Auvergne - Holiday attractions in France

Auvergne, one of France's administrative regions, is made up of four departments: Puy-de-Dôme, Haute Loire, Cantal and Allier.

Surprisingly, the area is home to numerous dormant and extinct volcanoes, with the last eruption occurring some 6,000 years ago. Many have been shaped by erosion, forming distinctive round-topped hills known locally as 'puys'.

Today, this mostly rural region offers plenty of laid-back, relaxing activities for couples and families staying in self-catering holiday homes.

Puy-de-Dôme

Puy-de-Dôme takes its name from a local extinct volcano, which remains one of the most popular tourist sites in Auvergne, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. In ancient times, the volcano was used as a location for religious ceremonies and many temples were erected at its summit, including one dedicated to the Gallo-Roman god Mercury, first excavated in 1873.

Today, Puy-de-Dôme is known throughout the world as an excellent location for paragliding, with several clubs offering discovery and tandem two-seater flights for beginners. Those wishing to enjoy the spectacular views from the volcano can either take the Panoramique des Dômes rack railway or hike to the top via le sentier des muletiers, a former Roman road that leads directly to the Temple of Mercury. There's also a visitors centre, restaurant and shop at the summit.

Haute Loire

Arguably one of the most breathtaking sights in the region is the chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe, built on the outskirts of the town of Puy en Velay atop a volcanic plug (the Rock of Aiguilhe). The chapel itself can only be reached by climbing the 268 steps carved into the volcanic rock and was built in 962 AD to commemorate the pilgrimage of Saint James.

Cantal

This mostly agricultural district of France is known for its simple yet pleasingly rustic cuisine, with local cheese, ham and vegetables forming the basis for many traditional dishes including Aligot, Trufade and Pounti.

Allier

In marked contrast to Cantal, Allier is known for its many rivers, bocages (small forests) and mountains. The area has a great deal to offer outdoor activity enthusiasts, with traditional pursuits such as fishing, hiking and white water sports catered for by many specialist companies and operators. The region around Vichy is also known internationally for the hydrotherapy treatment offered at its many spa retreats.