Travelling in Auvergne: between volcanoes, character and immensity
A trip to the Auvergne is a journey into a world where man, faced with sleeping volcanoes, feels very small. Perhaps it's this majestic setting that forges the soul of the Auvergnats: humble, silent, but never weak. Like ancient volcanoes, these mountains slumbering like old men by the fire, they seem peaceful... until the day their anger is aroused. From this powerful land was born Vercingetorix's revolt against Rome, La Fayette's against oppression. Auvergne, it's a concentrate of fierce, proud France.
L'Auvergne is a region conducive to meditation / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com by Gabriel Cardaire de Pixabay
Nature, heritage and exceptional villages
The volcanoes of Auvergne are listed by UNESCO / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: PantherMediaSeller via depositphotos
On these plateaus,the panoramas stretch as far as the eye can see, from the Sancy massif to the Aubrac plateau. Thousands of trails wind between puys and valleys. There are sublime villages like Salers, Pradelles, Tournemire, Lavaudieu or Usson, but also towns steeped in history: Clermont-Ferrand and its dark spires, Aurillac and Saint-Flour, le Puy-en-Velay and its spectacular rocks, Vichy and its spa villas. At the table, potée, truffade, aligot or Puy lentils delight friends and princes alike. This joy of eating together is a whole art of living born here... and one that the Auvergnats have taken to Paris. Because the Parisian bistro is first and foremost an Auvergne invention.
Here's what you need to make a success of your aligot. Illustration chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: studioM via depositphotos.
10 places to see in Auvergne
1. Puy de Dôme: Exceptional panorama of the Auvergne volcanoes
The view from the summit of Puy de Dôme / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : jqnoc via depositphotos
The Puy de Dôme, the highest peak in the Puys chain, rises to 1,465 meters. Classified as a Grand Site de France and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the Auvergne volcanoes. 80 of them are classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Accessible by the "Panoramique des Dômes" cog railway, it is a mecca for hiking, paragliding and scientific discovery with the Temple of Mercury.
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Address: Le Puy de Dôme, 63870 Orcines
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Nearest train station: Clermont-Ferrand (15 km)
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Distance from Paris: 420 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 15 km
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Opening hours: daily, opening hours vary according to season
Magnificent Auvergne volcanoes/ Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : pizzatravel via depositphotos
2. Château de Murol: plunging into the heart of the Middle Ages
Perched on a volcanic peak,the Château de Murol(12th century) dominates the valley. It offers a medieval immersion through shows, historical re-enactments and guided tours. A must-see for families.
The amazing Château de Murol/ photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: rgentique via depositphotos
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Address: Château de Murol, 63790 Murol
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Nearest train station: Clermont-Ferrand (40 km)
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Distance from Paris: 470 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 40 km
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Times: daily, 10am-6pm (depending on season)
3. Vulcania: Earth Park
The Vulcania site / Photo chosen by monsieur de France: by Franck Barske from Pixabay
This unique theme park in Europe is dedicated to volcanoes and Earth sciences. Through attractions, immersive experiences, 3D films and scientific animations, Vulcania provides a better understanding of natural phenomena.
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Address: Route de Mazayes, 63230 Saint-Ours-les-Roches
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Nearest train station: Clermont-Ferrand (15 km)
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Distance from Paris: 420 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 15 km
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Times: according to calendar, generally 10am-6pm
4. Lac Pavin: beauty and mystery
Lake Pavin surrounded by fir trees/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Pix-Fred via depositphotos
Lake of volcanic origin, the Pavin is the deepest in Auvergne (92 m). Enclosed by forests, it's ideal for hiking, fishing, and contemplation. Local legends make it a mysterious place.
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Address: Lac Pavin, 63610 Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise
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Nearest train station: Clermont-Ferrand (50 km)
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Distance from Paris: 480 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 50 km
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Opening hours: free access all year round
Aren't the cows in Cantal looking happy? Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Yann LECOINTRE from Pixabay
5. Le Mont-Dore: thermal baths and mountain sports
The small town at the foot of Puy de Sancy / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Fabien1309 via wikicommons
Located at the foot of the Sancy mountains, this spa resort is also popular in winter for skiing. In summer, you can hike here, enjoy the thermal baths and the Belle Époque atmosphere. A must for lovers of nature and well-being.
