11 Grand Rue, Hyds, 03600 Auvergne

Directions

See map

The house is the last, but one, property at the Malicorne end of the village of
Hyds. It is the white fronted house opposite the cross / shrine.

If you have sat. nav. then input the post code and address (above) or, D37,
Hyds.

From Clermont-Ferand, the nearest airport – follow the A71 to

Montmaurault (J11), then the D4 towards Montaigut after about 4 miles
turn right on to the D37 and follow to Hyds, pass the church and town hall
(on the left) and continue to the far end of the village. The property is on the
left 100 yds after the Colombier turning,
(Your sat. nav. may take you on a more picturesque route via Doyet or St
Bonnet- de-Four and Leroux-des-Beaune.)

Another route reducing the amount of motorway driving is to come off at

J12a and approach the property from the south via St Eloy-les-Mines and
Montaigut.

From Limoges for flights from Liverpool -. there is an interesting route

across country but on the main roads the house is less than 2 hours away.
Take the A20 (toll free) north to J23 then the N145 past Gueret to
Montlucon.

Go through Montlucon along the river then take the D2371 toward
Moulin / Macon / Vichy. Climb out of Montlucon, after Chamblet turn right
at the roundabout towards Commentry then left at the next roundabout
towards Malicorne (this is the new Commentry bypass and may not be on
your sat nav). Go over three roundabouts and take the 4th exit at the 4th
roundabout (Malicorne / Commentry Vieux Bourg) go over speed bumps,
through Vieux Bourg and over a level crossing. At the roundabout at the
edge of Malicorne turn right on to the D37 to Hyds. The house is the second
property on the right as you enter the village after 2.8 miles. The drive is
immediately after the road narrows sign.

From the channel - there are various alternatives depending upon where
you cross; whether you choose to go through Paris or avoid the city, to the
east or to the west. The direct approach from Paris is to take the A10 to
Orleans then the A71 to J11 (Montmarault).

An alternative route is to by pass Paris to the west, from from J6 of the A1

(just south of Ch. De Gaulle) take the N/A104 to the A6, go east, then take
the A77 / N7 to Moulin. From Moulin take the N79 to Montmarault. From
Montmarault pick up the directions from the A71 (above). This route is
probably 30 miles longer but may avoid Paris traffic, it takes in part of the
Loire valley and will save you some 20 euros in tolls from Paris.
Access

There are driveways on both sides of the house. It is safe to drive on to the
garden from the west (Montmarault end) drive. This gives access to the
garage if required.

You will need to use the small key to unlock the gates – this key also opens
the under stairs store.

The front door is not used. Please climb the steps at the rear of the property.
There are two keys one to the door shutter and one to the inner door. The
door shutter can be tricky, particularly to close, so please leave this open for
the duration of your stay, the door lock is sufficiently secure.

To open the shutter, please turn the key clockwise then turn the lever into
the vertical position.

The door will open as normally but to lock it you need to lift the handle in
order to turn the key.

If arriving at night there is automatic security lighting at the rear of the

house. Also a lantern on the steps operated from a switch next to the cave
door (first door at the bottom of the steps) and from the kitchen.

Keys to the garage and the cave are in the top drawer as you enter the
kitchen. Access to the cave is necessary for access to the hot water boiler,
central heating / pool heater, air conditioning unit and overflow (beer / wine)
fridge. There are also sun loungers and various games including a table
tennis table.

Upon entering the property please ensure that you turn on the water heater –
plug above the central heating boiler on the left hand side of the cave – the
water will take a few hours to heat.

All windows are shuttered, please open as you require and secure back to the
wall using the fittings provided. Please don’t force them to secure them as
some of the hinge pins can work loose.
Emergency contact information

Hazel - +447874 850689

Graham – +447930 324524

Hospital / Doctors – there is a hospital in Montlucon and a medical centre in

Commentry.

Dr Jeudy in Montmarault has surgeries on Mondays and Thursdays – 1.30 to

5.00pm – (+33 4 70 07 36 08).

For emergency medical assistance dial – 15

For police – 17

For fire service – 18

Security / Safety

The village is quiet but please close and lock any windows and doors if you
leave the house, close shutters if leaving vacant overnight.

The house is within the confines of the village but fast traffic can’t be ruled
out. Please be aware that traffic may approach from an unfamiliar direction
and ensure that children are aware. Locking the gates should keep the give
peace of mind.

