Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Auvergne, France

Extending across a significant portion of France’s Massif Central, Auvergne is characterized by its hills, mountain peaks, pastures, and lakes.

Many of Auvergne’s most prominent landforms originated as active volcanoes, with this volcanic rock being utilized as a building material for its medieval monuments.

Observe the dark spires of the Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral, as well as the basalt that adorns Romanesque churches such as Sainte-Austremoine.

During both winter and summer, one will find themselves predominantly in the countryside, traversing volcanic valleys, swimming in pristine Blue Flag lakes, or gliding down ski slopes at quaint and unpretentious resorts.

Let us examine the premier experiences in Auvergne:

1. Puy-de-Dôme

The magnificent Puy-de-Dôme is a lava dome reaching an elevation of 1,465 meters, situated just a few minutes southwest of Clermont-Ferrand.

It would be a disservice not to ascend to the summit; however, the manner of your ascent is your choice: you may follow the ancient path of the Gallo-Romans that leads to the ruins of the Temple of Mercury or join the GR4 trail, which approaches the summit from the northern side.

If walking seems too strenuous, the newly introduced Panoramique des Dômes is a cogwheel train that provides one of France’s impressive views in complete comfort!

2. Clermont-Ferrand

The scenic drive down to this city on the D941 from the west will invigorate even the most fatigued travelers.

There are designated areas to park and observe the entirety of Clermont-Ferrand laid out before you, with the cathedral’s black spires dramatically contrasting against the city’s red roofs.

The cathedral’s hue is derived from its lava stone, which distinctly highlights the monument.

Within the cathedral, the blue (north) and orange (south) rose windows create a celestial ambiance; a modest fee allows access to the top of the 100-meter-high towers.

This is merely the initial destination, and one must also allocate time to visit the statue of Vercingetorix, the chieftain who led the Gauls against the Romans at Alesia in 52 BC.

3. L’Aventure Michelin

The tire brand has significantly contributed to employment in Clermont-Ferrand for over a century, with entire neighborhoods constructed by the company for its employees.

At its newly established museum, visitors can acquire comprehensive knowledge about Michelin, showcasing nearly 130 years of machinery, including an electric car from 1899 and a World War I aircraft, alongside the world’s largest tire located by the entrance.

If you have ever been curious about the evolution of the Michelin Man mascot (Bidendum to the French), this is the place to uncover its origins!

4. Le PAL

Auvergne’s leading tourist destination ranks as the fifth most popular in France, merging a theme park with a zoo.

The park introduces new features annually, one of the latest additions being safari lodges. These accommodations can host families of five and overlook the savannah enclosures where springboks and zebras roam in semi-freedom.

In total, the zoo is home to 600 animals, and, similar to the savannah habitat, the environments are expansive and emulate genuine wilderness.

The theme park boasts three roller coasters, five water rides, along with carousels and merry-go-rounds designed to delight younger visitors.

5. Le Puy Cathedral

Auvergne features five Romanesque churches worthy of a visit, with this cathedral potentially being the most magnificent of the group.

Primarily dating from the 1100s, it contains fragments in its sanctuary that date back to the 400s, and it is recognized as a UNESCO site due to its positioning along the Way of St. James.

Reaching the site resembles a pilgrimage as it necessitates climbing 132 steps from Rue des Pèlerins to access the entrance.

As you ascend, observe the facade, which showcases its striped Byzantine-style brickwork, with pale sandstone contrasting against the black volcanic breccia above intricately carved cedar doors from the 1100s.

6. Église de Saint-Nectaire

This 12th-century church features in France’s original catalogue of historic monuments, compiled in 1840. Prior to entering, one should stroll around to the external wall of the apse, which exhibits stunning polychrome patterns made from beige, brown, and black stones.

The church’s interior maintains a modest ambiance suitable for a Romanesque design; however, be sure to admire the carved capitals in the sanctuary, which depict scenes from the Passion and the Transfiguration.

The statuary is also noteworthy, housing a sculpture of the Virgin with child that is over a thousand years old.

7. MuPop, Montluçon

This newly renovated museum hosts France’s largest collection of musical instruments, comprising 3,500 items.

The museum is situated within two historic mansions, connected by a modern foyer.

Visitors can explore 210 electric guitars, 200 sets of bagpipes, 36 accordions, 80 brass instruments, and 30 drum sets, in addition to a variety of equipment for recording and reproducing music that dates back to the early 1900s.

MuPop has also compiled a comprehensive archive of graphic art relating to the history of pop music, showcasing posters, record covers, original artwork for albums, and an extensive collection of other memorabilia.

