Sleeping in the Auvergne volcanoes: 8 places to stay
The volcanoes of the Auvergne offer breathtaking scenery and unspoilt nature that is unique in France. To make the most of your discovery of this exceptional region, the choice of accommodation is crucial. Whether you prefer a charming hotel, a traditional gîte or an authentic chambre d’hôtes, here’s our complete guide to the best places to stay in the Auvergne volcanoes to help you plan an unforgettable stay.
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DownloadAlso in the Clermont-Ferrand guide:
- Top 5 things to do in Clermont-Ferrand
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Clermont-Ferrand
- The 7 most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand
- Must-see things to do in Auvergne
1. Clermont-Ferrand: the gateway to the Auvergne volcanoes
Visiting Clermont-Ferrand is an excellent starting point for exploring the Auvergne volcanoes. This dynamic city in the heart of the Massif Central offers a wide range of accommodation, from modern hotels to charming B&Bs. Its immediate proximity to the Chaîne des Puys makes it an ideal choice for staying overnight in the Auvergne volcanoes.
The black diamond of the Auvergne offers quality hotels like the Inter-Hotel Volcan, ideally located in the town centre near the Place de Jaude. For a more authentic experience, opt for the guest rooms in the historic district, where you can admire the Volvic stone facades. Rates are still affordable compared with major cities, averaging between €80 and €120 a night depending on the standard.
Download the audio tour to discover Clermont-Ferrand on foot and on your own
Let yourself be guided through the streets of the capital of Auvergne thanks to the Navaway itinerary of Clermont-Ferrand. This tour of 21 points of interest will take you from the Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica to the Place de Jaude, via the historic district and its hidden treasures. It’s a 5.3km tour, offering 2 hours 10 minutes of rewarding discoveries in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes.
2. Le Mont-Dore: in the heart of the Sancy massif
An emblematic spa resort, Le Mont-Dore occupies a privileged position at the foot of the Puy de Sancy, the highest point in the Massif Central at 1,886 metres. This prime destination for a night’s sleep in the Auvergne volcanoes boasts an exceptional mountain setting and a wealth of hiking opportunities.
The Grand Hôtel Mont Dore, a historic establishment in the town centre (4 Avenue Michel Bertrand, 63240 Le Mont-Dore, rated 4.1/5 on Google for over 750 reviews), offers an authentic stay in a 19th-century setting. For more intimate accommodation, mountain gîtes such as Les Genêts du Sancy offer total immersion in the volcanic nature of the Auvergne.
3. Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise: at the gateway to the Puy de Sancy
One of the most beautiful villages in France, Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise is an ideal base for exploring the volcanoes of the Sancy massif. This unspoilt medieval town offers a wide choice of accommodation, from family-run hotels to authentic rural gîtes.
Hôtel Le Clos (Route de Clermont, 63610 Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 290 reviews) offers a peaceful setting with a swimming pool and gourmet restaurant. If you’re looking for a charming place to stay, the Hôtel La Gazelle in Super-Besse is the perfect place to relax and discover the Auvergne volcanoes. There are over 80 gîtes and holiday lets to suit all budgets.
4. Murol: between medieval castle and volcanic lake
Dominated by its imposing 12th-century fortified castle, Murol’ s strategic position between Lake Chambon and the peaks of the Sancy massif is a real attraction. This village of character offers the perfect base for a stay in the Auvergne volcanoes while enjoying the pleasures of the water.
The Domaine du Lac Chambon (502 Allée de la plage, 63790 Murol, tel: 04 44 05 21 58) offers camping accommodation and chalets with direct access to the lake. For added comfort, the Hôtel des Pins offers rooms with a view of the castle and surrounding mountains. The commune also has a number of family-run gîtes, ideal for groups wishing to explore the Auvergne volcanoes.
5. Salers: the jewel of the Cantal
Perched at an altitude of 950 metres on a rocky outcrop, Salers is one of France’s most beautiful villages. This medieval town of black volcanic stone houses is an exceptional base from which to explore the Cantal mountains and sleep in the authentic surroundings of the Auvergne volcanoes.
