Auvergne Travel Guide

Explore the wonders of Auvergne, France – from its natural beauty and cultural attractions to its food and drink scene, local customs and logistics – this guide offers all information needed for a memorable trip.


Introduction to Auvergne

Nestled in the heart of France and the Rhône-Alpes region, Auvergne offers a unique travel experience marked by natural beauty, rich heritage and a distinct culture. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a food lover, Auvergne has something for everyone. This guide will provide you a comprehensive tour of this gem of a place.

List of Places to Visit in Auvergne

As you explore Auvergne, you will come across gorgeous vistas, quaint towns and attractions steeped in history. Here are some of the top places worth visiting:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Vulcania theme park
  • The Clermont-Ferrand museums of art and archaeology
  • The Gergovie Museum
  • The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park
  • Château de Val

Natural Attractions of Auvergne: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Puy de Sancy, the highest mountain in central France
  • Mont-Dore, one of the oldest ski resorts in France
  • The Puy de Dôme Volcano Natural Park
  • The Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park
  • The Cantal Mountains

Hiking/Biking Routes of Auvergne

Auvergne’s natural beauty makes it a trekkers and mountain bikers heaven. Here are some of the best routes in the region:

  • The GR30, which runs through the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park
  • Monts du Cantal, which has excellent hiking and mountain biking trails
  • The Cézallier Massif, offering fantastic panoramic views
  • The Chaîne des Puys, which are linked by a series of tracks and trails

Best Things to Do in Auvergne: Activities and Tours

Take a wine tour of the vineyards in Boudes, cut a cheese at a farm in Salers, or explore a rugged mountain range – these are just a few of the endless adventures to be had in Auvergne. Here are some of the top activities to consider:

  • Mountain biking
  • Skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports
  • Hiking
  • Paragliding and other airborne sports
  • Cheese and wine-tasting tours
  • Visit historical castles and museums
  • Spa and hot springs visits
  • Cycling

Week-Long Itinerary for Auvergne

To help you plan your trip, here’s a week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the city of Clermont-Ferrand and visit the Gothic Cathedral Notre-Dame de l’Assomption
Day 2 Take a scenic drive down the Sioule River and visit Château de Val
Day 3 Climb up the Puy de Sancy mountain and take in the unique view of the multicoloured volcanic hills
Day 4 Visit the Gergovie plateau where the Gaullist forces defeated the Romans.
Day 5 Discover the medieval town of Salers and taste the town’s acclaimed cheese
Day 6 Take a dip in the thermal baths of Chaudes-Aigues
Day 7 Hike or cycle the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park

Food and Drink Scene of Auvergne

Auvergne is renowned for its distinct flavours, hearty meals and fine drinks. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Aligot – a dish made up of mashed potatoes, garlic, cream and cheese
  • Pâté aux pommes de terre – a potato pie
  • Truffade – a traditional cheese and potato dish
  • Lentilles du Puy – a green lentil dish

Local Beverages

  • Châteaugay
  • Saint-Pourçain
  • Côtes d’Auvergne

Where to Stay in Auvergne: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From charming B&Bs to luxurious mountain lodges, Auvergne has a range of accommodation options available. Here are some popular choices:

  • Hotel Kyriad Clermont Ferrand Centre
  • La Chaumière, located near Puy de Sancy
  • Chez Marie, located in the picturesque hilltop town of Montpeyroux

What to Buy in Auvergne: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Auvergne is known for local handicrafts and food products. Some of the top souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Pottery: particularly those unique to the town of Le Puy-en-Velay
  • Cheese: notably the Salers and Cantal varieties
  • Clothing: the traditional lace-making and embroidery, are two historically significant handicrafts of the region
  • Wine and Liqueur: with several quality wine producers in the region

Local Culture and Customs of Auvergne

Auvergne, which consists of five distinct regions, has a unique and fascinating culture. Here are some cultural traditions and customs to be aware of:

  • Brass Band Festivals: local brass bands traditionally participate in this festival de la musique called “fête de la jonquille” during the Sarlat festival in March.
  • Stone Sculpture: Auvergian sculptors have always been renowned for their masterpieces such as the famous stone statue of Our Lady of Le Puy-en-Velay which is still a major attraction for tourists.
  • The Patois of Auvergne: This region has a unique dialect with many speakers still using it as their primary language.

Best Time to Visit Auvergne

Auvergne’s temperate climate allows for visitation year-round. The best time to visit depends on the experience you’re looking for. Generally, the summer months of June through August are the most popular, but if you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you might want to bundle up and hit the slopes during the winter months between December and February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Auvergne

Here are some things to do and not do in Auvergne:

Do:

  • Visit local cheese makers, wineries and artisan workshops.
  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
  • Be prepared to hike or cycle through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

Don’t:

  • Drive up the Puy de Dôme from June to September, as the volcano is closed to vehicles during this period.
  • Expect everyone to speak English. It is beneficial to learn a minimum of French to aid in communication.
  • Be loud and rowdy at night in quiet towns.

Safety and Health

Safety in Auvergne

As such a popular destination among tourists, Auvergne is a relatively safe place to explore. However, as with any travel, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when in crowded areas like markets and festivals.

Health in Auvergne

Auvergne has excellent healthcare facilities and medical professionals. Pharmacies are easily accessible in the region.

Getting to Auvergne: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Auvergne

Some of the airports furthest left to the region are:

  • Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport
  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
  • Geneva Airport

Bus Stations Near Auvergne

Auvergne benefits from an extensive public transport network, allowing for in-detail travels through the region by bus.

Here are some of the bus stations close to the region:

  • Gare Routière de Riom
  • Clermont Ferrand Bus Station
  • Vichy Bus Station

Other Options

There are many other ways to travel to Auvergne, and for those who may wish to save money on travel or are looking for a longer journey, taking a train is a great option.

How to Get Around in Auvergne

Auvergne has a well-connected transportation system, making it easy to get from place to place. Here are some ways to explore the region:

  • Rent a car: From Clermont-Ferrand and other major cities, car rentals are available.
  • Train: The train station in Clermont-Ferrand provide Adonis TER services throughout the region, this is a popular option amongst tourists.
  • Buses: Regular bus services connect different regions of Auvergne.
  • Biking: Rent a bike and take in the beautiful scenery the region has to offer.

Where to Go Next from Auvergne: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re not ready to leave Auvergne, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of nearby destinations worth visiting, including:

  • Lyon – a beautiful city on the Rhone with excellent dining options and museums
  • Bordeaux – France’s “wine capital” known for its fine architecture and art scene
  • Avignon – known for its rich history and stunning architecture.

Conclusion

Auvergne is a beautiful and charming region of France, and with so many attractions and activities, it’s a great destination for travellers of every type. This guide has provided you with everything you need to plan the perfect trip. With a rich culture, stunning landscape, and impressive architecture, Auvergne is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a truly memorable experience.

Panorama train Livradois-Forez Panorama train Livradois-Forez


    Aurillac
    Clermont-Ferrand
    Le Puy-en-Velay
    Puy-de-Dôme