Maison Southby in Virargues
Review Submitted: March 28, 2009
Date of Stay: February 2009
This is a lovely old Auvergne farmhouse that is in the final (Feb 09) stage of being restored. Internally, creative use of the space has resulted in a large open plan ground floor - kitchen, dining area and lounge. The huge open fire in the lounge is a very welcome sight after a day on the ski slopes, whilst the excellent heating system keeps the house warm even when the outside temperature is -8C! The bedrooms and the bathrooms on the 1st and 2nd floors are very generously sized, and the 'cabins' on the mezzanine to the 2nd floor are loved by children and teenagers, allowing them to have their own private space. The internet access, despite the remoteness of the house, is more reliable than in parts of the UK!
The village of Virargues is tiny, with no facilities except a post box, but many other properties have been restored and are lived in permanently. There are 2 working farms immediately behind the house, with animals in the adjacent fields. A French village that is alive.
Murat is the nearest town, a couple of miles away, and is delightful. The Intermarche can supply all food needs but the excellent range of local shops in Murat is worth puffing up the hill for - the butchers is particularly recommended!
The skiing at Super Lioran is very adequate for a weeks skiing, but nothing like as extensive as the large Alpine resorts. English voices are very rarely heard. Even in high season the queues are not unbearable, but at half term we would recommend leaving your car at 1st lift at Le Lioran (not driving right up to Super Lioran) where the ski slope is then just across the road. Having lunch away from the main restaurants at the Cable-car station is also advisable, although the chocolate gouffres are excellent there! The restaurants near Le Lioran serve local specialities of Aligot and Truffade, definitly worth eating.
We had a great holiday at February halfterm and hope to be back in the future.
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