The 16 things to do in Auvergne

You chose the Massif Central as a setting for your holidays. Follow the guide to find out what the 16 best things to do in Auvergne!

Ah, the Auvergne! At the heart of the reliefs of the Massif Central, this French historical region is composed of the departments of Cantal, Allier, Haute-Loire and Puy-de-Dôme . Starting from its volcanic and hilly landscape, it is particularly pleasant to go on adventure on its paths. But to visit the Auvergne, it is also to discover its breathtaking gastronomy: here, you taste at the corner of the fire to the great wines of the French terroir. Not to mention its large cities of interest and picturesque villages, home to many vestiges of the rich medieval era: a feast for the heart and the eyes. One thing is for sure: you have something to do in Auvergne!

1. Auvergne volcanoes

Let's start with the most obvious: the volcanic peaks that make the region famous!

The Puy-de-Dôme

The Puy-de-Dôme is both the name of an endormi volcano and the region where it is located. For a visit to the Auvergne, the ascent of this peak is one of the must-sees on the schedule. In a lunar landscape, take the same path as the mulet trees to arrive at the summit to admire the panorama that offers to you. Ascension is not difficult but still requires a pair of hiking shoes.

The Puy of Sancy

The Puy de Sancy is the highest peak of the Massif Central. You can climb on foot or borrow the cable car followed by a wooden staircase to reach the top. If you choose to hike, you will admire the passage of many waterfalls, steep vallons and a typically mountainous fauna and flora. Once there, enjoy the breathtaking view of the acerated reliefs of Auvergne.

2. Vulcania

In human size, this theme park has been designed to offer attractions and animations on the theme of volcanoes and other weather phenomena on the planet.

In the heart of the Puy chain, this scientific park is easily accessible from Clermont-Ferrand . He truly staged experiments on volcanoes and thus gave another playful and pleasant face to the science program. An exciting activity to do in Auvergne, for the happiness of children... And their parents!

3. Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral

This obsidian monument of Gothic style dating from the 13th century is proudly erected in the heart of Clermont-Ferrand. It dominates the city center of all the height of its walls made of volcanic stone drawn in the surroundings: a 100% Auvergnat building! The inside, immense, will offer to your eyes marvelled bigarrated glass windows as well as beautiful painted frescoes.

Have you decided to register the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption on your list of spots to visit in Auvergne? Take advantage of it to stroll around the surrounding area: there are many homes dating from the Middle Ages as well as many restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious Auvergnats. It is also an opportunity to plan other immanquables from Clermont-Ferrand to the program, such as the frenetic Place de Jaude or Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica.

4. L’Aventure Michelin

Still an immanquable to see in Auvergne! This time, it is a museum whose name is no longer to explain. Indeed, the head office of the eponymous industrialist has been located in the city since 1889. Today, it is her pride since the firm is nothing less than the second tyre manufacturer in the world.

It is this virtuous success that works to tell the Musée de l’Aventure Michelin. Through a playful exhibition, he tells the spirit of innovation and successes but also the obstacles that have sown the entrepreneurial path since its creation. This collection is suitable for Michelin enthusiasts and neophytes, even for children!

5. Vichy sources

Why not visit hot springs during your stay in Auvergne? And yes: if naturally gaseous water Vichy is invited to the tabs of several dozen countries, it is not for nothing. Nine sources are reserved for cures during the winter season, open to the public throughout the summer.

Blood circulation, muscle recovery, digestion: each holds its own virtue! The benevolent flow of these warm waters has influenced the tourism and urban planning of this city. If you're looking for what to do in Auvergne, go for a walk on the source route. Think about taking your dildo in order to taste some of this tasty drink offered by the innards of the Earth.

6. The hike of the Cézallier

You would not take the most advantage of your getaway in the region by failing to plan a small hike to discover its green paths. The Cézallier is one of the best rides to make in Auvergne. The lovers of freedom and large spaces will be filled with this excursion through the meadows that extend to a loss of sight.

The departure is in La Godivelle where you will set the course to Jassy and then pass through La Motte. In the middle of the soothing hills that follow each other, you may have the chance to see Salers: but if, you know, those cows with the red-haired dress that you imagine very well on a postcard from the region!

7. Le Puy en Velay

In the heart of the Auvergne, the Puy en Velay is among other things the starting point of one of the main paths of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela ! A city of art and history, it houses the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Hôtel-Dieu, buildings classified as Unesco’s world heritage. It is also the ideal starting point to explore and visit the Auvergne massifs!

8. Salers

Speaking of Salers, you should plan to visit the village of the same name, one of the prettiest village in French territory . Located in the middle of the mountain ranges, it is remarkably well preserved.

The ramparts and the church of this medieval city have kept all their robustness, and the tower houses, gogive doors and other stone facades embody a journey in the Middle Ages. In addition, the breed of cow Salers, with brown and fried hairs, cooks in all serenity before giving us generously meat and cheese. In addition to enjoying yourself, you will be able to discover the artisanal heritage around this breed in cheese shops and inns. Thus, the commune is all indicated for any gourmet or archaeologist who seeks to visit the Auvergne!

9. The products of the terroir

The kitchen is always an integral part of a journey. Good news: it is impossible to pass next to the gastronomy of Auvergne when you visit the Auvergne. Indeed, the link between this region and its roots and natural heritage is very strong. The human joins here with its terroir, for the greatest happiness of travelers and their gourmet taste buds.

