Tourist Information - Auvergne France Vacances

The Auvergne is a region situated in the heart of the Massif Central mountain range and is made up of 4 departments: the Allier, the Puy de Dôme, the Cantal and the Haute-Loire.

Where is the Auvergne? Click here to see a map.

It is a land of diverse landscapes from the plains of the "Limagne" to the many mountain ranges, rich in cultural and architectural heritage.

The Auvergne: land of lakes and rivers, volcanoes and grand open spaces. A perfect retreat for a relaxing break in spectacular surroundings

In the Auvergne you will find:

2 national parks

10 thermal spas

More than 500 Romanesque churches

Nearly 50 châteaux to discover on the 'Route des Châteaux d’Auvergne'. Auvergne France Vacances are not responsible for the standard of English on this site.

5 AOC (Appelation d'Origine Controlee) cheeses - more than any other French department - Salers, Fourme d'Ambert, St. Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne and Cantal. You can discover the delights of these cheeses along the 'Route des Fromages AOC d'Auvergne' (Cheese Road).

HOW TO GET THERE:

By road:

The travelling time to the Puy de Dome region by road from the channel ports is 7.5 - 8 hours.

From Paris - The main A road is the A71 to Clermont Ferrand which becomes the A75 south of Clermont Ferrand.

From the east - Direct links to Clermont Ferrand via the A42/A72 from Lyon and St Etienne

From the west - A20/A89 from Limoges to Clermont Ferrand

For more information take a look at our Google map for the location and directions to Clermont Ferrand.

Other useful links

Eurotunnel

SeaFrance

P & O Ferries

SNCF Trains


Distances from the main cities of France to Clermont Ferrand:

By road:

Paris: 425km
Lyon: 173km
Limoges: 177km
Bordeaux: 359km
Toulouse: 384km
Strasbourg: 580km
Brest: 800km
Marseilles: 420km
Bayonne: 550km
Lille: 640km

By air

The nearest airport with direct flights from the UK is Limoges, approximately 2 hours drive to the west of the region. There is an airport in Clermont Ferrand which serves the UK via Paris only.

For further details visit Ryanair, for flights to Limoges or Air France, for flights to Clermont via Paris.

By rail:

Train times from main hubs:

Paris -- 3h25
Lyon -- 2h30
Limoges -- 3h30
Bordeaux -- 5h45
Toulouse -- 6h
Marseilles -- 6h
Mulhouse -- 7h

The Eurostar service between London St.Pancras and Paris Nord takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes

The National Parks

The Auvergne contains two national/regional parks each very different in natural and architectural heritage but sharing the same mission to promote the geographic, economic and cultural aspects of the area.

1.) Parc Naturel Régional du Livradois-Forez:

This park covers an area of 300.000 ha and comprises the regions of the Thiers, the Bas Livradois, the Haut Livradois, the Monts du Forez, the Plaine d’Ambert and the Chaise Dieu.

It is a area of traditional manufacturing including the cutlery works at Thiers and the paper mill at Ambert. You can also discover many other traditional industries of the area on the 'Route des Métiers'.

Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne:

This is the largest national park in Europe and covers an area of 395.000 ha. It is comprised of five mountainous regions: the Chaîne des Puys, the Massif du Sancy, the Cézallier, the Artense and the Monts du Cantal. It is also a region of vocanic lakes (Aydat, Chambon, Guéry, Pavin…).

The « Maisons du Parc » are information centres where you can learn about the region covered by the park:

- la Maison de la Gentiane is located at Riom ès Montagnes in the Cantal: exhibition of medicinal plants, audiovisuel displays, botanical garden – 04-71-78-10-45

- la Maison des Fromages d’Auvergne located at Egliseneuve d’Entraigues in the Puy de Dôme: slide show and exhibition of local cheese manufacturing through the ages – 04-73-71-93-69

- la Maison du Buronnier located at Laveissière in the Cantal: demonstrating the way of life and habitation of the ancient shepherds – 04-71-20-19-00

