The central region of Auvergne is best known for its spectacular volcanic landscape, including the remains of the largest volcano in Europe. A lot of the area is open areas of countryside and mountains, with only a few larger towns and cities. Those that do exist in Auvergne are established, historic settlements, including the largest community of Clermont Ferrand. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors – activities like walking, cycling and even more extreme sports – will find plenty to keep them amused in Auvergne.
The main town of Clermont Ferrand, situated in the centre of Auvergne, has an interesting medieval quarter, with a Gothic cathedral that is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of its unusual carved choir and the intriguing Black Virgin crypt. The main square is also the heart of the city, where locals will gather on warm days and where you can often enjoy impromptu musical performances while enjoying a drink at one of the pavement cafes. Just outside Clermont Ferrand is the spa resort of Royat, where visitors can still benefit from the volcanic spring water today, and the Puy de Dome volcano with its fantastic views over the town and the surrounding countryside.
Most people will have heard of Volvic because of the brand of bottled water named after the spa town. There is a visitors centre in the town, dedicated to local history, as well as the history of its most famous export, and the streets are full of fountains made from the distinctive local black volcanic stone. North of Volvic, on the River Sioule, is one of the most curious of all Auvergne's natural attractions. The Queille meander is an impressive loop that causes the river to turn almost 180 degrees back on itself. The phenomenon has proven so popular with tourists that a viewing platform has been built on one of the hills overlooking the valley.
The remains of the largest volcano in Europe form the mountain range that is now known as the Monts Cantal. Popular with hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter, the highest point in the Monts is Puy Mary at nearly 1,800 metres above sea level. Offering amazing views over glaciers and river valleys, no matter which direction you look in, the climb is well worth the reward. The nearby medieval town of Murat is a pleasant place to take a more gentle stroll, while there are plenty of hotels and other facilities if you decide you want to spend more time exploring the wilderness of the Auvergne Volcanic Regional Nature Park.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Auvergne? Then below is a selection of gites in Auvergne and villas in Auvergne that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
