Murol (alt 833m/2733ft) is a small mountain village located in the Puy de Dome department of the Auvergne, one of Frances most beautiful regions.

The Puy de Dome is land of extinct volcanoes, lakes and rivers, providing one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. Many of the castles in the area were built by the prominent mediaeval barons as defensive strongholds high up in the mountains, such as Murol.

Located on the banks of the Couze de Chambon at the foot of the wooded Tartaret volcano, Murol is a pleasant place to stay and an excellent base from which to embark on a number of excursions by car, or by foot along one of the numerous and well signposted paths. A number of reasonably priced self –catering properties and small hotels are available in and around the area.

Murol is also home to the art gallery ‘Musée des Peintures de L’Ecole de Murols’, (open from 1^st June to 31^stth century, inspired by the magnificent scenery, and in particular by the attractive winter landscapes. October from 10.00am – 12.00pm and 2.30 – 6.30pm, entrance €3.50) officially classified as a ‘Musée de France’. Situated at the entrance to the ‘Parc du Prélong’ the gallery exhibits impressionist paintings from several artists who visited the region to paint at the beginning of the 20

Close to the gallery is a small cottage houses a collection of local artefacts from the Gallo Romains period (opening hours from 1st July to 15th September 3.00 – 6.00pm).

Murol, with its rich history and traditions plays host to one of the regions most authentic Bastille Day celebrations. Every 14^th July, to celebrate the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the people of Murol don the costumes of the nobility, peasants and soldiers from the period. There is a street market, marching bands and many other themed activities throughout the day. You can even partake in a traditional meal based upon a typical menu from the period of the revolution. In the afternoon Marie Antoinette is paraded through the town on her way to the Parc du Prelong where her trial is re-enacted, with typical French farce, culminating in her beheading. The whole day is rounded off with a ball at the Château and a fantastic firework display from its walls.

Events in and visits to Murol are inevitably dominated by the château. Whether you are a student of mediaeval architecture and traditions, a curious tourist or a parent of small children who dream of becoming a 13^th century knight a visit will fulfil your expectations. But, Murol also fulfils the needs of the visitor who wants to explore the region on foot or by car and appreciate everything that this beautiful region has to offer.

Skiing down a volcano

No you do not have
to travel to a far flung outpost of the world to experience ski-ing down a volcano!
Just hop over to France and visit the Auvergne where hurtling down volcanic snow covered slopes is a very popular pastime.


The Auvergne is home to the ‘Monts Dome’, a range of mountains located to the south west of Clermont Ferrand, made up of over 80 volcanoes which became extinct less than 4000 years ago. This stunning terrain has several high peaks (known as Puys) with the imposing Puy de Dome overlooking Clermont Ferrand reaching 1465m and the Puy de Sancy an impressive 1886m, the highest peak in France outside of the Alps and Pyrenees.
The two main classified ski-centres of Superbesse and Le Mont Dore are located on the south and north side of the Puy du Sancy respectively and are linked to form an overall ski terrain of 85km. The ski pass (7 days €135 per adult, €94.60 per child in high season – 2008/9) covers both resorts. In December 2008 a new cable car will open in Superbesse improving access to the summit; the Puy de la Perdix (1850m). The smaller resort of Chastreix-Sancy is located on the west side of the Puy de Sancy which has 16km of slopes. This is not linked to the two main resorts.
Several smaller resorts combine with the above to form the Grandes Espaces d’Auvergne, where you will find over 200km of downhill pistes and 900km of cross country pistes. The region is best suited to beginners and intermediate level skiers and is an excellent place to learn to ski. The 2008/9 ski season runs from 1st December to 26th April.
The Auvergne ski resorts are very much geared towards the family. The main resorts all have ski schools catering for all levels of ability. Superbesse and Le Mont Dore both have nursery ski clubs (Piou Piou) where children from 4 years old can learn to ski in a separate domain away from the main slopes. For younger children there is a nursery at Superbesse catering for children from 3 months old.
Access to Superbesse and Le Mont Dore is via car (arrive early to ensure a space) or for those wishing to arrive minus the stress of hunting for a car parking space via the free snow shuttle buses which run frequently from Besse and Le Mont Dore to the foot of the slopes.
Apart from downhill or cross country skiing there is a wealth of other winter activities available in the area. You can try tubbing (hurtling down the mountain on a tyre inner tube!), sledging, ice-skating, snow-kiting, ice climbing, winter quad biking, dog sledding or speed ski-ing to name but a few. All of these (outdoor) activities have their own dedicated safe areas.
A great way to explore the snow covered landscape is by taking one of the many snow shoe trails. You can take off on your own (equipment is available for hire) to discover the area at your own pace via the marked trails or take advantage of the services of a mountain guide. Half day or full day excursions are offered as well as night trips with a meal and overnight stay in a farm or mountain ‘buron’.
Accommodation in the area is plentiful and varied with a good choice of hotels, bed and breakfast and self catering houses, chalets or apartments. Away from the resorts accommodation is cheaper and several agencies in the area have a good choice of holiday rentals within 10-20 minutes drive of the slopes.
There is a good choice of restaurants in and around the ski centres to suit all tastes and budgets. Traditional Auvergne dishes include truffade, a carbohydrate laden feast of potatoes, cheese and cured meats which is an ideal meal after a hard day on the mountains, and aligot, garlic mashed potato usually served with French sausages. Of course lighter meals are available but the emphasis is on traditional country fare, typical of this predominantly agricultural region.
Throughout the winter season a number of special events are held. From 29th December to 2nd January Superbesse is hosting ‘Nordic Week’ showcasing typical Scandinavian winter activities such as dog sledding, biathlon and Nordic cross country ski-ing. The ‘Sancy Snow Dog’ a dog sledding race takes place over the week-end of the 3rd and 4th of January in Le Mont Dore. On 31st January Superbesse hosts one of the famous ‘Trophee Andros’ series of races in which cars compete over a circuit made entirely of solid ice. Not for the faint hearted! And between 12th and 21st February is the ‘Sancy Snow Jazz Festival’ featuring New Orleans and traditional live jazz playing in bars, restaurants and discoteques. These and many other events help to make a winter visit to the Auvergne a unique experience.
Access to the area from the UK is via the channel ports (approximately 7 hours drive from Calais) or by air via Paris to Clermont Ferrand. The nearest airport with direct flights to the UK is Limoges, approximately 2 drive hours to the west of Clermont Ferrand.