Gourmet getaway: Pailherols

Wonderful 'get away from it all' location in the Auvergne mountains Traditional family-run hotel with informal, intimate atmosphere Outstanding food (good for vegetarians too)

About Pailherols
If your idea of a weekend break is something about as far away from city life as you can get, then this could be your perfect rural retreat! Hidden away in the rolling mountains of the Western Auvergne, in the Cantal, on the border with Aveyron and about 30kms from the beautiful old town of Aurillac, is Headwater favourite, Auberge des Montagnes. This traditional family-run hotel in its wonderful 'get away from it all location' offers outstanding food (good for vegetarians too), informal and intimate atmosphere and warm hospitality.

Auberge des Montagnes

The hotel itself is a huddle of ancient Auvergnat farmhouses, first converted into an inn in the 1880’s, and since completely restored. Now it offers guests indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, hamman, games room and mini gym. There is also the choice between standard and deluxe rooms.

How to get there

You will need to have a car in order to enjoy a stay here, although there are lots of independent walking options right from the hotel door – hosts Andre and Denise Combourieu will happily advise on routes. Expect to see hares, rabbits and roe-deer scampering through the woods, as well as buzzards and kites circling above you.