Southern France: A Journey from Coast to Volcanoes

A journey from Béziers, in the south of France, to Auvergne, the land of volcanoes.

Along the way, we meet a lock keeper on the historic Canal du Midi, operating mechanisms dating back to the time of King Louis XIV, which still work so well that they couldn't be built any better today. In one of Europe's largest Buddhist monasteries , a spectacular peace monument is being built. A visit to a wolf park brings us face-to-face with these elusive predators. In Auvergne, churches are warmed by underground volcanic heat, while the dramatic Puy de Dôme volcano draws paragliders from across the country – including a young woman determined to conquer her fear of heights.