8. Centre National du Costume de Scène, Moulins

In Moulins, you can explore the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to scenography and costume design.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of 10,000 ballet, opera, and theatre costumes, with numerous prestigious theatres contributing costumes when their performances conclude.

Ballet enthusiasts will find the Nureyev collection particularly appealing, featuring 70 costumes worn by this renowned dancer and former director of the Paris Opera ballet.

The museum’s building is appropriately elegant; Villars, an 18th-century former cavalry barracks, is situated on the left bank of the Allier River.

9. Réserve Naturelle de Chaudefour

This natural reserve safeguards a sizable U-shaped valley, resulting from a significant volcanic event approximately 600,000 years ago, which led to the partial collapse of the Massif de Sancy.

High along the valley’s ridges are intriguing volcanic formations such as the Dent de la Rancune, which attract climbers.

Further down, visitors will be captivated by the wildflowers, including numerous Alpine species, such as the alpine snowbell, which are quite rare in central France.

This phenomenon is attributed to the valley’s high elevation and exposed slopes, creating ecosystems typically associated with the Alps and Pyrenees.

10. Église Saint-Austremoine d’Issoire

Another celebrated Romanesque church in Auvergne, Saint-Austremoine pairs well with Saint-Nectaire and is located 25 kilometers to the east.

Similar to Saint-Nectaire, this church features beautiful exterior embellishments on its apse, with the use of dark basalt enhancing the designs’ prominence.

Within, one may be surprised by the brilliance of the frescoes, restored in the 19th century, which depict various scenes, including Eve’s flight from the Garden of Eden.

The choir is encircled by eight pillars, each adorned with capitals illustrating biblical narratives.

The most notable of these portrays Jesus alongside the 12 apostles during the Last Supper.

11. Musée de la Coutellerie, Thiers

For those wishing to learn about one of Auvergne’s most renowned artisan crafts, the cutlery museum in Thiers is a must-visit.

High-quality knives and cutlery have been expertly crafted in Haute-Marne for centuries, and visitors can observe a master knife-maker at work within this half-timbered medieval house.

Additionally, the collection features surgical instruments, scissors, barbers’ kits, clippers, butcher knives, and an array of decorative cutlery sets embellished with gold, ivory, or mother-of-pearl.

12. Château de Tournoël, Volvic

Designated as a French historic monument in the 19th century, this castle dates back to at least the 1000s, possibly even earlier.

It remained in a dilapidated state for centuries until the current owner acquired it in 2000. Since then, considerable restoration efforts have been made, although the primary tower remains off-limits.

In its 13th-century prime, it was regarded as “unconquerable” and served to defend the town of Riom, which held a privileged status with French royalty as a “Bonne Ville.” Tours are conducted by the owner’s children, offering intriguing insights into the restoration work, including how some wooden beams were reinstalled using a helicopter.

13. Winter Sport

Auvergne is home to five mountain ranges and in winter, these ranges offer a convenient and economical alternative to destinations in the Alps and Pyrenees.

The two most frequented are Super-Besse and Mont-Dore, situated on the slopes of Le Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central at 1,886 meters.

These areas feature interconnecting slopes spanning a total of 85 kilometers.

If you wish to boast about skiing down the side of a volcano, then Le Lioran on Le Puy Mary offers the perfect opportunity!

14. Auvergne Cheese Trail

Auvergne is home to five cheeses that have received protected geographic status, more than any other region in France.

These include the robust Bleu d’Auvergne, the nutty Saint-Nectaire, the mild and creamy Fourme d’Ambert, and Cantal, the flavor of which varies with aging.

Tourist offices in the region provide detailed information about the various farms and dairies along the “Route des Fromages,” and if uncertain, you can simply follow the signposts.

With over 40 stops, each location is evaluated annually to ensure that it effectively explains cheese-making and allows tasting of high-quality cheeses.

Among these, Fromagerie Wälchli in Condat specializes in Saint-Nectaire and offers tours of the cellars where the cheese matures.

15. Beaches

Indeed, the landlocked Auvergne boasts exceptional beaches, several of which have attained the Blue Flag designation, signifying excellent water quality and facilities for visitors.

Lac d’Aydat serves as a favored summer retreat for the residents of Clermont-Ferrand.

On the shores, campsites are nestled amid the pine and hardwood forests of the Réserve Naturelle de Chaudefour.

Further into the park, the volcanic Lac Chambon, situated at 877 meters, features two Blue Flag beaches on its northern shore.

These waters are relatively shallow, allowing for a quicker warming process ideal for swimmers during the summer months.