Auvergne's Volcano Regional Park
The Volcano Regional Park is the largest nature park in France and covers almost 400,000 hectares of stunning countryside. The central feature of the park is, of course, its volcanoes, but there are also a range of activities on offer. The park is particularly popular with hikers due to its extensive mountain trails and varied scenery.
The Volcano Regional Park is located in the region of Auvergne, on the edge of the Massif Central mountain range. The park has four separate chains of volcanoes, all extinct and is a hugely popular destination for French hikers and nature-lovers.
The park is 5 miles long so it's always possible to find a quiet, peaceful spot, even in the height of summer. For those staying in one of the many gites de France in the region, the park is easily accessible by car from all areas of Auvergne. Those preferring to take the train will find Clermont-Ferrand Station conveniently located for a visit. The wildlife of the park is a big draw, with eagles, red squirrels, hares and otters some of the most commonly cited examples.
The volcanic heritage of the park has left rich soils, perfect for sustaining a wide variety of flora. The park appears very different at various times of year due to seasonal changes in its trees and plants, making it a great place to visit in spring, summer or autumn. The park plays host to many activities, including hiking, horse-riding, rock-climbing, mountain-biking and water sports. You will also see para-gliders and hot air balloons dotted about the sky. The park is also a popular skiing area and there are many trails suitable for intermediate skiers. For more cultural pastimes, the park is surrounded by picturesque towns and villages, historic castles and old churches.
The park is a great location for couples, families or groups as its size and the variety of activities on offer mean there is something for everyone. There are plenty of gentle walks for relaxing countryside strolls as well as more challenging trails for experienced hikers. The plateaus and gently sloping valleys are excellent for picnics and the food markets in the surrounding villages and towns mean you'll have no trouble finding supplies. If you're staying in one of the gites de France in the surrounding countryside, you'll probably already have located your local market, but it's always fun to visit others and see the variety of food on offer.