18 must-do things to do in Auvergne

Activities

A,Sunrise,View,From,Puy,De,Pariou,Toward,Puy,De

Romane

Published on 29/09/2025

The Auvergne, a land of volcanoes and character, is bursting with natural, cultural and gastronomic treasures, making it one of the most authentic regions in France. From the majestic Puy de Dôme to characterful villages like Salers, the spa towns of Vichy and the art cities of Puy-en-Velay, this region of the Massif Central offers exceptional diversity. Check out our selection of the 18 must-do things to do in the Auvergne for a memorable holiday combining unspoilt nature and remarkable heritage.

200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world

Download

Also in the Clermont-Ferrand guide:

1. Climb Puy de Dôme, the symbol of Auvergne

It’s impossible to visit Auvergne without climbing the mythical Puy de Dôme, the region’s emblem. This dormant volcano rises to an altitude of 1,465 metres and offers an exceptional panorama of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The climb can be made on foot along the Muleteers’ path or from the comfort of the Panoramique des Dômes (4 Place de la Gare, 63870 Orcines, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 1,771 reviews). At the summit, the Temple of Mercury bears witness to the Roman occupation of the site. This climb is one of the must-do experiences in the Auvergne.

2. Exploration of Vulcania, the only park of its kind in the world

Greenhouse,In,Vulcania,,A,French,Center,Of,Scientific,Culture,Around

Vulcania, located in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes (Route de Mazayes, 63230 Saint-Ours, rated 3.6/5 on Google out of 3,829 reviews), offers a fun and scientific immersion in the world of volcanoes. This theme park, the only one of its kind in Europe, combines spectacular attractions, dynamic films and interactive experiences to help visitors understand volcanic phenomena. New attractions such as “Angry Earth” and “Dragon Ride” offer thrills for all the family. A full day is required to fully enjoy this adventure in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes.

3. Discover Clermont-Ferrand, the capital of Auvergne

Download the audio tour to discover Clermont-Ferrand on foot and on your own

Explore the capital of the Puy-de-Dôme with a complete audio tour of Clermont-Ferrand that takes you through 21 major points of interest. The 5.3 km route will take you to the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption cathedral, a Gothic jewel in Volvic stone, the Place de Jaude with its statue of Vercingetorix, and the Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The itinerary will also reveal the city’s industrial heritage with the Michelin Adventure and the secrets of the historic district. Visiting Clermont-Ferrand is a great way to understand the soul of modern and historic Auvergne.

4. Visit Le Puy-en-Velay and its wonders

Le Puy-en-Velay is a must-see in the Auvergne region, with its three volcanic peaks bearing exceptional monuments. These include Notre-Dame cathedral, the starting point for the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe chapel perched on its 85-metre-high basalt rock, and the statue of Notre-Dame de France overlooking the town from Corneille rock. This city of art and history (Place du Plot, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay) boasts a remarkable architectural heritage and is a major spiritual stop-off point for pilgrims from all over the world.

5. Thermalism and elegance in Vichy

Vichy, queen of the spa towns, reveals its exceptional thermal heritage with nine springs with recognised therapeutic virtues. Les Thermes des Dômes (1 Avenue Eisenhower, 63200 Vichy, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 847 reviews) offers cures and well-being treatments in an unspoilt Belle Époque setting. Take a stroll through the Parc des Sources, and admire the opera house and grand hotels that bear witness to the splendour of this spa town. Tasting the mineral waters directly at the springs is an authentic Auvergne experience.

6. The village of Salers and its medieval treasures

Salers,,France, ,August,2019,:,Picturesque,Village,In,The

Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Salers (15140 Salers, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 1,203 reviews) reveals its basalt houses and lauze roofs in an unspoilt natural setting. This medieval village in the Cantal has preserved its authenticity with its Renaissance houses and ramparts. The Salers breed of cattle, with its characteristic reddish hair, grazes in the surrounding area and contributes to the region’s cheese-making reputation. Local cheesemakers perpetuate the age-old traditions of making Cantal and Salers, both of which are renowned PDO cheeses.

