Photo : Plindenbaum / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Manoir de Veygoux
The Manoir de Veygoux is at Charbonnières-les-Varennes, between Riom and Clermont-Ferrand, in the Puy-de-Dôme. Rebuilt in the 17th century, it was the family home of General Louis Desaix, who spent his childhood here and died at Marengo in 1800.
It is now a historical discovery centre devoted to the Bonaparte period and the Revolution in Auvergne, with a playful, interactive approach: guided tours in period costume, 'scenovision' shows, digital displays, films and exhibitions. Children can take part in treasure hunts, trails and investigation games, and a mask workshop.
The estate also has a restaurant, the Comptoir Desaix, serving Auvergne specialities, a shop and several picnic areas. It is about five minutes from exit 27 of the A89 motorway.
