By: Heather Keys
Located in central France, you’ll find Auvergne, a historical region with a rich history and an absolutely gorgeous landscape perfect for travelers looking for adventure and culture. Let’s go on a little tour!
The Natural Beauty of the Auvergne Region
Photo by PHILIPPE SERRAND on Pexels
Auvergne is part of the Massif Central—a mountain range covering a large portion of south-central France. Adventurous travelers will love the rugged terrain, deep gorges, and extensive plateaus for cycling, hiking, and climbing.
Volcanoes: The Auvergne region has a volcanic landscape, with active and dormant peaks. The most popular of these volcanoes is the Puy de Dôme—you can hike or take a train to the summit, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and a visitor center. Other notable volcanoes throughout this region include the Puy de Sancy, Puy de Côme, and Puy Marie.
Gorges: The steep gorges in this region can be found along the Allier River—take some time to kayak or go on a river cruise to see the cliffs and dense forests of the Gorges de l’Allier.
Plateaus: In addition to mountains, volcanoes, and gorges, Auvergne has plateaus with bucolic meadows, charming villages, and traditional stone architecture perfect for travelers interested in less intense nature walks, and enjoying the countryside.
Photo by Pass Horizon on Unsplash
Auvergne’s Cultural Treasures and Towns
Auvergne’s rich history and heritage are highlighted by its beautiful towns and cities, incredible architecture, and other attractions. Here are a few you should add to your itinerary:
Clermont-Ferrand: One of the oldest French cities, Clermont-Ferrand is known for its distinctive black volcanic stone architecture. Its skyline is dominated by the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, a Gothic cathedral built with dark lava stone. Clermont-Ferrand is also home to the Michelin headquarters and the Musée d’Art Roger-Quilliot, which houses a collection of art and artifacts.
Le Puy-en-Velay: Le Puy-en-Velay is a picturesque town famous for landmarks such as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stop along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The town is also known for its ancient streets, charming squares, and the statue Notre-Dame de France, which overlooks the city.
Saint-Nectaire: This small village is known for its namesake cheese—the town has traditional stone houses and lovely streets. Visitors can explore the cheese-making process, visit local farms, and taste the famous Saint-Nectaire.
Salers: Salers is a medieval town known for its well-preserved historic center and traditional architecture. It is famous for its local breed of cows, from which the Salers cheese is made.
Montpeyroux: Montpeyroux is a village based in the vineyards of the Auvergne region. It is considered by many to be among the country’s most beautiful villages and is known for its medieval streets, Romanesque church, and the ruins of its castle.
Best Activities for Tourists in the Auvergne Region of France
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Should you have the opportunity to visit the Auvergne region, there are plenty of activities and sights, no matter your travel style! A few favorites:
Hiking and nature exploration: The Auvergne region’s landscapes are wonderful for outdoor enthusiasts. Numerous hiking trails traverse volcanic peaks, gorges, forests, and plateaus, and the Puy de Dôme and the Monts-Dore Massif are particularly popular for hiking and exploring.
Water sports: The rivers, lakes, and gorges of the Auvergne region provide ample opportunities for water sports. Kayaking, canoeing, and rafting are popular activities in the canyons of the Allier River. Lac Chambon and Lac d’Aydat are ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Winter sports: During the winter season, the Auvergne region has several options for enthusiasts. Ski resorts like Super-Besse, Mont-Dore, and Le Lioran provide excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding are also popular activities in the region.
Visiting volcanic sites: The Auvergne region is known for its volcanic landscapes, and exploring volcanic areas is a must-do activity. Visitors can hike to the top of Puy de Dôme, explore volcanic craters such as Puy Pariou and Puy de Côme, or visit Vulcania—a combination amusement park and museum—to learn about volcanoes and earth sciences.
Cultural exploration: The Auvergne region is rich in cultural heritage, and there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in local traditions and history. Visitors can explore historic towns like Le Puy-en-Velay, Clermont-Ferrand, and Saint-Nectaire, visit medieval castles such as Château de Murol, and discover local arts and crafts in artisan villages.
Wine tasting: The Auvergne region has a growing wine industry, particularly in areas like Saint-Pourçain and Boudes. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, visit vineyards, and learn about the local wine production methods.
Thermal spas: The Auvergne region is known for its thermal waters and spa towns like Vichy and La Bourboule. Tourists can relax and rejuvenate in thermal spas, enjoy spa treatments, and take advantage of wellness facilities.
Related: 12 Must-Visit Hot Springs for a Rejuvenating Retreat: Iceland, Italy, Japan & Beyond
Culinary delights: Food lovers will find plenty to savor in the Auvergne region. The local cuisine is known for its hearty dishes such as potée auvergnate (a traditional stew), truffade (a cheese and potato dish), and charcuterie. Visitors can sample local specialties, visit farmers’ markets, and even participate in cooking classes.
Ready to Travel?
A visit to the Auvergne region of France is a must if you’re interested in French culture, cuisine, and diverse landscapes—travel to this beautiful area in the center of the country and you won’t leave disappointed!
Have you had the chance to visit Auvergne or other historic regions around Europe? Share your stories with the Frayed Passport community!
About the Author
Heather is a freelance writer who loves exploring the intersection of travel and history. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.
Featured image by PHILIPPE SERRAND on Pexels.