Auvergne reveals itself through striking contrasts: the UNESCO World Heritage Chaîne des Puys–Limagne fault tectonic arena includes the Limagne fault, the line of volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys and the inverted relief of Montagne de la Serre. The volcanic chain, fault and inverted relief are all central to the area; its landscape cannot be reduced to volcanic cones.

The Cézallier offers a different perspective: this broad, inhabited plateau lies between the Sancy Massif and the Cantal Mountains and is sometimes called the “French Mongolia.” The region brings together contrasting landscapes, while the Cézallier retains its own character between the two massifs.

Long-distance trails and cultural heritage

Four major long-distance trails cross the Volcans d’Auvergne: GR 4, GR 441, GR 400 and GR 30. The GR 30 is a 198-kilometre route through Le Mont-Dore, the Chaîne des Puys and the Cézallier; it is also described as a nine-day hike. Lac Chambon is associated with the GR 30 and is equipped for swimming and water sports. These details give an idea of the route’s scale and the landscapes associated with it.

Culture is also part of the picture in Auvergne. The GR 30 is associated with the Romanesque Basilica of Orcival. Château de Murol reflects medieval history, while the streets of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise feature Renaissance heritage. The thermal baths of Mont-Dore and the surrounding villages are associated with Gallo-Roman and Belle Époque heritage. Le Mont-Dore’s thermal spa also stands out for its Neo-Byzantine and Roman decorations; it is listed as a historic monument.

Trails and activities in Le Mont-Dore

Le Mont-Dore has local hiking trails ranging from one to six hours. Hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders can use them. This range gives a sense of the difference between shorter and longer outings and helps you estimate a suitable amount of time for your own discoveries.

Seasonal activities offer other highlights. In winter, options include snowboarding, snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, Snowscoot, freeriding and ice waterfalls. Outdoor activities include a zipline, summer toboggan run, Fatscoot descents, treetop adventures, trail running and Via Ferrata.

The La Stèle Nordic area has more than 90 kilometres of cross-country ski trails within the 250-kilometre Sancy Nordic area. Snow conditions and seasonal opening affect access to the trails, so check conditions before planning. La Stèle also offers four loops and three connecting routes towards Charlannes, Chastreix and Capucin.

Cheesemaking as a travel experience

The Route des Fromages AOP d’Auvergne is an informal agri-tourism trail focused on cheesemaking. Its 36 stops are spread across Cantal and Puy-de-Dôme. Depending on the stop, visitors can watch milking, feed calves or take part in cheesemaking. Visits include a tasting and the opportunity to buy cheese directly at the place of production; visitor programmes may vary by stop. The route therefore takes you not only to a product, but also makes the stages of its production part of the experience.

Getting there and practical information

Auvergne Destination provides practical information on travelling by car, train and plane. For a route through the Cézallier, take the train from Clermont-Ferrand to Neussargues, then the bus to Landeyrat; the return journey is by train from Murat to Clermont-Ferrand. Check timetables and connections before travelling. When visiting Vallée de Chaudefour and the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve, check the protected-area rules before planning specific activities.

This makes it easier to choose accommodation to suit the kind of trip you want to take in Auvergne.

Discover other sub-regions: Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire, Puy-De-Dôme. Discover other destinations: Poitou Charentes, Picardy, Franche Comte, Languedoc-Roussillon.

Back to the main travel overview: France.