- la Maison de la Pierre de Volvic located at Volvic in the Puy de Dôme: son et lumière in an ancient « carrière-galerie » (quarry)(warm clothing recommended) – 04-73-33-56-92

- la Maison des Tourbières et du Cézallier located at Saint-Alyre ès Montagnes in the Puy de Dôme: exhibition "muséographique" and visite to discover the ancient peat bogs and their rich plant and animal ecosystems – 04-73-71-78-98

- la Maison de l’Eau et de la Pêche located at Besse en Chandesse in the Puy de Dôme: aquariums, models, discover the rivers and lakes of the Auvergne – 04-73-79-55-52

- la Maison de la Faune located at Murat in the Cantal: collection of animals in their natural surroundings (reconstruction) – 04-71-20-00-52

- la Maison des Fleurs d’Auvergne located at Orcival in the Puy de Dôme: next to Lac de Guéry, exhibition of the diverse range of plants and flora of the Mountains of the Auvergne, "ethnobotanique" garden with over 400 species – 04-73-65-20-09

- la Chaumière de Granièr located at Thiézac in the Cantal: in the heart of a small mountain hamlet, farm life through the ages
- 04-71-47-04-55

The departments of the Puy de Dôme can be divided into 7 distinct regions:

1. The Combrailles

This region occupies a vast granite plateau of approximately 60km. It is characterised by its large forested areas and its network of hydraulic power sites.

Places to see:

Menat, with its abbey and paleontology museum – Châteauneuf les Bains, thermal spa – Pontgibaud and the Museum of Mining – the Viaduct at Fades – the Gour de Tazenat at Charbonnières les Vieilles.

Local Food:

"Le pâté aux pommes de terre", "le pain des Combrailles".

2. Les Dômes – Hautes Combrailles

Characterised by the beautiful Puy de Dôme mountain range and its many lakes, there are many places to discover in this beautiful area.

Places to see:

Orcival, roman basilica and château – Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans – the Puy de Dôme – the Chaîne des Puys – the "Musée de la Toinette" at Murat le Quaire – Lake Guéry

Aydat:

The capital town of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne where you can visit an exhibition about the georaphical and geological history of the area, and its colonisation since the neolithic age.

Lake Aydat is the largest natural lake in the Auvergne (65ha) and is perfect for swimming and watersports.

La Chaîne des Puys:

This mountain range stretches for 40km north to south a few kilometers to the west of Clermont-Ferrand. It is characterised by more than 80 ancient volcanoes (between 15,000 and 3,500 years old). Here you will find: le Puy de la Vache, le Puy de Côme, le Puy Pariou, le Puy de Dôme - There is a large network of well signposted paths covering the whole area, perfect for exploring this beautiful area on foot or by bike. This is one of the most unique landscapes in Europe.

Local Cheeses:

Le Bleu d’Auvergne, le Bleu de Laqueuille, la Fourme de Rochefort.

3. La Limagne nord

Places to see:

Clermont Ferrand, the capital of the Auvergne – the Châteaux d’Effiat, Châteaugay, Volvic" - the waters of Volvic – the Sucrerie Bourdon – the "Caves d’affinage" at Aubière – 'le site du goût' at Billom (garlic) – Royat, thermal spa.

Clermont Ferrand

Occupying a dramatic location overlooked by the Monts Dome mountain range, the capital of the Auvergne is a busy university city. It is officially classified as a "Ville d’Art". A visit to its four quarters may take in the cathedral and the Basilique de Notre Dame du Port, the old centre of Montferrand and the Art Museum. The centre of Clermont Ferrand as recently been refurbished with improvements made to the main square. A new tram line has also been constructed connecting many of the main parts of the city.

Local Food:

"La soupe à l’ail", "les pralines", "le Gaperon", "les Côtes d’Auvergne".

4. La Limagne sud

Places to see:

The "Châteaux de Busséol, Parentignat, Chanonat" - the "Plateau de Gergovie" – the Museum of mining at Brassac les Mines.

Issoire:

Administrative centre of the Puy de Dôme située surrounded by ric fertile countryside, Issoire is home to one of the largest romanesque churches in the Auvergne, the Abbatiale St-Austremoine.