The pool being raised presents a limited hazard. The outside steps can easily
be removed by removing two cotter pins if you are concerned about young
children.

There may be sharp or otherwise dangerous items in the garage and there are
pool chemicals in the locked store under the steps. Please keep children out
of these areas.

The 2nd floor / attic space has yet to be renovated and is out of bounds.
Please do not climb or allow children to climb the metal staircase to the
attic.
Shower

Despite our best efforts the shower leaks a little into the cave. Use the
shower – use the jets but please don’t sit on the seat; that would be asking
for trouble!

Toilet

There are a couple of bends before the soil pipe so please ensure that the
toilet has flushed properly after use. In case of blockage there is a plunger in
the loo. This shouldn’t be necessary.

Washing machine

It is a top loader situated in the bathroom. Turn the machine on using the far
right hand button. Select your programme and temperature and start the
machine using the button with the diamond symbol.

Dishwasher

Integrated and under the draining board. Please avoid discount tablets
bought in France, they don’t clean.

Cooker /gas

It is a Calor unit. The gas bottle and a replacement, should it be required, are
situated under the steps.

TV/ DVD etc.

The satellite dish points to the Astra satellite so British Freeview channels
are available. It may be necessary to retune after a storm.

Please feel free to connect other equipment.

Heating

You shouldn’t need it and at present all radiators are off apart from the
balance radiator in the bathroom. If you need to use the heating then the
boiler is situated in the cave. Please turn radiators on with care. The room
thermostat is in the lounge.

Air conditioning

The unit has yet to be hard wired. Please ensure that the unit is plugged in, in
the cave and that there is a suitable container to catch water produced by the
system. The unit is controlled by the remote control holstered to the wall in
the lounge

Swimming pool

Please don’t jump or dive in, the pool is not that deep!
Please ensure that children are supervised at all times and the golden rule is
don’t swim alone.

Keep clean water in the bucket at the bottom of the pool steps and use as a
foot bath to minimise debris in the pool.

The pool housing (decking) is there to support the pool please do not walk
on it. The decking may not support your weight.

To retain the temperature of water in the pool please ensure that the solar
cover is on when not in use. Removing the cover is a two person job (one
each end of the roller) to ensure that the cover does not catch on the pool
edge and goes on the roller evenly. It is best put back on the pool with the
help of a person in the water.

Pool controls are situated under the steps but you shouldn’t need to touch
these. Andy will attend regularly to ensure that the pool controls and
chemical balance are in order. In case of difficulty please ring Andy
(+33 4 70 07 37 07).

The filtration and circulation system is on a timer. There is a skimmer to

remove debris from the surface of the pool.

Pool heating is via the domestic heating system. To heat the pool you will
need to turn on the heating at the boiler in the cave and run it at a high boiler
and room thermostat setting. Ensure that all radiators are off, that is except
the balance radiator in the bathroom. The cost of heating the pool is a warm
bathroom. It shouldn’t be necessary in the summer. If you must heat the pool
then disconnect the pump from the timer under the steps and reconnect to
ensure that there is permanent filtration and circulation in order to heat the
pool. It should not be necessary to touch the pump / filter controls.

There are lights on the pool decking for use in the evening. To turn these on
the switch is located on a transformer under the steps next to the pump.

There is also a decorative light in the wall of the garage – please plug it in at
the switch inside the garage side door.
Rubbish

Rubbish is collected on Monday evenings, please leave secured bags at the

end of the drive, ready for collection each Monday or on your departure. If
concerned about storing rubbish between collections, there is a tip on the
Colombier road out of Commentry.

Plastic and glass should be recycled at local collection points, there is

certainly one at Vieux Bourg between Malicorne and Commentry.

Shopping

There is a boulangerie 100 yds from the house, please note the bakers are not
open on Mondays., otherwise they are open in the mornings and late
afternoon to early evening (there are other bakers in Commentry). Aside
from bread and pastries the boulangerie sells sweets and local produce such
as honey and cheese.

Commentry has sufficient to cater for every day needs with many shops and
a number of supermarkets. Intermarche, Carrefour, Lidl and Aldi are clearly
sign posted.

There is a Lidl and a Spar at St-Eloy-les-Mines.

There are Auchen and Carrefour hypermarkets in Montlucon.

Please note that all but the hypermarkets will close between noon and 2pm
every day. Sunday opening is also restricted.

