"Hasta la vista" is a Spanish expression that literally translates to "until seeing you". It is used as a farewell greeting and means something like "see you later", "see you later" or "farewell". The routes under the umbrella Hasta la Vista have in common that they all head towards the Spanish sun and along the way you will encounter the (almost) forgotten sights again, refresh your memories and revive the fun.

Murol, the starting point of this route, is located in the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne, created in 1977. It is the largest volcanic complex in Europe. This immense area consists of remarkable landscapes, fauna and flora. The Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne extends from 400 to 1886 m altitude. With 400 hectares, it is the largest regional natural park in metropolitan France.
The characterful medieval village in the Puy-de-Dôme is hidden between the mountains and a large lake, and is therefore also a kind of 'bathing resort'. With its historical heritage, its famous fortress and its location on the shore of Lake Chambon, Murol knows how to charm both history buffs and water rats. A visit to the castle of Murol, a medieval fortress that dominates the village, is definitely not to be missed. There is entertainment at the castle all summer long.

You can refuel in the neighbouring municipality of Besse, which consists of several villages. The largest village is Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, popularly known as Besse. In contrast to Super-Besse, it is an authentic French village with beautiful monumental buildings and small alleys. This village is located a short distance from the Super Besse ski area. This village also falls under the municipality of Besse. Super-Besse is a real winter sports village and is perfect for ski-in ski-out accommodations.

Near Besse lies the almost round crater lake Lac Pavin. The lake was formed naturally in a volcanic basin. After the last eruption, the crater slowly filled up with water. Now you can sail there with a rowing boat and take beautiful walks around the lake.

Further south in the Auvergne lies a second volcanic field: the Sancy Mountains. Here you will find green hills, but also steep and untouched peaks, wide valleys, vast plains, nature reserves where unique flora and fauna live, fairytale lakes and forests.

The coffee is ready in Allanche, a fortified village built on basalt flows. It offers a panoramic view of the Monts du Sancy and Monts du Cantal from the plateau of Le Cézallier.
The fortified Romanesque church of Saint-Jean Baptiste is one of the few fortified churches in Haute-Auvergne. It was built on a basalt flow forming columns and is surrounded by ramparts.

Winding roads take you along the many streams and valleys with ditto castles. With many views this is a pleasant route. In Murat you come back to the inhabited world.
The history of Murat goes back a long way. The town was already mentioned in the third century AD. In Celtic, the town name means 'steep rock'. The town is built against a slope. But after that mention in the third century, it remains silent in the historical books for a long time, until in the eleventh century it is said that Murat was an influential county, with a castle that had been there 'for a long time'. Lunch is planned here, during which you can take the opportunity to explore the town. In the facades you can clearly recognize the traditional architectural style of the region, with the typical dark volcanic stone. Beautiful buildings from the Renaissance period (16th century) everywhere.

After Murat, the Volcanoes Natural Park becomes the Aubrac Regional Park. The Aubrac plateau, which spans the regions of Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is a region with strong traditions and culture. Renowned for its vast plains, its landscapes with endless rolling bends, its cows and its famous 'burons', the barns where the cattle find shelter in inclement weather. Aubrac is also beech forests, streams, lakes and waterfalls, steeper sections and deep gorges. Discover vast deserted plains that change with the seasons. Aubrac lives mainly from agriculture, whether it is breeding Aubrac cows for meat or for milk.

On your way to your destination for today, Espalion, you will first pass through the knife village of Laguiole. In the early 19th century, pocket knives and table knives were made in the village of Laguiole for shepherds and farmers in the region. The 'authentic' knives are still made entirely by hand. The region attracts many tourists who come to visit the knives and workshops. Some workshops offer guided tours where the manufacturing process of the knives is explained. An authentic Laguiole knife is always accompanied by an official certificate when purchased.

Your end point of this route is Espalion. The history of Espalion begins at the height of the Roman Empire. The town originated at an important crossing point over the river Lot. The bridge at this location was part of an important trade route between the modern-day cities of Bordeaux and Lyon. To guard both the trade route and the crossing point, the castle Calmont-d'Olt was built. Until the French Revolution, the town gained wealth thanks to its tanneries. The castle lost its strategic value after the Hundred Years' War and fell into disrepair. Over the centuries, the town has been well preserved. A good example of this is the so-called Pont-Vieux. This old bridge over the river Lot is centuries old and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Nowadays, Espalion is a nice place to visit when you are spending your holiday in the Aveyron department. Although the town is not particularly large, a walk through the historical centre is definitely worth it. For example, you can visit the Pont-Vieux. This bridge dates from the eleventh century AD. Along the river Lot, you can see several old tanneries: a reminder of the past in which the town played an important role in the leather industry. An exploration of this nice town can be perfectly combined with a visit to the nearby castle Calmont d'Olt. From the high rock on which this castle is located, you can enjoy a beautiful view over the town!