Créé par Romane, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
The 18 Must-See Things to Do in Auvergne
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Auvergne, land of volcanoes and character, is full of natural, cultural and gastronomic treasures that make it one of the most authentic regions in France. From the majestic Puy de Dôme to character villages like Salers, passing through the thermal towns of Vichy and the art cities of Le Puy-en-Velay, this Massif Central region offers exceptional diversity. Discover our selection of the 18 must-see things to do in Auvergne for a memorable stay between preserved nature and remarkable heritage.
1. Ascending Puy de Dôme, Symbol of Auvergne
Impossible to visit Auvergne without climbing the mythical Puy de Dôme, true emblem of the region. This dormant volcano peaks at 1,465 meters altitude and offers exceptional panoramic views over the Chaîne des Puys, classified as UNESCO World Heritage. The ascent can be done on foot via the Muletiers trail or comfortably aboard the Panoramique des Dômes (4 Place de la Gare, 63870 Orcines, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 1,771 reviews). At the summit, the Temple of Mercury testifies to the Roman occupation of the site. This climb constitutes one of the essential experiences to live in Auvergne.
2. Exploring Vulcania, Unique Park in the World
Vulcania, located in the heart of Auvergne volcanoes (Route de Mazayes, 63230 Saint-Ours, rated 3.6/5 on Google for 3,829 reviews), offers a fun and scientific immersion into the volcanic universe. This unique theme park in Europe combines spectacular attractions, dynamic films and interactive experiences to understand volcanic phenomena. New attractions like "Terre en colère" and "Dragon Ride" offer thrills suitable for the whole family. A full day is necessary to fully enjoy this adventure in the heart of Auvergne volcanoes.
3. Discovering Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne Capital
Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Clermont-Ferrand on foot and independently
Explore the capital of Puy-de-Dôme thanks to a complete audio-guided circuit of Clermont-Ferrand that will lead you through 21 major points of interest. This 5.3 km route will make you discover the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption cathedral, true Gothic jewel in Volvic stone, Place de Jaude with its statue of Vercingetorix, and the Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica, inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage. The itinerary will also reveal the city's industrial heritage with the Michelin Adventure and the secrets of the historic quarter. Visit Clermont-Ferrand allows you to understand the soul of modern and historic Auvergne.
4. Visiting Le Puy-en-Velay and Its Wonders
Le Puy-en-Velay constitutes a must-see of Auvergne with its three volcanic peaks that bear exceptional monuments. The Notre-Dame cathedral, starting point of the Way of Saint James to Compostela, the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel perched on its 85-meter basaltic rock, and the Notre-Dame de France statue dominating the city from Corneille rock. This city of art and history (Place du Plot, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay) offers remarkable architectural heritage and constitutes a major spiritual stage for pilgrims from around the world.
5. Thermalism and Elegance in Vichy
Vichy, queen of spa towns, reveals its exceptional thermal heritage with nine springs with recognized therapeutic virtues. The Thermes des Dômes (1 Avenue Eisenhower, 63200 Vichy, rated 4.1/5 on Google for 847 reviews) offer cures and wellness treatments in a preserved Belle Époque setting. Stroll through the Sources park, admire the opera and grand hotels that testify to the splendor of this spa resort. Tasting mineral waters directly from the springs constitutes an authentic experience to live in Auvergne.
6. Salers Village and Its Medieval Treasures
Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Salers (15140 Salers, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 1,203 reviews) reveals its basalt houses and lauze roofing in a setting of preserved nature. This medieval village of Cantal has preserved its authenticity with its Renaissance dwellings and ramparts. The Salers cattle breed, with characteristic red hair, grazes in the surroundings and contributes to the region's cheese reputation. Local cheese makers perpetuate ancestral traditions of making Cantal and Salers, renowned PDO cheeses.
7. Murol Castle and Its Living Show
Murol castle (Château, 63790 Murol, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 2,038 reviews) raises its towers on a basaltic promontory dominating the valley. This medieval fortress offers exceptional historical animations with falconry shows, medieval craft demonstrations and recreations of medieval life. The perfectly preserved fortifications offer an authentic journey through time. The castle regularly organizes thematic events that plunge visitors into the medieval atmosphere of Auvergne.
8. Lac Pavin, Volcanic Jewel
Lac Pavin, nicknamed "the eye of Auvergne," occupies a perfectly circular volcanic crater in the Sancy massif. This mountain lake with dark and mysterious waters rises to 1,197 meters altitude (Lac Pavin, 63790 Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 3,847 reviews). A hiking trail allows you to go around it while admiring the exceptional fauna and flora of this protected site. Local legends attribute magical powers to this lake, one of the deepest in France with its 92 meters.
9. Chaudefour Valley, Nature Reserve
The Chaudefour valley constitutes one of the most spectacular nature reserves of Auvergne. This glacial valley, born from an ancient volcanic eruption, shelters exceptional biodiversity with unique arctic-alpine species. Rock formations with evocative names like the Dent de la Rancune or the Crête du Coq offer grandiose scenery to hikers. Several marked trails allow discovery of this geological marvel (Maison de la Réserve, 63790 Chambon-sur-Lac, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 456 reviews).
10. Aurillac, Capital of Cantal
Aurillac, birthplace of Gerbert d'Aurillac (future Pope Sylvester II), reveals its historical heritage in a setting of Cantal mountains. The Saint-Étienne castle, the old town with character houses and museums trace the history of this millenary city. The international street theater festival transforms the city into an open-air stage every summer (Place du Square, 15000 Aurillac, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 892 reviews). This capital of Cantal constitutes an ideal starting point to explore the volcanoes of Cantal and taste local specialties.