7. Château de Murol and its live show

Château de Murol (Château, 63790 Murol, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 2,038 reviews) towers over a basalt promontory overlooking the valley. This medieval fortress offers exceptional historical events including falconry shows, demonstrations of medieval crafts and re-enactments of life in the Middle Ages. The perfectly preserved fortifications offer an authentic journey back in time. The château regularly organises themed events that immerse visitors in the medieval atmosphere of the Auvergne.

8. Lake Pavin, a volcanic jewel

Lac Pavin, nicknamed “the eye of the Auvergne”, occupies a perfectly circular volcanic crater in the Sancy massif. This mountain lake with its dark, mysterious waters rises to an altitude of 1,197 metres (Lac Pavin, 63790 Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 3,847 reviews). A hiking trail leads around the lake, where you can admire the exceptional flora and fauna of this protected site. Local legends attribute magical powers to this lake, one of the deepest in France at 92 metres.

9. Chaudefour valley, nature reserve

The Chaudefour valley is one of the most spectacular nature reserves in the Auvergne. This glacial valley, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, is home to exceptional biodiversity, with unique arctic-alpine species. Rock formations with evocative names such as the Dent de la Rancune and the Crête du Coq provide an imposing backdrop for hikers. There are several signposted trails to discover this geological wonder (Maison de la Réserve, 63790 Chambon-sur-Lac, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 456 reviews).

10. Aurillac, capital of the Cantal

Aurillac, birthplace of Gerbert d’Aurillac (future Pope Sylvester II), reveals its historic heritage in a setting of Cantalien mountains. The Château Saint-Étienne, the old town with its characterful houses and the museums retrace the history of this thousand-year-old town. Every summer, the international street theatre festival transforms the town into an open-air stage (Place du Square, 15000 Aurillac, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 892 reviews). This capital of the Cantal is an ideal base for exploring the Cantal volcanoes and sampling the local specialities.

11. Lemptégy volcano, a journey to the centre of the Earth

The Lemptégy volcano offers a unique experience: visit the inside of a real volcano! This former quarry reveals the bowels of a volcanic cone with its lava flows, volcanic bombs and geological layers (Volcan de Lemptégy, 63230 Saint-Ours-les-Roches, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 1,391 reviews). The miners’ train takes visitors to the heart of the crater for a life-size lesson in volcanology. Enthusiastic guides explain the formation of Auvergne volcanoes 30,000 years ago, making this visit accessible to all ages.

12. Puy de Sancy, roof of the Massif Central

Mountain,Puy,De,Sancy,In,Central,Massif,,Auvergne,,France

The Puy de Sancy, the highest point in the Massif Central at 1,885 metres, offers exceptional panoramic views over the Auvergne. The climb can be made on foot from Le Mont-Dore or by cable car to the intermediate station (Téléphérique du Sancy, Avenue de la Libération, 63240 Le Mont-Dore, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 1,847 reviews). From the summit, the view stretches from the Alps to the Pyrenees on a clear day. This extinct stratovolcano marks the culmination of many hikes in the Sancy massif and is a popular challenge for mountain lovers.

13. Saint-Nectaire, a village and cheese with character

Saint-Nectaire combines architectural and gastronomic heritage, with its famous 12th-century Romanesque church and its renowned AOP cheese. The church of Saint-Nectaire, a jewel of Auvergne Romanesque art, boasts remarkable sculpted capitals and a unique treasure trove of silverware (Place de l’Église, 63710 Saint-Nectaire, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 789 reviews). The village’s maturing cellars continue the age-old cheese-making tradition. Tasting farmhouse Saint-Nectaire cheese from local producers is an authentic Auvergne taste experience.

14. La Chaise-Dieu and its festival

La Chaise-Dieu, perched on a plateau in the Haute-Loire, is home to one of the most beautiful Gothic abbeys in France. Saint-Robert Abbey, founded in the 11th century, is impressive for its size and the wealth of its artistic heritage, including the Danse Macabre, a unique 15th-century fresco (Place de l’Echo, 43160 La Chaise-Dieu, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 1,247 reviews). Every summer, the La Chaise-Dieu Festival transforms the abbey into an internationally renowned musical showcase, attracting music lovers from all over the world.