If you're a fan of charcuterie and cheese, your stay could well turn into a wine tasting route! Give it to your taste buds with pleasure on the restaurants' maps. On the podium cheesemaker AOP are of course the famous Saint-Nectaire, his friend Ambert’s furnace and Cantal. As an accompaniment, a terrine spoon on a slice of good campagnard bread will be welcome. Before leaving, also think about trying to the famous mountain flavours that are the auvergnate potato and the food, speciality based on potatoes, parsley butter and fresh tome. We leave you on this suggestion because it’s making us hungry!

10. The Château de Cordès

Located 900 metres above sea level in Orcival in Puy-de-Dôme, this 15th century castle is a must-see in Auvergne. A sensation of majesty will seize you when arriving at the entrance of this feudal monument. The gardens of this feudal building, classified as a historic monument, designed by the famous landscape artist Le Nôtre, frame the palace with beauty. Hedges and charms occupy the space around the pointed towers of the castle. They succeed in a geometry worked by going even to the labyrinthic composition.

A guided tour will allow you to learn more about this castle and thus about the historical heritage of the region.

11. Royat

Royat is the name of a small town overlooking that of Clermont-Ferrand. In this former Priory is a Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century, which shows a remarkable state of conservation. The ancient Roman ways of the town bear witness to a prosperous situation.

The city also has the peculiarity of being the refuge of a venerable host: indeed, in its bosom sleeps the oldest oak of France, 250 years old! Royat is an ideal destination if you want to visit the Auvergne and especially the surrounding area of Clermont-Ferrand.

12. The national nature reserve of the Chaudefour valley

The nature reserve of Chaudefour is located in the Sancy massif in Auvergne. The eponymous valley created 600,000 years before our era, following a heavy volcanic eruption. Its particular structure allowed the formation of a lake in its centre. The structure of its ridges consists of beautiful volcanic devices, including the famous Dent de la Rancune.

Today, the extraordinary landscapes of Chaudefour attract many visitors. The valley offers many interesting activities, in addition to hiking. Also, the fauna and flora of this particular place are most fascinating, and you will be quickly marvelled.

13. Lake Bouchet

Located in a huge crater, Lac du Bouchet draws and marvels visitors who want to swim there. The lake nestled in a green setting is an auvergnat jewel with an air of Canada . Surrounded by pines, the lake is suitable for swimming, multiple nautical activities but also for swimming fishing.

14. The fortress of Polignac

The Fortress of Polignac is a millennium building. The latter has gone through time and is today the witness of a rich past. Uncontournable in Auvergne, the fortress is an exceptional place! Juched on a volcanic chimney, its powerful dungeon dominates the landscape of the river.

In addition to the panorama, exceptional, you will discover a place of history. Its remains, its gardens, its fortifications... impressive all visitors who visit it.

15. The park of wolves of the Gévaudan

If you love animals, don't pass next to the famous Parc des Loups du Gévaudan! Within it, five different species of wolves: the wolf of Siberia, the wolf of Mongolia, the wolf of Canada, the wolf of Poland and the wolf of the Arctic.

The Parc des Loups du Gévaudan offers visitors an exceptional encounter with this mysterious animal as fascinating as the wolf.

16. Aurillac

Last but not least: Aurillac! If you are visiting the surrounding area, don't miss this charming, picturesque city dominated by Saint-Étienne Castle.

Between small pedestrian streets, typical markets and ancient monuments, Aurillac is a must-see in Auvergne!

How to go to Auvergne?

Aircraft

To visit the Auvergne, you can choose the air route. If you choose to fly, you can land at Clermont-Ferrand-Auvergne Airport, the largest and central in the area. If you leave Paris , you can also choose to land at Aurillac or Puy – Loudes airports. Would you like to find a flight offer at the best price? So it can be wise to use a comparison of flights such as Ulysses .

Train

The large Auvergne communes are also well served by the railway network. It will be easy for you to reach Clermont-Ferrand, Aurillac, Montluçon, Moulins or Le Puy en Velay by train, and then visit the Auvergne and its jewels.

Once you arrive in Auvergne, get to your convenience its hilly landscapes by bus, train or car rental !

Car

To discover the green meadows and the volcanic landscapes of Auvergne, the car is the way of locomotion to be preferred. Here are some indications on the routes to follow at your starting point:

• West : via the A71 from Rennes (6h05), via the A85 and the A71 since Nantes (5h29).
• North : via the A28 and the A71 since Caen (6h05), via the A1 and the A71 from Lille (6h25) and via the A71 from Paris (4h20).
• Is it? : via the A36 from Strasbourg (6h25), via the A6 and the A89 since Dijon (3h35).
• Southeast : via the A89 from Lyon (2h10), via the A8 and the A7 from Nice (6h30), via the A75 from Montpellier (3h35).
• South-West : via the A20 and the A89 from Toulouse (3h50), via the A89 from Bordeaux (3h45).

Where to stay in Auvergne?

During your Auvergne explorations, you will have to stay! But, no panic, the region is full of accommodation. Clermont-Ferrand , Aurillac, Salers, Le Puy en Velay : report to a Compare hotels to choose the best accommodation for your stay. You'll always have a choice between Airbnb , warm cottages or rooms in central hotels.

You're incollable at the sights to do in Auvergne! Now it's time to pack!