Our guide to...

Auvergne

The volcanic region of Auvergne is known for its towering mountains. Thankfully, both residents and tourists can rest safe in the knowledge that there have been no volcanic eruptions for more than 6,000 years. Instead, eruptions long in the past have shaped the landscape and made it particularly rocky and raw. Still, Auvergne is home to Europe’s largest oak forest, the Domanial Forest of Tronçais.

Best suited to those that want a cottage, gite or villa in a quiet and peaceful location, Auvergne has a few key attractions for families with kids. It’s the picturesque farmland and the flavourful foods that make this central region so popular. There are four departments to enjoy – each having its own unique appeal.

Small mountains, rivers and forests make up the department of Allier, with the largest being the Domanial Forest of Tronçais. You’ll find plenty of places to enjoy extreme sports if they’re high on your list of priorities, though one of the Vichy’s relaxing spas might be more your thing. Families will love Parc Le Pal, which is a theme park and zoo in Dompierre-sur-Besbre, and Paleopolis, which is a dinosaur museum in Gannat. With ever-changing exhibits and some of the world’s most incredible costumes on display, the Centre National du Costume de Scene is yet another unmissable attraction.

The department of Cantal is named after the volcanic mountain range that runs through the area. Tourists can see impressive castles, the most popular of which is the tower-topped Château de Val on Lake Bort, welcoming more than 36,000 visitors per year. Cantal gets plenty of winter snow, which means that it’s great for ski trips and occasional ice skating. Meanwhile, the summer months are ideal temperatures for walking, cycling and horse-riding and for water sports on the lakes. Stay in a gîte in Cantal, and you’ll get to enjoy some truly spectacular scenery.

Haute-Loire is a department of wilderness, where rocky mountain paths give way to lakes and rivers where you can enjoy white-water rafting and other outdoor sports. Pack your best outdoor equipment, and take to the trails in this natural outdoor playground. In winter, Haute-Loire’s snow provides an opportunity to go skiing or dog sledding, but long summer days can be filled with cycling, horse-riding and all-weather husky trekking. Even Haute-Loire’s milder attractions encourage fitness and activity, with the prominent ruins of Chapelle St. Michel d’Aiguilhe only accessible if you’re prepared to climb the 268 steps to the top of the rocky volcanic formation upon which it stands.

The department of Puy-de-Dôme takes its name from Auvergne’s tallest volcano, located nearby. The Puy de Dôme volcano is one of Auvergne’s most popular sites, with paths for walking and with a paragliding centre, restaurants, shops and a visitor centre at its summit. The Panoramique des Dômes trams will take you up to the top, removing the need to walk to an elevation of more than 4,800 feet.

Though the volcano’s by far the most popular attraction, it’s not the only one worth a visit. The village of Saint-Floret is considered to be one of the country’s most beautiful, and a great day out at the Vulcania amusement park gives an opportunity to enjoy volcano-themed rides, play areas and educational shows. Due to their love of high places, the people of the department have also opened the Parc Animalier d’Auvergne – a zoo dedicated to animals that live at mountain and volcano summits.

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Areas of Auvergne

Allier
Small mountains, rivers and forests make up the department of Allier, with the largest being the Domanial Forest of Tronçais. You'll find plenty of places to enjoy extreme sports if they're high on your list of priorities, though one of the Vichy's relaxing spas might be more your thing.

Cantal
The department of Cantal is named after the volcanic mountain range that runs through the area. Tourists can see impressive castles, the most popular of which is the tower-topped Château de Val on Lake Bort, welcoming more than 36,000 visitors per year. Cantal gets plenty of winter snow, which means that it's great for ski trips and occasional ice skating.

Puy de Dome
The department of Puy-de-Dôme takes its name from Auvergne's tallest volcano, located nearby. The Puy de Dôme volcano is one of Auvergne's most popular sites, with paths for walking and with a paragliding centre, restaurants, shops and a visitor centre at its summit.

Haute Loire
Haute-Loire is a department of wilderness, where rocky mountain paths give way to lakes and rivers where you can enjoy white-water rafting and other outdoor sports. Pack your best outdoor equipment, and take to the trails in this natural outdoor playground. In winter, Haute-Loire's snow provides an opportunity to go skiing or dog sledding, but long summer days can be filled with cycling, horse-riding and all-weather husky trekking.