15. Thiers, city of cutlery

Thiers, France’s cutlery capital, reveals its craft secrets in an unspoilt medieval setting. The Vallée des Rouets, with its old cutlery workshops, bears witness to centuries-old expertise handed down from generation to generation. The Musée de la Coutellerie (58 Rue de la Coutellerie, 63300 Thiers, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 658 reviews) traces the history of this excellent craft. The last cutlers perpetuate the traditional gestures in their workshops, which are open to visitors, offering a unique insight into this living heritage of the Auvergne.

16. The Allier Gorges and its wild landscapes

The Allier gorges carve out a magnificent landscape between Lozère and Haute-Loire. This wild valley is home to remarkable biodiversity, including the successful reintroduction of Atlantic salmon. The rapids and meanders of the river provide an exceptional playground for canoeing and fishing. The Gorges de l’Allier tourist train allows you to discover these spectacular landscapes from Langeac (Gare SNCF, 43300 Langeac, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 234 reviews), offering views inaccessible by road.

17. Auvergne Wildlife Park

The Parc animalier d’Auvergne offers an exceptional encounter with over 350 animals in a natural setting covering 25 hectares. This zoological park (Route de Mordes, 63390 Ardes, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 2,847 reviews) specialises in the conservation of endangered species and environmental education. Emblematic species such as wolves, brown bears and lynx live in semi-liberty areas that respect their well-being. Educational events raise visitors’ awareness of the need to protect the world’s biodiversity.

18. Auvergne cheese route

Cheese,Collection,,Piece,Of,French,Blue,Cheese,Auvergne,Or,Fourme

Auvergne, a land of exceptional cheeses, offers an unmissable gourmet route to discover its five PDO cheeses: Cantal, Salers, Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d’Auvergne and Fourme d’Ambert. This gastronomic route takes in traditional farms, maturing cellars and farmers’ markets. Each cheese reveals the unique terroir of the Auvergne, with its high-altitude pastures, emblematic breeds of cattle and age-old techniques. Tastings at the producers’ are the tasty culmination of this discovery of Auvergne’s cheese heritage, a veritable mountain art of living.

In conclusion, Auvergne has an exceptionally rich heritage, with a harmonious blend of volcanic nature, architectural heritage and gastronomic traditions. These 18 must-sees offer a complete panorama of the wonders of Auvergne, from the ascent of Puy de Dôme to characterful villages, spa towns and unspoilt natural sites. Each stage of your trip to the Auvergne offers authentic discoveries in a region that has managed to preserve its strong identity. For a complete guided tour of the region, don’t hesitate to discover the Clermont-Ferrand tour, which will plunge you into the heart of this Auvergne capital rich in history and tradition.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Auvergne?

The best time to visit the Auvergne is from May to October. June to September offer ideal conditions for hiking and exploring the volcanoes. Summer is the perfect time to take full advantage of outdoor activities, while autumn reveals landscapes in flamboyant colours.

How long will it take to visit the Auvergne?

A minimum of one week is recommended to discover the main Auvergne sites. Ideally, 10 to 15 days will allow you to explore the four départements (Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire, Allier) in greater depth and take advantage of the hiking and well-being activities on offer.

Is Auvergne suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! The Auvergne has plenty to offer the whole family: Vulcania, the Auvergne Wildlife Park, lakes for swimming, tourist trains and lots of child-friendly walks. Sites like Puy de Dôme are effortlessly accessible thanks to the Panoramique des Dômes.

What are the Auvergne’s unmissable culinary specialities?

Auvergne specialities include AOP cheeses (Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d’Auvergne), truffade, aligot, potée auvergnate, Puy lentils and Volvic and Vichy mineral waters. Traditional charcuterie and local produce round off this generous gastronomy.