Comme Sur Des Roulottes

Comme Sur Des Roulottes Overview

Honestly, when I first heard the name “Comme Sur Des Roulottes” (which basically means “like on wheels”), I figured it was some quirky caravan park situation. But driving up to this place in Saillant – and I mean really driving, because you’re winding through proper Auvergne countryside to get here – I realized this is something completely different. It’s tucked into the hills just outside Saint-Nectaire, and you know what? The name actually makes perfect sense once you see it. The whole property has this nomadic, free-spirited vibe that somehow works perfectly in this ancient volcanic landscape.

The thing about this place is that it doesn’t try to fit into any category, which is probably why it doesn’t have an official star rating. I mean, where would you even start? The accommodations are these beautifully crafted wooden structures that look like they could roll away at any moment, but they’re actually quite sophisticated inside. Think handcrafted furniture, proper heating (crucial up here in the Massif Central), and these amazing views across the valley. The owners – and you’ll definitely meet them because this isn’t some corporate chain – have this incredible eye for detail. Little touches like locally-made ceramics and textiles that actually complement the landscape rather than fighting against it.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to create this sense of escape without making you feel like you’re roughing it. The communal areas have this warm, almost magnetic quality where you end up chatting with other guests over wine from the region (and trust me, try the Saint-Pourçain if they have it). Location-wise, you’re perfectly positioned for exploring the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne, but honestly, some mornings I just sat on the terrace with coffee watching the mist roll off the hills. Saint-Nectaire village is maybe ten minutes down the road – perfect for picking up that famous cheese and maybe some decent bread for breakfast. The thermal baths there are worth a visit too, especially after a day hiking the volcanic peaks.

I’ll be straight with you – this isn’t for everyone. If you need room service and a concierge, look elsewhere. But if you want somewhere that feels genuinely different, where the 8.6 rating comes from people who really get what this place is trying to do, then it’s pretty special. The silence at night is almost shocking if you’re used to city noise, and parking is never an issue (there’s plenty of space, though the access road can be a bit narrow). Check-in is refreshingly personal – more like arriving at a friend’s place than a hotel. Just don’t expect to find it easily on your first try; GPS gets a bit confused in these hills, but that’s part of the charm, really.