Hôtel Le Bailliage (31 Rue Notre Dame, 15140 Salers, tel: 04 71 40 71 95, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 180 reviews) dominates the valley from its privileged position. This 3-star establishment offers 23 comfortable rooms and a renowned semi-gastronomic restaurant. For those looking for more intimate accommodation, there are a number of guest rooms in the village, all of which are true jewels of Auvergne hospitality.
6. Aydat: on the shores of the largest natural lake in Auvergne
Just 20 kilometres from Clermont-Ferrand, Lac d’Aydat offers an idyllic setting at the foot of the Chaîne des Puys. This popular destination combines relaxing by the water with exploring the volcanoes of the Auvergne, with plenty of accommodation to suit all tastes.
Camping du Lac d’Aydat (Route du Lac, 63970 Aydat, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 320 reviews) offers pitches and chalets with direct access to the beach. For more luxury, the Domaine les 2 Mondes gîtes offer a luxurious setting with a swimming pool and panoramic views of the lake and volcanoes. There are around thirty holiday rentals in the commune, ranging from family chalets to charming flats.
7. Saint-Jacques-des-Blats: at the foot of the highest peaks
An authentic mountain village in the Cantal, Saint-Jacques-des-Blats is the ideal base for climbing Puy Griou and Plomb du Cantal. This undiscovered destination will appeal to wilderness lovers who want to spend the night in the Auvergne volcanoes, away from the crowds.
Accommodation is mainly in family-run gîtes and chambres d’hôtes, guaranteeing a warm, personalised welcome. Mountain refuges, such as the one at Puy Griou, allow the more adventurous hikers to sleep at altitude. This mountain accommodation option offers a unique experience in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes.
8. Orcival: a pilgrimage village in the heart of the volcanoes
Nestling in the Sioule valley, Orcival charms visitors with its exceptional Romanesque heritage and its proximity to the volcanoes of the Puys chain. This peaceful village offers an authentic setting for a rejuvenating stay in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes.
Accommodation is concentrated around character guest rooms in restored farmhouses. These family-run establishments often offer half-board with Auvergne specialities. For groups, there are a number of spacious self-catering cottages where you can stay on your own while exploring the surrounding volcanic trails.
Practical advice for choosing your accommodation
To make the most of your stay and get a good night’s sleep in the Auvergne volcanoes, there are a number of criteria to bear in mind. Geographical location is of prime importance: opt for accommodation in a central location with easy access to the main volcanic sites. Villages like Murol, Besse or Aydat offer the best compromise between authenticity and accessibility.
When it comes to booking, make sure you book well in advance, especially in summer and during school holidays. Rates vary from €50 to €150 per night, depending on the standard of accommodation and the season. Gîtes and chambres d’hôtes often offer the best value for money, with the option of sampling local specialities. Don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided in your discovery thanks to the Navaway tours which reveal all the secrets of the region.
In conclusion, the Auvergne volcanoes offer a wealth of charming accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Whether you choose dynamic Clermont-Ferrand, authentic Salers or enchanting Lac d’Aydat, each destination offers a unique gateway to these geological wonders. Let yourself be guided by the Navaway audio tour to discover all the hidden treasures of this exceptional region and enjoy an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to sleep in the Auvergne volcanoes?
The best time to visit is from May to October, with a peak in July and August. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds to explore the Auvergne volcanoes.
What budget should you allow for accommodation?
Expect to pay between €50 and €80 a night for a bed and breakfast or gîte, and €80 to €120 for a 3-star hotel. Campsites offer pitches from €20 per night. Rates rise by 20-30% in the high summer season.
Do I need to book in advance?
Reservations 2 to 3 months in advance are recommended for the high season. Outside school holidays, one week is generally enough to find accommodation in the Auvergne volcanoes.
What are the most authentic accommodations?
Bed and breakfasts in restored farmhouses and rural gîtes offer the most authentic experience. Choose establishments with the “Gîtes de France” label for quality and a traditional Auvergne welcome.
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