Hormart Expeditions - One-stop expedition directory - Recent listing in FRA- places

Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption - iconic Gothic cathedral, Clermont-Ferrand

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 02:05:03 +0000

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption is the iconic Gothic cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France. It is famous for its dramatic dark appearance, built almost entirely from black Volvic lava stone, giving it a unique and striking silhouette.

Overview

Location: Place de la Victoire, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Construction: Began in 1248, largely completed in the 19th century
Style: Gothic architecture
Material: Volcanic lava stone (Volvic stone)
Height: Towers rise approximately 108 metres

Highlights

Impressive twin spires dominating Clermont-Ferrand’s skyline
Stained glass windows dating from the 13th to 15th centuries
Panoramic views of the city from the towers
Rich religious and architectural heritage

The cathedral stands on the site of earlier churches dating back to Roman times and remains one of the most important historical landmarks in central France.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucu6uFx1OFc

Circuit de Charade - historic motorsport racetrack, Clermont-Ferrand

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:46:43 +0000

Historic Motorsport Circuit & Event Venue – Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France

The Circuit de Charade is a renowned motorsport racetrack located near Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne region of France. Established in 1958 and famously hosting Formula 1 and other major races in the 1960s and early 1970s, the circuit today operates as a permanent track for events, track days, driving experiences, and corporate activities.

Services & Activities:

Motorsport events and racing calendar
Company events, team building, and seminars
Track days and driving experiences
Vehicle testing and development
Photo gallery and historical archives

Charade combines rich motorsport heritage with modern facilities for enthusiasts, companies, and drivers of all levels.

Videos

Old Charade Circuit onboard + walk (1958–1988) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LUaKgF0QdE

Current Charade track onboard POV — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olHI0Rrw3pc

Château de Brissac - Giant of the Loire Valley, France

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 07:15:24 +0000

Château de Brissac is located in Brissac-Quincé (Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire). It’s often called the “Giant of the Loire Valley” — it has 7 floors and about 204 rooms, making it the tallest château in France.

The château has been in the Cossé‑Brissac family for centuries (since 1502). Architecturally, it mixes medieval (the two towers are remnants of a much older fortress) and Renaissance/Baroque styles.

Inside, there are gilded ceilings, tapestries, ceremonial rooms, a Belle‑Époque theatre, an old kitchen, and a vaulted wine cellar. The château is inhabited by the Brissac family, so visits are only via guided tours.

There’s a 70-hectare landscaped park, with thematic walks, a neo-classical mausoleum (for the Dukes), and a “sous-terrain canal.” There’s a wine tradition: the château produces wine, and wine tasting in the cellar is part of the visit.

Opening Hours (2025):

From March 22 → end June & Sept 1 → Nov 10: daily except Tuesdays, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00 (last entry ~1 hour before closing).
In July & August: every day, 10:00–18:00 (last access ~17:00).
During winter holidays: afternoons, except Tuesday.

Accessibility:

The park is accessible; the castle interior has some limitations (steps, smaller lift).
Small dogs allowed in the park (on leash), very small dogs may be carried inside.
Photography is allowed inside (without flash).
Parking for cars / camper‑vans ~150m from ticket office.

Visit Duration: Plan for ~1 h15 for a full visit (interiors + park).

Tips & Things to Know

Tours are guided, so check for language options or when tours run.
Bring comfortable walking shoes — the park paths can be long.
If you want to taste wine, saving some time for the cellar is worth it.
For events (like Christmas market), check the château calendar — it hosts seasonal activities.

Video

https://youtu.be/Eu2JMLgAJ9o

Paris Catacombs: Underground ossuary, France

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 04:37:31 +0000

The Catacombs of Paris are a vast underground ossuary located in the former limestone quarries beneath the city of Paris, France. Over six million Parisians’ remains were transferred here starting in the late 18th century when the city's cemeteries became over‑crowded and unstable.

Visitors descend about 20 metres underground, walk through approximately 1.5 kilometres of galleries (a one‑way circuit) through quarry tunnels and ossuary walls – including the famous inscription “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort” (“Stop! Here begins the empire of the dead”).

The environment is cool (≈14 °C) and somewhat eerie, with narrow passages, stairs (131 down, 112 up) and bones stacked in patterns along the walls.

It’s a unique blend of geology (old quarries), history (city burial practices), and memorial space.

Opening Hours & Closure

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:45 to 20:30 (last admission approx 19:30).
Closed on Mondays, and on certain public holidays (January 1, May 1, December 25) unless noted otherwise.
Typical visit duration is about 45 minutes following the marked one‑way route of ~1.5 km

Entry & Access Conditions

Entrance at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol‑Tanguy, exit at 21 bis Avenue René‑Coty.
The site is not wheelchair accessible; many stairs and narrow passages. Not recommended for people with severe heart/respiratory/claustrophobia issues.
Bags larger than 40 × 30 cm are prohibited; no cloakroom/luggage storage available.
Temperature underground is around 14 °C; dress accordingly.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNu3NuyVZuw