The small, but perfectly formed ski resort of Le Lioran is situated in the Monts D'Auvergne area of the Cantal department in France. Le Lioran is in the Massif Central mountain range, in the Auvergne region, which is home to France's Volcanic National Park. Certainly the shape and dramatic slopes of the peaks leave the visitor in no doubt of the awesome volcanic forces (now fortunately extinct) which created this impressive, and blissfully undiscovered landscape.

Whilst other ski resorts exist within the Massif Central, notably at Super Besse near Clermont Ferrand, Le Lioran is the biggest ski station. The area served by the network of lifts extends from 1250 metres to 1850 metres altitude. The ski lifts themselves at Le Lioran service 60 km of well maintained pisted runs. Plenty for a long weekend, and enough for a relaxed week unless you are a rampant run-collector who refuses to ever do the same thing twice. Le Lioran is a secret undiscovered ski spot.  Try it for yourself.

There are 24 ski lifts in total :

• 1 cable car;
• 8 chair lifts;
• 14 drag lifts
• 1 télébaby

The lifts are fairly basic and slow in places, but queues are usually non existent unless you happen to pick the week of local French school holidays , so this doesn't present too much of a problem.

Click here for a piste map.

In addition to the marked pistes the resort has other things on offer:

• Designated toboggan run;
• Beginners snow garden;
• Snowpark with rails and half pipe;
• 'Big Air' jump
• Dog sledding
• Ice skating
• Cross country skiing

There are 150 km of cross country trails in the area, of which 21km over four circuits is directly accessible from Le Lioran.  Many others are accessible from Prat de Bouc - close to the town of Murat.

There are two main ski school sin Le lioran, catering for both individuals and groups.  Both will teach adults and children from beginners through to experts.

ESF - Ecole de Ski Francais

ESI - Ecole de Ski Internationale

We have found that ESI offer genuinely English-speaking instructors with small groups and rapid progress. Our kids loved Bruno and Matthieu! Merci!!

If it is raucous night life and non stop action you are looking for, this probably isn't the place for you. This is 'La France Profonde', and whilst Le Lioran itself is a prefab purpose built set of appartment blocks which aren't going to win any architectural awards, if you take the time to travel slightly further afield towards Murat and the surrounding villages you can find authentic French cuisine and attractive medieval market towns full of charm and gastronomic delights.

Here are some top recommendations:

Le Lioran

Le Chazotte - in the lower station of Font d'Alagnon. Not rapid service, but very good quality.

Rond Point - at the main station - basic self service cafe.  Fine when not too busy, but bedlam when the resort is crowded.  Nice spot on a sunny day for a hot chocolate on the terrace.

Murat

The Murat Office du Tourisme has lots of suggestions. We particularly like Chez Laurette for relaxed crepes and ice cream, and Auberge Maitre Paul for pizzas and local specialities such as Truffade, Pounti and Aligot.

Further Afield

Auberge Aijean - stunning location overlooking the Puy Mary - the highest volcano in Europe. Outdoor terrace and spacious indoor dining room. Simple food of the highest quality, exquisitely cooked with attentive but never fussy service. Hard to beat for a meal that is special without being over-elaborate. Highly recommended.

The Le Lioran accommodation website has lots of suggestions in the resort and around.

Other independent gites and chalets are also available further afield.  Try the Office de Tourisme for some suggestions. Or we enjoyed staying here - only 15 mins by car from Le Lioran.