Puy de dome, AUVERGNE

GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY

Amazing Auvergne

5 - 12 September 2012

7 nights -£675, two-centre based, day walks

Discover the contrasting volcanic regions of the northern Auvergne in central France. The Puy de Dome landscape varies from rugged peaks to open moorland and perfect volcanic cones. Dramatic waterfalls, varied lakes and pretty historic villages with fine roman churches all form part of this moderate week's guided walking. See holiday details

Full list of guided walking holidays

INDEPENDENT WALKING HOLIDAY

Auvergne: Volcanoes, lakes and historic villages

7 nights -£495, single-centre based, 6 day walks (requiring a car)

Discover the contrasting volcanic regions of the northern Auvergne in central France. The Puy de Dome landscape varies from rugged peaks to open moorland and perfect volcanic cones. Dramatic waterfalls, varied lakes and pretty historic villages with fine roman churches all form part of this moderate week's self-guided walking. See holiday details

Full list of self-guided walking holidays

The heart of southern France is made up of one vast upland region the size of Scotland, known as the Massif Central. At its core is Auvergne, where dramatic volcanic peaks dominate open plateaux and secluded valleys. Home to some of the finest mountains in France, the Auvergne offers a unique opportunity to voyage into the recent past. It also has some of the most varied walking you are likely to find, with lush green valleys sheltering beneath windswept upland ridges and peaks. There are deep gorges, dramatic ridges, moorland plateaux, volcanic domes, rocky cliffs and towers, lakes and waterfalls giving you breathtaking views in all directions. This landscape is a haven for wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, marmots and a host of wild flowers. A large proportion of this upland region has been designated a regional park.

The Auvergne is home to three distinct mountainous areas. In the north a sea of perfectly formed volcanic cones pepper this extraordinary landscape. With some volcanoes as young as 7000 years old, this geologically unique site lets you walk back in time to an era when lava and hot ash filled the skies. Find out more information about the formation of these volcanoes. The highest summit, Puy de Dome, is also the site of a Roman Temple. Its steep recognisable profile is visible from far and wide.

The Central Auvergne is home to some larger and slightly older volcanoes, where glacial erosion has laid bare their volcanic rocks to reveal amazing natural wonders, including strange rock towers and beautiful waterfalls. The main peak, Puy de Sancy, is also the highest point in the Massif Central, reaching 1885m (6184ft). The area also has a rich cultural and architectural legacy with picturesque villages such as Besse et Orcival. Situated at 1050m, the narrow streets of Besse are made up of remarkable houses from the 15th century, constructed from local volcanic stone, with magnificently sculpted doors, often blazoned by a coat of arms.  The area has a rich roman architecture which is second to none in France. Such variety makes for a rewarding guided walking holiday.

The southern Auvergne has distinct areas. The Cantal range and Haute Loire regions are covered by separate French pages.

The Auvergne is also a fascinating region of traditions and culture, in part due to its remoteness and inaccessibility from the rest of France. They have their own language and dialects and a selection of specialist artisans, including sculptors using the local volcanic rock.

It is also an important region for cheese with numerous varieties specific to Auvergne including the Saint-nectaire and Bleu d’Auverge. Other local produce includes Auvergne ham and Green Puy lentils from the Haute Loire. Auvergne’s geographic and climatic characteristics have inspired the culinary specialities of the region. La potée auvergnate, la truffade (a typical mountain dish made from cheese, potatoes and bacon), and le pâté aux pommes de terre are some of the best examples.  In Auvergne your meal naturally finishes with a selection of fine cheeses and a delicious pompe aux pommes.

Guided walking holiday: Amazing Auvergne

Photos from our 2008 holiday