Guides to Auvergne

Practical guides written by people who live here: how to get there, when to go, what to expect once you are there.

The Grande Cascade in Le Mont-Dore, a waterfall of about 30 metres over volcanic rock

The waterfalls of Le Mont-Dore: the 5 falls to see and the loop that links them

Five waterfalls around Le Mont-Dore, all free to access: how to get there, walking times, the Queureuilh, Saut du Loup and Rossignolet loop, and our tips for avoiding the crowds.

Vulcania: planning your visit (prices, how long, with kids)

2026 prices, opening season, recommended time, minimum age, attractions: everything you need to plan your visit to Vulcania, the Auvergne volcano park.

The volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys in Auvergne

Visiting the volcanoes of Auvergne: the complete guide

Five volcanic massifs, 80 puys, a giant stratovolcano, a UNESCO World Heritage site: our guide to understanding and visiting the volcanoes of Auvergne, depending on your time.

Puy Mary and its glacial valleys fanning out like a star

Climbing Puy Mary: Pas de Peyrol, steps and ridges

The climb from the Pas de Peyrol (30 min), parking, shuttles at €1.80 in 2026, ridge alternatives: the guide to getting Puy Mary right, a Grand Site de France.

Puy de Sancy, the highest point in the Massif Central

Climbing Puy de Sancy: cable car or Val de Courre

The Mont-Dore cable car then 860 steps (closed from 31 August to 18 December 2026, summit stairs closed in winter), or the waymarked loop through the Val de Courre (3 h): the two ways to climb Puy de Sancy, with prices and tips.

Climbing Puy de Dôme: on foot or by train, the guide

Rack railway or the Muletiers path? 2026 prices, walking times, parking, the Temple of Mercury: everything you need to plan your climb up Puy de Dôme.

The Cascade de Saillant, near Saint-Nectaire

The most beautiful waterfalls in Auvergne

Auvergne is volcanic country, so waterfalls come naturally. We've gathered our favourites here, when to go and how to visit them safely, with a link to each one's page.

Vulcania, the volcano park in Saint-Ours

Things to do in Auvergne when it rains

Clouds closing in over the Sancy and your hike's a washout? Don't panic. Lively museums, immersive parks, craft workshops and steaming thermal baths: here's where to head when it rains in Auvergne.

Panoramic view from the Pas de Peyrol at the foot of the Puy Mary, Cantal, in July

Auvergne one-week itinerary · 7 days across the 4 départements

Seven days to cross all four départements of Auvergne: a step-by-step itinerary, overnight stops, restaurants, seasonal tips. A companion to the 5-day road trip, with Vichy and the Allier added.

Converted van parked on a motorhome aire at the foot of the Puy de Dôme at sunrise

Auvergne by motorhome and campervan · The practical guide

All the practical info for touring Auvergne by motorhome or campervan: aires by département, tolerated spots, mountain passes (Pas de Peyrol and co.), a 5-day itinerary, technical services.

Pebble beach at La Bageasse in Vieille-Brioude, swimming in the wild Allier

Wild swimming in Auvergne · lakes, rivers and 2026 rules

Where to swim in Auvergne, from crater lakes to the beaches of the Allier. With the rules, the cyanobacteria alerts, and the places where it is banned.

Black and white border collie on a grassy trail in the Massif du Sancy, lake in the background

Auvergne with a dog · our ideas for a holiday with your four-legged friend

Heading to Auvergne with your dog is doable, and honestly great fun if you know where to go. Waymarked dog-friendly hikes, dog-welcoming gîtes, lakes where your dog is allowed, restaurants with terraces. Our ideas, plus the mountain precautions not to forget.

Lac Pavin, a circular volcanic maar in the Massif du Sancy

Lakes in Auvergne: 12 crater, dammed or glacial lakes

Maars, lava-dammed lakes, glacial lakes: here are 11 lakes in Auvergne and one neighbour in Lozère that are really worth stopping for: where to swim, where to hike, which one to choose.

Lac Pavin, a crater lake in the Massif du Sancy

Top 10 hikes in the Sancy: from easy to challenging

Want to go hiking in the Sancy but don't know where to start? Here are the 10 routes we recommend to our friends, from a family stroll to a summit climb.