Travel and Location




La Platriere is situated in the Heart of France, in the Allier region of Auvergne. Getting there is easy! Cheap flights are available with Ryanair from most airports in the United Kingdom. La Platriere is just over an hours from the airport of Clermont-Ferrand (Flybe, KLM and Air France) and 2 1/2 hours from the airports of Limoges,St Etienne and Tours (RyanAir). Car hire is essential when flying into the region.
If travelling by car, La Platriere is approximately 370 miles from the channel ports (approx 6-7 hours) and 6 hours drive from the ports of Le Havre and Caen.
Travel co-ordinates are N46 degrees 43.5 and E2 degrees 52.8.
Substantial discounted ferry fares can apply on all routes from the UK - please contact us for details.La Platriere is 30 minutes drive from the A71 autoroute, and 20 minutes from the N7.
By train, take the Waterloo or Ashford (Eurostar) to Paris-Gare De Nord, and then the Metro to Gare de Lyon. Here take the train to Nevers, which takes just 2 hours. Car hire is available at Nevers, which is about 50 minutes drive to La Platriere.



La Platriere is half-way between the town of Lurcy-Levis and the village of Valigny on the D64. Situated on the edge of the Troncais Forest, which boasts of the largest oak plantation in Europe. The Troncais Forest has many lakes suitable for fishing, kayaking and swimming. The area is ideal for walking, cycling, horse-riding, bird-watching, and generally enjoying unspoilt nature at its best.



Nearby, just 15 minutes drive,is the historical spa town of


Bourbon L'Archambault,
with its imposing medieval castle on a hilltop overlooking the town. Also here are excellent Thermal spa baths which were reqularly visited by the Kings of France, where you can soak the day away in Courtly surroundings with a selection of health treatements for as little as 40 euros. The area is the seat of the Bourbon Kings and there are numerous other Chateaux to visit - approximately over 500! The cultural city of

Vichy
is just over an hours drive as are the volcanoes of

Central Massif and the scenic National Parks.


Apremont-sur-Allier is a short drive away. A medieval village justly deserving its "les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (most beautiful village" status. Here you can enjoy the floral park, chateau and carriage museum, or simply enjoy a walk through this beautiful villae and pause on the banks of the river Allier.


Sancoins at 16 kms away is in the department of Cher. This is a bustling market town with several supermarkets, small shops, hotels, restaurants and bars. The market takes place on Wednesday mornings, covering five squares in the centre of the town. There is also a cattle market and other livestock market, where farmers buy and sell.



Nevers Also in the neighbouring department, is bordered by the river Loire. Nevers is approximately 45 minutes drive, it is a city of arts and history, with the palais ducal, and the beautiful cathedral. A must-to-visit is the Grotto of St Bernadette, where the remains of the legendry Saint Bernadette of Lourdes rest. There are several options for gourmet dining. The main line rail service to Paris is found here with central Paris only 2 hours away by train!


Bourges (55 mins drive) is a beautiful University city with lots of style, gothic cathedral and medieval quarter.


Activities
- Cycling, walking, bird-watching, tennis, golf, fishing, and horseriding are all available within the area.Nearby to La Platriere is the Troncais Forest with several large lakes, with beaches, for swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing all within about 10 minutes drive away.

-For children there is karting at Magny-Cours which is 25 minutes drive away, an aquatic centre at Nevers and nature trails in the Troncais forest. An hours drive will take you to Le Pal, amusement and animal park, and youngsters also enjoy visiting Vulcania, near the Puy de Dome. This is an Theme park deep inside a real volcanic crater.

-The famouse Formula One Grand Prix motor racing is at Magny-Cours (25 mins) as is the Championship Golf Course.

-Le Prieure Notre-Dame d'Orson is 50 mins away - this is an enchanting gardens with restaurant. A medieval monastery garden brought back to life with kitchen-gardens, orchards, a garden of medicinal herbs, a rose garden, secret gardens, as well as charming restaurant in a perfect location.

- the Forest de Troncais is a walkers paradise. It is renowned for the largest oak plantation in Europe, some of which are over 300 years old.