What to expect on your holiday in Auvergne?
The cheeses Bleu d'Auvergne, Cantal, Fourme d'Ambert and Saint-Nectaire; the hot springs of Vichy; the dormant volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne or theme park Vulcania; the lava rock buildings, including the proudly central 13th-century cathedral with its impressive stained-glass windows and beautiful murals in Clermont-Ferrand; more architectural heritage in Le Puy-en-Velay; and, of course, the Michelin adventure museum... There is much to taste, see and do in Auvergne!
Start the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella
Le Puy-en-Velay is known as the starting point for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, a route that is still popular to walk. The town is located in a valley formed when central France was still full of volcanoes, which can still be clearly seen from the two large rocks that were once natural chimneys. On the highest of the two rocks, at 130 metres, stands an impressive statue of St Mary. In 1860, this almost 23-metre-high statue of Mary was placed under the watchful eye of thousands of pilgrims. Spiral staircases inside the statue allow you to reach the top of the crown, from where there are breathtaking views of the surrounding area. On the other rock, over 80 metres high, the historic chapel of St.Michel d'Aguilhe dates back to 962 and dates back to Charlemagne! If you want to visit it, be prepared that it is quite a climb over steep paths and carved steps to get there. However, there are several resting points along the way to catch your breath and enjoy the view. See the original, centuries-old frescoes and mosaics and take in the stunning surroundings.
Get a taste of culture in Aurillac
Aurillac hosts the street theatre festival; the more than 1,000-year-old centre of the town of Brioude is home to one of the Auvergne's most beautiful Romanesque churches; in Moulins, capital of the Allier, you can discover architectural beauties, including churches, a cathedral, a bell tower, as many as five museums and some fine examples of private hotels, while walking; or put on your hiking boots and climb to the top of the well-known Puy-de-Dôme or head to the highest peak of the Massif Central: The Puy de Sancy.
