We have both retired from long teaching careers and now at last have the time to undertake a long- time ambition of converting the barn and stable to living accommodation. When we purchased the property Lizzie was 4 and Toby 6 months. They have experienced many adventures as we slowly renovated the main house and still, fortunately, love Groslier as much as we always have. Both are now in their thirties and Lizzie has a Masters 2 in Magma et Volcans from Clermont University.
We have been very warmly received into the community and recently were asked to join the local over-60s club. Meetings generally consist of playing cards and drinking wine, both of which we approve. In summer we volunteer in the local café in Compains.

We were looking in particular for access to skiing, for geological interest, and a peaceful location. As Jan is fluent in French we also wanted an area relatively undiscovered by Les Anglais. The house met all these criteria, plus the stunning views and fascinating historical links with The French Resistance resulted in an immediate decision to buy!
My interest in geography and geology was more than met as we are in the Parc Regional des Volcans d'Auvergne. Basalt columns and granite outcrops abound. The volcanoes were last active 7000 years ago and are dormant today.

Nearby you can access paths across the Cezallier. In spring and summer the variety of flowers, butterflies and moths is unbelievable, plus watching birds of prey adds another dimension to what nature has to offer.
For day trips, when they were young, our children loved the Adventure Park at Mont Dore. Jan and I preferred the restaurant🙂.
After many February sessions at Super Besse, we still ski in our seventies and our son is a qualified ski instructor. Super Besse is good for beginners and intermediates especially.
As we will be resident in the stable/barn we would be more than happy to advise you on visits, but only if you wish!!