The House
At the heart of Le Bel Air are a country kitchen and a large hall, dining and sitting room. The kitchen has a farmhouse table for six, induction hob, large oven, dishwasher, double sink, fridge and everything needed to cook for a full house. The main dining table seats eight comfortably and can be extended to around twelve. At the far end are an L-shaped sofa, two armchairs, television, free Wi-Fi and a large woodburning stove. French doors open onto the balcony and west-facing terrace.
The Le Bel Air Collection
The illustrations throughout this website form the Le Bel Air Collection — impressionist views of the house, Auzon and the surrounding Auvergne.
Sleeping
Le Bel Air has three bedrooms:
• 1 king-size bedroom
• 1 twin bedroom with two single beds
• The Loophole studio with king-size bed and private bathroom
The two main-house bedrooms share the upstairs shower room and WC.
For children, the former dining room has two single beds, with another three single beds on the mezzanine above. These are informal family sleeping areas rather than conventional adult bedrooms. The mezzanine is reached by steep steps and is best suited to older children.
Maximum family capacity: 6 adults plus 5 children.
Floor Plan
The following two plans show you the layout of Le Bel Air.
Ground Floor
First Floor
The Loophole
A self-contained studio within Le Bel Air, with its own entrance from the Rose Garden and a lockable connection to the main house. It has a king-size bed, two armchairs, woodburner, free Wi-Fi, kitchenette, fridge, hotplates, oven, sink, kettle, crockery and cookware. Its private bathroom has a bath with shower over, WC, handbasin, washing machine and underfloor heating. Outside the main holiday season, The Loophole may also be available independently for one or two guests.
Quartier Bel Air: A Hidden Nook
Auzon is a medievel citidel of stone houses, cobbled lanes and passages, and old defence walls. Within about ten minutes on foot are everyday provisions, bread, a cafés, a bar, a resturant, the Post Office, municipal tennis courts, playground, historic church, ecomuseum and the little River Auzon. The village is welcoming and accustomed to visitors but a far cry from a resort.
Four Seasons at Le Bel Air
Spring — fresh green hills and walking.
Summer — hot days, cool nights, river swimming and long evenings on the terrace.
Autumn — colour, mushrooms and quiet walks.
Winter — clear days, log fires and trips into the mountains.
Outside
The west-facing terrace has wide views across the valley and a BBQ, tables and chairs for small or large parties.
The Rose Garden lies beneath the château ramparts and is reached directly from the kitchen and The Loophole.
The walled yard has secure parking for up to three cars and space for pétanque, badminton and family games.
The old cattle shed is now the wood store. The open-sided hovel provides covered parking.
Cellars
The vaulted larder cellar is naturally cool and contains a second refrigerator — useful for wine, cheese, fruit, vegetables and provisions.
A separate games cellar, reached from the Rose Garden, has table tennis and darts and stays wonderfully cool in summer.
Home from Home
Le Bel Air is a fully-functioning family residence, offering more comfort than typical holiday rentals. Guests enjoy fresh linens, towels, fast Wi-Fi, three fridges, laundry facilities, and a selection of games. Families are catered for with a cot and high chair, plus a generous supply of firewood for two cozy stoves that serve as the main heating source alongside electric units. Each bathroom features a dedicated hot water system.
Good to Know
Le Bel Air is old, built into rock and arranged on several levels. There are steps, uneven surfaces and changes of level throughout the house. The mezzanine is not suitable for very young children, anyone with limited mobility or anyone uncomfortable with steep stairs. Please ask before booking if anyone in your party has particular mobility or accessibility requirements.
The property has parking which is approached via a very narrow lane - accessible for a large family car, but very tight. Alternative parking is at Le Place Collegiale or by the shop.
Getting Here & Rental Rates
Auzon lies about 12 km north of Brioude and is readily reached from the A75. The nearest railway station is at Brassac-les-Mines / Sainte-Florine. Full directions are sent with your booking.
Rental Rates
Entire Property: EUR 200 per night / 6-night minimum
Loophole Studio: EUR 100 per night / 2-night minimum
Availability & Booking
Le Bel Air is normally let as a whole house. The Loophole may be available separately for one or two guests outside the main holiday season.
For an enquiry, please send your preferred dates, number of adults, number and ages of children, and whether you are bringing a pet.
Email: charles@vanoppen.co.uk
Telephone / WhatsApp: +44 7710 839658