See www.sancy.com. Hewn out of black volcanic rock from the tip of its 15thC belfry to the bottom of its sturdy ramparts, Besse is a picturesque old mountain village of narrow medieval streets and small hotels. There is a Romanesque church, a Renaissance fountain and a solitary chapel nearby at Vassivière (7 km west via the D978). On the way, the road passes beautiful Lac Pavin, where a short but rewarding walk takes you clambering up to the top of Puy de Montchal. (The tourist office has plenty more suggestions for longer walks.) In winter, the neighbouring modern resort of Super-Besse (7 km west via the D149) offers both downhill and cross-country skiing.