Saint-Saturnin:

Perched on the edge of a basalt outcrop, St. Saturnin is classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its beautiful and imposing romanesque church and lovely château situated amongst a maze of mediaeval streets make this village a must see on any visit to the Auvergne.

Discover also: l’Abbaye Notre Dame de Randol (1 mile southwest of St. Saturnin).

Saint-Floret:

This small pretty village, also classed amongst the most beatiful villages of France, is located on the banks of the Couze (river) Pavin. Its château contains many fine examples of painted murals. The 12th century church also contains a mediaeval wall fresco and ancient necropolis.

Local Food:

"La pompe aux pommes", "le jus de pomme".

5. La Dore – Bois noirs

From Lezoux up to the banks of the Loire at Arconsat, the terrain is largely made up of forested mountains and plateaus.


              



Places to see:

Thiers, the Museum of Cutlery, the Centre of Contemporary Art, the leisure park of Iloa – Le Creux de l’Enfer (centre for contemporary art)- the "Massif des Bois noirs" – the reservoir of Saint Rémy sur Durolle – Museum of Antique Ceramics at Lezoux.

Local Food:

"La soupe aux choux", "la potée auvergnate".


6. Le Livradois Forez

A succession of granite forested plateaus crossed by a number of rivers and separated from the Vallée de la Dore by a tributary of the River Allier.

Places to see:

The churches at Ambert, St Dier d’Auvergne, Arlanc - the Châteaux of St Anthème, Vernet le Varenne - the Museum of Lace and the Garden of the Earth at Arlanc – Ambert, the Museum of Cheesemaking , the "Moulin Richard de Bas" (old paper mill - 3 miles east of Ambert)

Livradois-Forez tourist train - In the summer months this panoramic train runs from Ambert to Courpiére and La Chaise-Dieu, a great way to see the beautiful landscape of the Livradois-Forez.

Local Produce:

Specialities based on the local Fourme d’Ambert (cheese), blueberries.

7. l’Artense – Cézallier – Sancy

It is in this area that most of Auvergne France Vacances properties are located.

Places to see:

The churches at Chastreix, Chambon sur Lac, St Nectaire, la Tour d’Auvergne … - the Château at Murol – the Maison de l’Artisanat and the wldlife park (Parc animalier) at Ardes sur Couze.

Chambon sur Lac:

This village located at an altitude of 900m is famous for its beautiful setting close to Lac(Lake)Chambon and the surrounding Sancy mountains with access to the "Réserve Naturelle of the Vallée de Chaudefour". The Vallée de Chaudefour is a nature reserve located in a superb glacial valley with many panoramic views such as the Puy de la Perdrix, the cascade de la Biche, the Dent de la Rancune - but it is also home to a diverse number of plant and wildlife species such the elusive mouflon mountain goat and birds of prey such as peregrine falcons and black and red kites (guided walks are available during school holidays 0033 4-73-88-68-80)

Murol:

Murol is dominated by its imposing mediaeval chateau. The chateau is open for much of the year with guided tours in high season. Also in high season and on special occasions a group of actors/comedians stage mediaeval re-enactments of jousting/archery etc. within the cateau walls.

Each May in Murol there is a week-end devoted to mediaeval life, with a typical tented encampment and displays of traditional crafts from the 13th century, music and dancing in the streets and general merriment all round.

On Bastille Day (14th July) the residents of Murol don "revolutionary" costume and participate in the festivities to celebrate the French Revolution and the beheading of Marie Antoinette (re-enacted in the Parc du Prelong). The day culminates in a spectacular firework display over the chateau.

Saint-Nectaire:

Sitting atop Mont Cornadore, the church, amongst the most impressive of the romanesque churches in the Auvergne, posseses many treasures (statues, religeous artefacts etc.) testament to the importance and the wealth of church during this era.

You will also find a thermal spa (recently refurbished), pertrified fountains, the "Grottes (caves) de Cornadore" (remains of roman thermal baths) and a Casino.