Markets

Sunday – Neris- les-Bains

Sunday – Ville Gauzel (Montlucon, north bank, near Carrefour)
Tuesday – Cosne – d’Allier
Wednesday – Montmarault
Friday – Commentry
Saturday – Montlucon
Tourist information

The book case in the lounge contains a number of maps and guides. Please
feel free to use these and add to this information. Please replace any maps
and feel free to leave behind any that you have finished with.

If you want more help there are tourist information offices in Neris-les-Bains
and in Montlucon. For the Montlucon office follow “Centre Ville” and you
will see it sign posted on the right as you approach the town centre. There is
inexpensive parking in Place St. Marie just before you reach the office. This
will also give easy access to the old town (see the Montlucon maps).

The tourist information offices will assist with booking attractions but many
of these have a smattering of English if your French is not up to it.

Ideas for things to do.

To be frank we have a lot of exploring still to do so please add anything to

our visitors book for us and future guests. You are in a quiet and rural part of
France but there is still plenty to do.

- Buy wine, beer and Pastis: relax in the garden by the pool.

- The area lends itself to walking and cycling, there is a detailed map in
the bookcase.

- Wine and cheese is produced locally. Explore! There is a wine cave in

Montmauralt and wine is certainly produced at St-Porcain-sur-Souile.

- Keep an eye on village notice boards and look out for newspapers and
flyers in shops and bars for local events.

- Fishing – there are many rivers and lakes but please check the
situation with regard to permission / permits.

- Football – the French take their social sport very seriously and there
are pitches at Malicorne and at the eastern end of Hyds.
- By all means navigate by sat.nav., but be prepared for some
interesting journeys! Check a map first, the terrain is varied and some
very minor roads are used.

- Lapeyrouse (8 miles) – turn right, then first right to Columbier. Turn

left at the 11th century church and follow the D998 to Lapeyrouse. Go
over one roundabout then through the village and at the second
roundabout take the first exit into the park. (there are many other
routes). There is a beach on a small lake with pedalos and a small bar.
The lake is certainly suitable for swimming and possibly fishing but
please check whether a permit or permission is required.

- Sailing is certainly possible at St.- Eloy-les-Mines and on the Gueret

side of Montlucon but you will need to look into the hire situation.

- “Montez Arbres” (14 miles) continue past Lapeyrouse towards

Ebreuil. Pass Echassieres and at the highest point of the road (la
Bosse) you will see “Wolfermines” a mine / mineral attraction on the
right hand side. Turn sharp left and after ½ mile you will come to
“Montez Arbres” (+33 4 70 90 46 71). This is an adrenalin fuelled
(“Go Ape” type) attraction with various grades of climbs and some
good zip wires. The site is twinned with “Alphea” the Ebreuil based
canoe / kayak attraction (see below) for a varied day out.

- The river Sioule runs through the region from the Massif Central
down to St.-Porcain-sur-Sioule before joining the Allier river below
Moulins. There are many bars, restaurants and attractions along the
river, in particular canoeing / kayaking.

- At “Alphea” at Ebreuil (+33 4 70 90 77 64) you can combine a half

day on the river with “Montez Arbres” (above). Longer, full day,
descents are available and on cooler days the Ebreuil venue has the
benefit of hot showers at the end.

- The river is perhaps a little more interesting upstream and we found

“Canoe Yak” at St Gal- sur-Sioule (between Ebreuil and
Chouvigny) (+33 4 70 90 99 90) very enjoyable and good value for
money.
- There are also venues at Menat (“Sioule Loisiers” +33 4 73 85 52 87)
and Chatauneuf-les-Bains ( “Auvergen Adventure” +33 4 73 86 68
40). All venues offer half or full day trips, please see the litarature
available and if you come across others please let us know.

- On all canoe trips you are advised to wear shoes (you may have to
walk if stuck in shallow water) and to carry a change of clothing and a
towel. Dry containers are provided for clothes, cameras and any
picnic: there are bars and restaurants along the river.

- Puy du Dome (50 to 70 miles depending on route) – the name of the

area and also of the volcano. Mont D’ore is a skiing area near
Clermont Ferand which will doubtless have summer attractions.

- Vulcania in the Puy du Dome area is a volcano attraction. It is worth

a trip particularly on a day when the weather is less kind. There are
lots of interactive activities and a few amusing 3D presentations /
simulations. Cost is 21 euros adults and 15 euros for children. Allow a
full day to do it justice and there are firework displays on selected
summer Wednesdays.

