Masif Central Masif: Recommendation for one centre stay over.

[Katy M]

I’m looking for suggestions for a place (town and/or accomodation) for a few nights so I can explore the lumpy bit in the middle of France.
Prefer smaller towns with a choice of places to stay/eat and things of interests to explore in/nearby.
I have searched (honest) and I only ask as one seems spoilt for choice so hoping for first hand accounts!
I’m not sure Riders’ Rest is my thing as I’m travelling alone and can’t party like I used to.

 

[Davey B]

Le Mont Dore
Great little spa town

 

[wessie]

We used Hotel L'Aviation in La Bourboule a while ago and later this year we return to the area to stay in the Grand Hotel in Le Mont Dore
Both small spa towns in the superb Volcanes region

 

[Mad Hatter]

Or Le-Puy-en-Velay. Lots of good roads in that general area and it’s an interesting place to stop

 

[MartinK]

La Bourboule is a cracking place

 

[leadfarmer]

Yep

And we've got the Ardeche, the Drome, the Gorge du Tarn right in our back yard too

 

[John Armstrong]

Or Le-Puy-en-Velay. Lots of good roads in that general area and it’s an interesting place to stop

Another one for Le Puy-en-Velay. Stopped there for a couple of nights to see the sights. Stopped here, which has secure parking and air-conditioning: https://all.accor.com/hotel/0972/index.en.shtml