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Address: 63240 Le Mont-Dore
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Nearest train station: Gare du Mont-Dore
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Distance from Paris: 470 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 45 km
Le Puy de Sancy / photo chosen by Monsieur de France : razvanphoto via depositphotos
6. Le Puy-en-Velay: City of art and pilgrimage
The superb city of Le Puy-en-Velay/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Xantana via depositphotos
Departure of the Via Podiensis to Santiago de Compostela, le Puy-en-Velay seduces with its UNESCO-listed cathedral, where you pray before the mysterious black virgin, its Saint-Michel chapel on a volcanic peak, and its medieval alleyways.
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Address: 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay
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Nearest train station: Le Puy-en-Velay
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Distance from Paris: 530 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 130 km
The Saint Michel chapel is perched high up / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by orythys from Pixabay
7. Val Castle: Fortress on the lake
Le château de Val: a fairytale castle/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos.
On the shores of Lake Bort-les-Orgues,Château de Val (XVe siècle) se dresse avec majesté. It hosts exhibitions, concerts and offers a splendid view of the surrounding area.Un lieu très prisé pour les photographes.
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Address: 15270 Lanobre
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Nearest train station: Bort-les-Orgues (10 km)
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Distance from Paris: 500 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 100 km
The castle is shrouded in mystery with the mist/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: [email protected] via depositphotos.
8. Lac d'Aydat : Relaxation and water sports
The largest natural lake in Auvergne, Lac d'Aydat offers swimming, paddleboarding, sailing and nature walks. Very popular in summer, it is also a bird-watching site.
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Address : 63970 Aydat
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Nearest train station: Clermont-Ferrand (20 km)
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Distance from Paris: 430 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 20 km
Take the time to discover Nature, Auvergne is there for it / Photo chosen by monsieur de France : Gabriel Cardaire de Pixabay
9. Clermont-Ferrand: Capital at the foot of the volcanoes
Clermont Ferrand is an excellent back base for discovering the province of which it is capitale / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: benkrut via depositphotos
A city of character, Clermont-Ferrand combines historical heritage (Volvic stone cathedral, Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica) and cultural dynamism (Michelin museum, festivals, street art). It's the capital of the Auvergne and the ideal base for exploring the region.
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Address : Clermont-Ferrand, 63000
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Train station: Clermont-Ferrand center
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Distance from Paris: 420 km
The town of Clermont Ferrand is black because it's built with volcanic stone/ Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : by Franck Barske de Pixabay
10. Montpeyroux: One of France's most beautiful villages
The village of Montpeyroux / Photo chosen by monsieur de France : phb.cz via depositphotos
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Montpeyrouxcharme avec ses ruelles pavées, ses maisons en arkose blonde et son donjon médiéval. This winegrowing village offers a sublime view of the Allier valley.
One of the little streets of Montpeyroux / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France : By photography by Christophe.Finot, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75447479
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Address: 63114 Montpeyroux
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Nearest train station: Issoire (10 km)
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Distance from Paris: 430 km
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Distance from Clermont-Ferrand: 20 km
Other places to visit in Auvergne
The imposing Polignac fortress/ photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Felix HYON de Pixabay
Auvergne abounds in lesser-known but equally fascinating nuggets. In Polignac, the imposing medieval fortress proudly dominates the Velay countryside. In Blesle, ranked among France's most beautiful villages, flower-filled lanes and half-timbered houses seduce visitors. Montpeyroux, perched on a volcanic mound, offers superb panoramic views over the Allier valley. Don't miss La Chaise-Dieu, its Benedictine abbey and the classical music festival that enlivens the grounds every summer. Finally, the village of Saint-Nectaire, famous for its cheese, is worth a visit as much for its local produce as for its magnificent Romanesque church.