11. Lemptégy Volcano, Journey to the Center of the Earth
Lemptégy volcano offers a unique experience: visit the inside of a real volcano! This former quarry reveals the entrails 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 for 1,391 reviews). The miners' train takes visitors to the heart of the crater for a life-size volcanology lesson. Passionate 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
Puy de Sancy, highest point of the Massif Central at 1,885 meters, offers exceptional panoramas over Auvergne. The ascent can be done 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 for 1,847 reviews). At the summit, the view extends from the Alps to the Pyrenees in clear weather. This extinct stratovolcano marks the culmination of many hikes in the Sancy massif and constitutes a challenge appreciated by mountain enthusiasts.
13. Saint-Nectaire, Village and Cheese of Character
Saint-Nectaire associates architectural and gastronomic heritage with its famous 12th-century Romanesque church and its renowned PDO cheese. The Saint-Nectaire church, jewel of Auvergne Romanesque art, reveals remarkable sculpted capitals and a unique goldsmith's treasure (Place de l'Église, 63710 Saint-Nectaire, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 789 reviews). The village's aging cellars perpetuate the millenary cheese tradition. Tasting farmhouse Saint-Nectaire at local producers constitutes an authentic taste experience of Auvergne.
14. La Chaise-Dieu and Its Festival
La Chaise-Dieu, perched on a plateau of Haute-Loire, houses one of the most beautiful Gothic abbeys in France. The Saint-Robert abbey, founded in the 11th century, impresses with its dimensions and the richness of its artistic heritage, notably the Danse Macabre, unique 15th-century fresco (Place de l'Echo, 43160 La Chaise-Dieu, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 1,247 reviews). Every summer, the La Chaise-Dieu Festival transforms this abbey into a musical setting of international renown, attracting music lovers from around the world.
15. Thiers, Cutlery City
Thiers, French capital of cutlery, reveals its craft secrets in a preserved medieval setting. The valley of Rouets, with its former cutlery workshops, testifies to secular know-how transmitted from generation to generation. The Cutlery Museum (58 Rue de la Coutellerie, 63300 Thiers, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 658 reviews) traces the history of this craft of excellence. The last cutlers perpetuate traditional gestures in their workshops open to visitors, offering a unique glimpse of this living heritage of Auvergne.
16. Allier Gorges and Their Wild Landscapes
The Allier gorges sculpt grandiose landscapes between Lozère and Haute-Loire. This wild valley shelters remarkable biodiversity with notably the successful reintroduction of Atlantic salmon. The rapids and meanders of the river offer exceptional playground for canoe-kayak and fishing. The tourist train of Allier gorges allows discovery of these spectacular landscapes from Langeac (Gare SNCF, 43300 Langeac, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 234 reviews), offering viewpoints inaccessible by road.
17. Auvergne Animal Park
The Auvergne Animal Park offers an exceptional encounter with more than 350 animals in a natural setting of 25 hectares. This zoological park (Route de Mordes, 63390 Ardes, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 2,847 reviews) specializes in conservation of endangered species and environmental education. Emblematic species like wolves, brown bears and lynx evolve in semi-freedom spaces respectful of their well-being. Educational animations raise visitor awareness about protecting global biodiversity.
18. Auvergne Cheese Route
Auvergne, land of exceptional cheeses, offers an essential gourmet route to discover its five PDOs: Cantal, Salers, Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne and Fourme d'Ambert. This gastronomic route crosses traditional farms, aging cellars and producer markets. Each cheese reveals the unique terroir of Auvergne with its high-altitude pastures, emblematic cattle breeds and ancestral techniques. Tastings at producers constitute the flavorful culmination of this discovery of Auvergne cheese heritage, true mountain art of living.
In conclusion, Auvergne reveals exceptional heritage richness that harmoniously marries volcanic nature, architectural heritage and gastronomic traditions. These 18 must-sees offer a complete panorama of Auvergne wonders, from the ascent of Puy de Dôme to character villages, passing through thermal cities and preserved natural sites. Each stage of your journey in Auvergne reserves authentic discoveries in a region that has preserved its strong identity. For a complete guided visit of the region, don't hesitate to discover the Clermont-Ferrand circuit which will immerse you in the heart of this Auvergne capital rich in history and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best period to visit Auvergne?
The best period to visit Auvergne extends from May to October. The months of June to September offer ideal conditions for hiking and discovering volcanoes. Summer allows you to fully enjoy outdoor activities, while autumn reveals landscapes in flamboyant colors.
How much time to plan for visiting Auvergne?
A minimum week is recommended to discover the main sites of Auvergne. Ideally, 10 to 15 days allow deepening the discovery of the four departments (Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire, Allier) and enjoying hiking and wellness activities.
Is Auvergne suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Auvergne offers many family activities: Vulcania, the Auvergne Animal Park, lakes for swimming, tourist trains and numerous hikes suitable for children. Sites like Puy de Dôme are accessible without effort thanks to the Panoramique des Dômes.
What are the essential culinary specialties of Auvergne?
Auvergne specialties include PDO cheeses (Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne), truffade, aligot, Auvergne potée, Puy lentils and mineral waters from Volvic and Vichy. Artisanal charcuterie and local products complete this generous gastronomy.