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Activities at the Domaine
The swimming pool
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The guest table
The river: The Sioule
The games
The Swimming Pool
The swimming pool is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It welcomes families staying in the lodges, chalets, and guest rooms, as well as camping families.
The River: The Sioule
The Sioule is a river located primarily in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, known for its unspoiled natural setting and its role in tourism and outdoor activities.
The Sioule River rises in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, near Lake Servières in Puy-de-Dôme, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters. It flows for 114 km through the departments of Puy-de-Dôme and Allier, before emptying into the Allier, a tributary of the Loire, near Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule.
The river flows through varied landscapes, from the wild and steep gorges of the Combrailles to the gentler plains of the Allier. The Sioule Gorges, particularly around Châteauneuf-les-Bains and Menat, are particularly renowned for their spectacular beauty, with cliffs, forests, and picturesque meanders.
The Sioule River is renowned for its purity and ecological richness. It is home to a diverse aquatic fauna, including fish species such as brown trout, grayling, and Atlantic salmon (although the latter is rare today).
Certain areas of the Sioule are classified as protected areas, such as the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, which helps to preserve its biodiversity and natural environment.
Fishing: The Sioule is a popular destination for anglers, particularly for fly fishing, thanks to its clear, fish-filled waters. It is classified as a category 1 river, ideal for trout. Fishing lessons are available, particularly at Domaine Les Gandins, located on its banks.
Water sports: The river is ideal for canoeing and kayaking, with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, particularly in the gorges. Water sports centers, such as those in Châteauneuf-les-Bains, offer descents of 6 to 20 km.
Hiking and walks: The banks of the Sioule offer numerous hiking trails, such as the GR 300, allowing you to admire the landscapes of the gorges, the historic bridges (e.g. the medieval Menat bridge) and picturesque villages such as Ébreuil or Chouvigny.
Swimming and relaxation: In summer, certain shallow areas are ideal for swimming or relaxing by the water.
The table d'hôte
The table d'hôtes at Domaine Les Gandins is an authentic and warm gastronomic experience, showcasing regional cuisine in a picturesque and friendly setting.
Meals are served at a large communal table, encouraging interaction with hosts and other travelers.
During high season, the first service at 6:30 p.m. only welcomes children aged 1 to 12. By getting to know each other over a meal designed especially for them, children quickly understand that they will be able to make friends during their stay.
The second service at 7:30 p.m. brings parents together to enjoy a meal featuring fresh, local produce, often from the Auvergne region, with seasonal vegetables and quality ingredients. The dishes are homemade, reflecting traditional French cuisine, sometimes with creative touches. Vegetarian or dietary options are available upon request.
Nature
We allow vegetation to thrive and biodiversity to expand, allowing you to experience the most authentic natural setting.
When the season and the weather permit, you can pick fruit (raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants), make bouquets of wild flowers and end your day around a campfire near the river.
A second playground is very popular with visitors.
It is located near the Sioule river.
We call it 'The Beach'. Here we have access to the Sioule river.
You will also find a zip line and a swing. The most daring will throw themselves, equipped with buoys, into the Sioule at the end of the field to easily emerge a few dozen meters further on.
We allow vegetation to thrive and biodiversity to expand, allowing you to experience the most authentic natural setting.
When the season and the weather permit, you can pick fruit (raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants), make bouquets of wild flowers and end your day around a campfire near the river.
