Things to do in Auvergne in winter
Wild Auvergne. Cross-country rather than downhill skiing, snowshoes at sunrise, soup by the fire. And open-air baths at the hot springs.
Weather: Dry cold in the lowlands (-5 to 5°C), snow on the Sancy/Cantal/Mézenc. Variable ski conditions.
⚠️ Good to know: The Christmas/February high season is tight everywhere. Book well ahead or shift your dates.
The essentials
Things not to miss in Auvergne in winter
- Cross-country skiing at Super-Besse and Le Lioran
- Night-time snowshoeing on the Mézenc
- Open-air hot baths in Chaudes-Aigues (the river at 60°C)
- Truffade in a buron (not a tourist restaurant)
- Saint-Pourçain crémant by the fire
Guides for the season
Our guides to Auvergne in winter
Vacances d'hiver dans le Cantal : où se poser en famille, avec ou sans ski
Read the guideLe Lioran in winter: skiing in the Cantal, and what awaits you off the slopes
Read the guideSki en Auvergne : quelle station choisir selon votre niveau et votre budget
Read the guideAutumn 2026 fairs and festivals in Auvergne: the dates worth the trip
Read the guideBy mood
Things to do in Auvergne in winter
By département
Auvergne winter in 4 moods
Reading
Reading to help you plan
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Les plus beaux villages du Cantal : 7 arrêts qui valent le détour
Salers, Tournemire, Marcolès, Murat, Laroquebrou, Montsalvy, Chaudes-Aigues : nos 7 villages du Cantal, en deux boucles et un détour, avec les dates d'automne qui comptent (Anjony, foire de la châtaigne de Mourjou, Salers AOP).
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Top 10 des choses à faire dans l'Allier
Que faire dans l'Allier ? Vichy, châteaux bourbonnais, Montagne bourbonnaise : on vous donne 10 raisons concrètes de poser vos valises ici en 2026.
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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.
Planning your winter weekend?
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