Situated in the heart of France, the Auvergne offers a variety of landscapes: from the summits of Cantal to the rivers and fields of Allier, from the forests of Haute-Loire to the volcanoes of Puy-de-Dôme, it is a succession of exceptional sites on a land shaped by fire and water.
Inhabited since the Stone Age, the Auvergne is a volcanic landscape par excellence. Its name comes from the word "Arvernes", a Celtic people who fought against the Roman invasion, winning an overwhelming victory over Julius Caesar at the Gergovie plateau, thanks to their famous chief Vercingetorix.
The possibilities for visits are countless: from medieval villages and castles to spa towns, such as Vichy and Volvic, from the snow-capped lakes of the Mont-Dore and Super Besse ski resorts, you will be spoiled for choice. You can also spend a day in the leisure parks of Vulcania and Pal, or discover the many rivers that dot the region. It’s worth making a detour to the Romanesque churches, like the one of Issoire, or the cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand. Finally, do not hesitate to climb to the summit of the Puy de Dôme, symbol of the Celtic god of war, or Puy Mary or Puy de Sancy, for a breath-taking view of the Massif Central.
A land of agriculture and cuisine, the Auvergne offers local dishes based on charcuterie: potée auvergnate, small salted lentils or cabbage soup. The region is also known for its cheeses: taste Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Salers or Fourme d'Ambert with bread and red wine from Saint-Pourçain, the oldest vineyard in France. To complete your intense days, you will always find a festival of traditional music or dance.
Located in the centre of France, the Auvergne is easily accessible by the A71 motorway from Paris (3 hours). Aulnat airport in Clermont-Ferrand offers flights to UK airports.