- Adjacent to “Vulcania” is a similar attraction Le Volcan de Lemptegy.

This appears to be much more outdoor based and takes in an actual
volcano crater. There are firework displays here also.

- Montlucon (15 miles) – contemporary city with many shops, bars and
restaurants and attractive medieval town at its heart

- Neris-les-Bains (10 miles) – quiet spa town, with antique shops and
cafes. For the energetic there is a walk to Montlucon on a disused
railway line. There is also crazy golf with an inexpensive internet
café/ bar (1 euro for 30 mins.) attached: “Bar du mini golf”, 1 Rue
Morceau (+33 4 70 09 06 86).

- Moulins – (35 miles)

- Vichy (50 miles) – large spa city with many riverside restaurants.
- Clermont-Ferrand (60 miles) – the region’s capital. Home of Clermont
Auvergne rugby club – see their web site for matches and spectator
training sessions. There is also rugby at Montlucon and Commentry.

Bars / restaurants

- There is a guide to restaurants in the (Montlucon) area in the bookcase

or available from tourist information offices.

- There are bars in Malicorne and Beaune D’Allier though you may
struggle to find them open. There are also bars in Doyet and
Montmauralt.

- Commentry has plenty, though not all designed for tourists they are
generally welcoming.

- Pizza du Soleil located opposite La Poste on Avenue Christophe

Thivrier, Commentry (+33 4 70 64 56 51) has a wide selection of
good French take away pizzas. Please check opening hours.

- There are many bars and restaurants in St.-Eloy-les-Mines.

- The nearest restaurant is “La Jarge” at Beaune d’Allier for

information and opening hours drop in or call (+33 4 70 64 37 33).

- “L’Hirrondelle” at la Chaume, between Louroux-de-Beaune and

Montmarault has been recommended to us. The restaurateur speaks
English and the restaurant is open for bookings on Friday and
Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes (+33 4 70 64 94 42).

- “Les Bruges?” in Lapeyrouse is a friendly bar with a small terrace

and a small but attractive restaurant menu. It is also a convenience
store if you are stuck. The bar closes at 9pm each evening apart from
Mondays when it shuts at 2pm. The proprietor speaks good English.

- There are farm auberges signposted locally which are no doubt worth
a try. Please let us have any positives and negatives.
- Neris les Bains has attractive bars and restaurants including the
internet café / bar referred to above. You will not see a better value
croque monsier than the one sold in one café opposite the casino.

- If you are in the Sioule valley there are many bars and restaurants in
the towns, villages and generally along the river.

- Montlucon has many options particularly in and around the medieval

town. “Le Medieval”, 22 Rue de Serruriers (+33 4 70 05 35 35) has a
large terrace and varied menu. There are many restaurants (including
Indian and Chinese) on Rue Grande and in the streets in and
surrounding the medieval town.

- There are cafeterias at the hypermarkets and certainly Flunch at

Carrefour is close to the town centre. It is comparatively inexpensive
and is excellent value if used within the lunch period (noon to 2pm) or
in the evening. There is a MacDonalds and a Buffalo Grill in
Montlucon.

- Our visit to Vichy was in the winter and we are told that many bars
and restaurants are on the river. That said, we defy you to finish a
meal at the Morrocan restaurant near the railway station. Share mains!

- A guide to auberges and bistros in France recommends two

establishements in the area. “Au Cour de Meaulne” at Meaulne (north
of Montlucon) and “Castel-Hotel 1904” at St.-Gervais- d’Auvergne
(south of S.t-Eloy-les-Mines- midway between Hyds and Puy du
Dome). The guide should be amongst the literature in the bookcase or
is available from tourist information offices.

- Please pass on your own experiences and findings.

On departure

Please deposit rubbish at the top of the drive ensuring that any perishable
food has been disposed of.

Please leave the fridges on.

Please turn off and unplug anything else you can see.

In particular, please ensure that the water heater is unplugged in the cave.

Close and secure all shutters and windows.

Please ensure that the garage and cave are locked and that the large keys
are placed in the kitchen drawer.

On leaving the house please lock the kitchen door and the door shutter.
To secure the door shutter you need to turn the lever fully to the
horizontral in ordser to engage the rods at the top and bottom of the
frame (try the lever when open without engaging the frame). Only when
the lever is fully horizontal will the key turn. To lock the shutter turn the
key anti-clockwise.

We hope you enjoy your stay and have a safe journey home.

Hazel and Graham

November 2009