8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

1/14

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,

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=03600,+hyds,+france&sll=46.284383,2.830714&sspn=0.121479,0.307961&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Hyds,+Allier,+Auvergne,+France&z=12http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=03600,+hyds,+france&sll=46.284383,2.830714&sspn=0.121479,0.307961&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Hyds,+Allier,+Auvergne,+France&z=12

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

2/14

(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 roundabouttowards 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.

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

3/14

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 intothe 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 dont force them to secure them as

some of the hinge pins can work loose.

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

4/14

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 cant 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 outof 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.

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

5/14

Shower

Despite our best efforts the shower leaks a little into the cave. Use the

shower use the jets but please dont 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 shouldnt be necessary.

Washing machine

It is a top loader situated in the bathroom. Turn the machine on using the farright 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 dont 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.

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

6/14

Heating

You shouldnt 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 dont jump or dive in, the pool is not that deep!

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

7/14

Please ensure that children are supervised at all times and the golden rule is

dont 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 shouldnt 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 shouldnt 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.

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

8/14

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). Asidefrom 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 dAllierWednesday Montmarault

Friday Commentry

Saturday Montlucon

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

9/14

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.

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

10/14

- 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 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.

http://63lapeyrouse.free.fr/index2.htmhttp://63lapeyrouse.free.fr/index2.htm

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

11/14

- 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 Dore 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 wortha 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-Bain s (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

caf/ 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.

http://www.vulcania.com/en.htmlhttp://www.auvergne-volcan.com/accueil/accueil.asphttp://anglais.mairie-montlucon.fr/php/decouvrir/decouverte.phphttp://www.ville-neris-les-bains.fr/http://www.ville-moulins.fr/http://www2.ville-vichy.fr/en/tourisme/index.htmlhttp://www.vulcania.com/en.htmlhttp://www.auvergne-volcan.com/accueil/accueil.asphttp://anglais.mairie-montlucon.fr/php/decouvrir/decouverte.phphttp://www.ville-neris-les-bains.fr/http://www.ville-moulins.fr/http://www2.ville-vichy.fr/en/tourisme/index.html

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

12/14

- Clermont-Ferrand (60 miles) the regions capital. Home ofClermont

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 DAllier 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 dAllier for

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

- LHirrondelle 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.

http://www.clermont-ferrand.fr/-English-.htmlhttp://www.asm-rugby.com/http://www.asm-rugby.com/http://www.montlucon-rugby.com/http://pagesperso-orange.fr/asfcommentry.rugby/http://www.clermont-ferrand.fr/-English-.htmlhttp://www.asm-rugby.com/http://www.asm-rugby.com/http://www.montlucon-rugby.com/http://pagesperso-orange.fr/asfcommentry.rugby/

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

13/14

- Neris les Bains has attractive bars and restaurants including the

internet caf / bar referred to above. You will not see a better value

croque monsier than the one sold in one caf 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 inexpensiveand 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- dAuvergne

(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.

8/14/2019 11 Grand Rue

14/14

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