Accompanying person’s programme

The registration fees for accompanying persons are 60 €/person.
These fees include :

the visit of the "Old Clermont" on September 18, 2008,
and the tour in the volcanoes (inculding the lunch) on September 19, 2008.

The participation to the post-congress tour is 40 €/person (see details below).

“Old Clermont” on September 18, 2008

Your guide will show you the historic parts of Clermont-Fd: townhouses (in the area where you will find numerous antique shops – with their inner courtyards and Renaissance staircases), sculpted fountains built in the Baroque style, the Notre-Dame-du-Port Romanesque basilica with its figured capitals (Unesco World Heritage site) and the Gothic cathedral in black stone with its spectacular stained-glass windows.

September 18, 2008 (afternoon)
Pedestrian circuit - English-speaking guide – duration 2 hours
Minimum number of participants : 25 person

Included in the accompanying person's fees.

Volcanoes, lakes and Romanesque Art on September 19, 2008

Enjoy a day-long excursion to discover the prestigious historic heritage and the exceptional natural environment of the Auvergne region.

The day will begin with an easy short walk to the summits of the Puy de La Vache or the Puy de Lassolas, during which your guide will explain the geology, flora and fauna of these superb sites.

Your trip will continue with a visit to the Romanesque basilica of Orcival. Here you will be impressed by the remarkable apse and celebrated gilded and enamelled statue of the seated Virgin Mary dating back to the 12^th century, which lights up the basilica.

You will then enjoy lunch in a country restaurant on the banks of Lake Guéry.

Throughout your excursion, your guide will describe the landscape and give you information on the life-styles and know-how of the region.

You will enjoy the atmosphere of the medieval village of St Saturnin, which is classified as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”, then continue your visit to the Romanesque church (the smallest but also the best-proportioned of all the major Romanesque churches in the region) and its royal château, where you will find evidence of its prestigious owners: Catherine de Médicis and her daughter Marguerite de Valois.

Submerge yourself in the spiritual world of the contemporary Benedictine Abbey in Randol, where you will discover both modern architecture and Gregorian chants. During a private visit, a Priest will explain its history and describe the daily lives of the monks who live there.

September 19, 2008
One-day coach tour - English-speaking guide
Minimum number of participants : 25 persons

Included in the accompanying person's fees.

Post congress on September 20, 2008

September 20, 2008(afternoon)
One-day coach tour - English-speaking guide
Minimum number of participants : 25 persons
Cost : 40€/person

A walk accompanied by a local specialist guide, who will take you to the summit of one of the largest volcanoes in the region (Pariou, Goules…) for an enjoyable and informative discovery of the countryside and local geology.

Dinner will be served in a country inn and will include regional specialities.

Excursions on 19th and 20th September are part of the Randos Savantes ® range
The emphasis of these excursions is on discovering the countryside and local know-how and the values that support sustainable development. The Randos Savantes label guarantees not only informative but also enjoyable and convivial excursions.

Randos Savantes prides itself on its originality, providing specialist guides with a passion for their work, a new vision of things and places and with a host of details and solid experience to share.

Randos Savantes will present you with a book of notes and diagrams and a small technical glossary.