With its wide open spaces, its volcanoes, its lakes, its valleys and its forests, the Auvergne invites you to take a deep breath of air. You will be able to practice many invigorating activities but also to discover an extraordinary heritage where castles, Romanesque churches, picturesque villages and cities of Art and History are all around you.
In the heart of a unique environment in Europe, the Auvergne is home to several historic cities that will delight heritage lovers. The largest of them, Clermont-Ferrand, lies at the foot of the Puy-de-Dôme and seduces by the diversity of its monuments. You can admire the Romanesque basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, built in the 12th century, the cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and the Michelin Adventure Center, which recounts the history of the famous tire brand. Less populated, the prefectures of the three other departments of the region also conceal many treasures: Aurillac (Saint-Géraud church, Saint-Etienne castle, national stud farm), Moulins (Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation cathedral, Jacquemart tower, Mantin house) and Le Puy-en-Velay (Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation cathedral, Corneille rock, Hôtel-Dieu).
Then enjoy the other riches of the Auvergne by following the thematic routes proposed by the region. On the Historical Route of Castles, you will be able to admire 42 castles open to the public and notably those of Auzers and Murol. If you prefer religious buildings, take the Route des Églises Romanes which will lead you from Orcival to Lavaudieu, passing by Saint-Nectaire and Issoire. For a few breaks, follow the Route des Villes d'Eaux and relax for a long time in the thalassotherapy centers of La Bourboule, Chaudes-Aigues or Vichy. But also take a few detours to visit the most beautiful villages of France in the region: Arlempdes, Charroux, Saint-Floret, Salers...
Thanks to its exceptional natural setting, the Auvergne also invites you to practice numerous recreational or sports activities. Discover the Puys chain by taking its numerous hiking trails, its cycling or mountain bike routes and by visiting the Vulcania park. Enjoy the thrill of rafting in the gorges of the Haut-Allier or paragliding around the Puy-Mary. In winter, enjoy the magnificent ski area of Super Besse and the Nordic areas of Prat-de-Bouc or Cap Guéry. Finally, take the time to taste all the local flavors: potée, stuffed cabbage, ham, green lentils from Puy, Auvergne blue cheese, cantal, fourme d'Ambert, apple pie, cherry billion...
