Hiking in the Auvergne
There’s plenty to explore in the Massif Central and plenty of great hiking to be had! Whether you’re a family, a couple or a group of friends, whatever your level of fitness, you’re sure to find the perfect nature walk. Many hiking trails are accessible on foot, by bike or mountain bike, so you can discover all its treasures and admire its wide open spaces.
To make the most of your vacation in the Auvergne, the Cézallier hike is one of the most beautiful walks you can do, with its meadows as far as the eye can see. You can also take a trip to the Chaudefour nature reserve in the Sancy massif, to admire an exceptional wealth of flora and fauna.
Skiing in these resorts
The Massif Central covers a gigantic territory and is home to many renowned ski resorts for winter and summer vacations: Super-Besse, Mont Dore and more. In addition to downhill skiing, a host of other activities await you at the top of their peaks: cycle touring, paragliding, Nordic skiing, hiking, dog sledding… Mountains are also synonymous with relaxation: you’ll find spas to recharge your batteries and unwind. And let’s not forget the activities to keep the little ones happy and families delighted.
Climbing its volcanoes
For an unforgettable mountain vacation, the Auvergne volcanoes are a must! The ascent of the Puy-de-Dôme is still accessible to families and offers a breathtaking view, in a lunar landscape…
The Puy de Sancy is the highest peak in the Massif Central. During your ascent, you’ll come across waterfalls and steep valleys rich in fascinating flora and fauna. For families or beginner hikers, the summit can be reached via a cable car and wooden staircase, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Visit its hot springs
Thermal springs are the perfect place to cool off on vacation in the Massif Central! Head for Vichy, famous for its naturally sparkling water and its 9 springs, which you can visit in summer. You’ll learn all about the various virtues of this famous water, and can even quench your thirst if you wish!
Admire the wolves of Gévaudan
Do you love animals? Head for Le parc des Loups du Gévaudan, Europe’s largest wolf park. Here you’ll be able to observe 5 subspecies of wolf (from Mongolia, Siberia, Poland, Canada and the Arctic) from a bird’s-eye view, and learn all about their attitudes and pack behavior. An original, exceptional and unmissable family outing in Lozère during your vacation in the Massif Central!
Visit the Polignac fortress
Lovers of old stones won’t be disappointed by a visit to the medieval fortress of Polignac and its imposing keep, one of Auvergne’s thousand-year-old jewels. A fascinating tour takes you through all its remains. Perched on a volcanic mound, this exceptional historic monument on the outskirts of Le Puy-en-Velay offers a breathtaking view of the region. No wonder the fortress has inspired writers such as George Sand and Prosper Mérimée!