Besse en Chandesse:

This is a charming mediaeval town, located in the heart of the Massif du Sancy mountain range, with access to the ski station at Superbesse.

It is a very pleasant place to relax and wander through its picturesque mediaeval streets. Throughout the year, each Monday, there is a traditional market held among the cobbled streets.

Lake Pavin is located within a few minuted drive of Besse (a volcanic crater lake more than 90m deep and a base for mountain walks).

The ski station at Superbesse, 10 minutes drive from Besse as a decent ski area with over 40km of downill pistes. Snow cannon ensure a good covering of snow all season. There are also 95km of cross country ski trails south of Superbesse.

La Bourboule:

Developed in 1875 on the shores of the Dordogne river, this thermal spa resort has retained its "Belle Epoque" charm. It is known as the primary resort for the treatment of children and adults suffering from asthma and other allergies.

Discover also the Parc Fenestre with its impressive trees and play areas for children. A cable car runs from the park to the Charlannes plateau, a popular spot for walkers and cross country skiers.

Mont-Dore:

Located a few kilometers from La Bourboule, also along the banks of the Dordogne this is a well known spa town and ski resort with access to the summit of the Massif du Sancy (1885m) on foot or via the two cable cars.

The Thermal spas and their superb neo-byzantine architecture are classed as historical monuments.

Local food:

Saint-Nectaire ceese, "la brioche de tomme", "truffade", honey.

An Example of a tourist circuit in the Puy de Dôme

1. Clermont Ferrand

- Capital of the Auvergne
- Art centre
- Roman basilica - "Notre Dame du Port"
- Gothic cathedral - "Notre Dame de l’Assomption"
- Museums: Bargoin – Lecoq – Ranquet
- Attractive main square

2. Saint Saturnin

- Village classed amongst "les plus beaux villages de France"
- Château with Renaissance facade
- 12th century romanesque church
- "Maison de Gergovie"

3. Thiers

- "Maison de la Coutellerie" (cutlery)
- "Musée de la Coutellerie"
- Le Creux de l’Enfer (contemporary art centre)
- Romanesque church
- Leisure Park - ILOA

4. Ambert

- Paper mill - "Richard de Bas"
- Museum AGRIVAP (Museum of steam powered agricultural machinery)
- Livradois forest tourist train
- "Maison de la Fourme d’Ambert"

5. Arlanc

- Picturesque market town
- "Le Jardin de la Terre" - Discover the history of many european trees and flowers – trace the routes of the great maritime explorers (Colombus, Marco Polo)
- Lace museum

6. Issoire

- Church of St Austremoine (ancient 12th century benedictine abbey)
- "Musée de l’Historial"
- "Château de Parentignat"

7. Besse en Chandesse

- Mediaeval town in the heart of the zone AOC St Nectaire cheese
- Ski station
- Lac Pavin
- "Maison de l’Eau et de la Pêche" (aquariums)
- Ski museum

8. La Bourboule

- Theraml spa
- Parc Fenestre
- Plateau de Charlannes (VTT – ski de fond)
- Botanical and geological museum

9. Le Mont Dore

- Thermal spa
- Ski resort
- Puy de Sancy 1886m (the highest peak in the Sancy mountain range)
- Funicular railway
- Cascades
- Casino

10. Le Puy de Dôme

- The highest volcano of the "Chaîne des Puys": 1465m
- Spectacular views
- Temple de Mercure
- Exhibition of volcanisme
- "Vulcania" at St Ours les Roches - fantastic themed centre of volcanic studies

11. Châteauneuf les Bains

- Thermal spa
- Bottled spring water
- Barrage de Queuille (river dam)
- Plan d’eau et barrage des Fades (reservoir and dam)

12. Riom

- "Jardin de la Cour d’Appel"
- The "Collégiale de Marthuret" 14th century
- Museum of Arts local traditions
- Thermal spa at Châtelguyon
- Leisure Park of "Mirabel"

Take a look at our selection of holiday homes to find a great place to stay in the Puy de Dome region of the Auvergne

Keep up to date with what's happening in the Puy de Dome here