A region of mountains and forests, hills and valleys, the Auvergne region is one of France’s best-kept secrets. The area is known for its volcanos, the
Chaîne des Puys, which make up part of the Massif Central mountain range. These volcanos make up the largest volcanic area in the whole of Europe. Safe to explore, they are dormant, but not extinct, as their bubbling hot springs prove. The area is full of volcanic springs of mineral water such as the
Volvic Spring. In the
National Regional Park of the volcanos, you can get up close and personal with one of these sleeping giants, the
Puy-de-Dôme Volcano, for example.
In the Auvergne, relax and take advantage of the more leisurely pace of life. Enjoy the beautiful landscape on foot or on horseback, by mountain bike or from the air – try hang-gliding over a volcano for a life changing experience. On the rivers you’ll find fishing, kayaking and other watersports, whilst in winter you can ski from the two ski resorts
Puy de Sancy and
Plomb du Cantal. Or just hop in the
Plomb du Cantal cable car to get a breathtaking view without toiling up the mountain yourself.
More in
Auvergne Guide