Clermont-Ferrand and the Puy-de-Dôme, characterized by its diversity of landscape, is an area of mountains and valleys, plateaus and plains, which join together to form two of France’s largest Regional Nature Parks: the Volcano Park and the Livradois-Forez Park. The panoramic views from the summit of the Volcano which gave its name to the “department”, show all the beauty of this land shaped by fire and water. Auvergne is well-known for being "the heart of France", and consequently in the Puy-de-Dôme the weather is typically continental with four distinct seasons. Temperatures vary from about – 5°c to 5°C in winter and from 25°C to 34° C in summer. The winter is generally cold, the summer sunny and hot, the autumn and spring are mild except in the region of altitude. In winter, there are snowfalls very rarely in towns but on the peaks and in the countryside. http://www.auvergne-tourisme.info/uk/index2.php  | With is sprinkling of lakes and forests, Auvergne offers its visitors the largest group of volcanoes in Europe, Vulcania, the unique European Volcano Park, two Regional Nature Parks (the Auvergne Volcanoes and Livradois-Forez) more than 500 Romanesque churches, nearly 50 castles to visit along Historic Road of the Auvergne Castles and 10 spa towns. The wealth and variety of the landscapes are perfect for many sport and leisure activities: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hang gliding, canoeing-kayaking, swimming, cross-country and downhill skiing or snow shoeing in winter. Auvergne also means delicious food and a fun, festive atmosphere in the friendly spirit of hospitality that is so typical of the Auvergnat people. |
Quiet lakes covering deep crater The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, the largest in France, covers the five groups that form this unusual land: the “Chaîne des Puys” (or Monts Dômes), the “Massif du Sancy” (or Monts Dore), the “Plateau de l’Artense”, the “Plateau du Cézallier” and the “Monts du Cantal”. Lakes and volcanoes share the West of Auvergne. Between the Chaîne des Dômes, the Monts Dore and the huge Massif Cantalien, it is an impressive yet idyllic environment that welcomes nature lovers.  The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, the largest in France, covers the five groups that form this unusual land: the “Chaîne des Puys” (or Monts Dômes), the “Massif du Sancy” (or Monts Dore), the “Plateau de l’Artense”, the “ Plateau du Cézallier” and the “Monts du Cantal”.
 To the West of Clermont-Ferrand, the 80 dormant volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys rise up over an area of some forty kilometres. From the summit of the Puy de Dôme, the highest of them all (1,465 m), the chain reveals itself, majestic and mysterious.
Here, each volcano uses its charms to arouse your admiration. Some stand out by their bell shape, others display their shattered craters, a reminder of their fury.  Further South, the Massif du Sancy rises up, a tourist site not to be missed among the Wide Open Spaces of Auvergne. Le Sancy (1,886 m) is the highest point in central France.
The Guéry, Servières and Pavin Lakes surround it. The latter, nestled in the forest, is proud to be known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Auvergne.
Art and history lovers will also be delighted by the nearby towns, birthplace of Auvergnat Romanesque architecture. Be sure to visit Notre-Dame d’Orcival Basilica and the Château de Cordès and the Church of Saint-Nectaire.
The Plateau de l’Artense and the Plateau du Cézallier are the start of a kingdom of wide horizons. Le Cézallier and its mountain pastures welcome thousands of horned animals, which come for summer grazing.
Towering over these plateaux, the Monts du Cantal will take your breath away.
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