Holidays in Auvergne

The Auvergne is the least populated region of France and holidays in the Auvergne are therefore an excellent way of getting away from the crowds and enjoying the peace and quiet of this beautiful area of agricultural lowlands and stunning volcanic mountains.

The extinct volcano, Puy-de-Dôme is the most visited attraction of the Auvergne. Located some 10 km from the region's lively university city of Clermont-Ferrand, there are magnificent views from the summit that is accessible by footpath or bus. There are some restrictions for private car access. Hang gliders and paragliders frequently fly from the volcano.

The best way to visit the Auvergne region is most probably to rent Auvergne holiday homes where you will immediately feel in harmony with the countryside. These holiday homes can be a perfect base for walking, cycling, rock-climbing, or pony-trekking. With numerous clear lakes, fishing and canoeing are also popular pastimes.

Alternatively, there are a number of Auvergne camping parcs in the region with a choice of fixed tents, mobile homes and chalets and with additional facilities such as swimming pools, shops and restaurants.

The Auvergne is noted for its thermal spas, the thermal spa at Vichy being one of the best known. For many, holidays in France would be incomplete without taking the natural therapeutic waters. Chaudes-Aigues has the hottest natural springs in Europe and the pretty town of Néris-les-Bains has some interesting history once you can drag yourself away from the pampering of the spa.

Of the innumerable historic buildings of the Auvergne, the 13th Cathedral of Notre Dame at Le Puy, the Parentignat chateau and (as much for its history as the birthplace of the Bourbon kings), the remains of l'Archambault chateau, should be included in the itineries of your holidays in Auvergne wherever practical.

FR-03140-01: Ideal for 2:Exceptionally romantic house in Auvergne.

HOLIDAY HOMES
Full details,prices and additional pictures of these magnificent properties and many more can be found here....

FR-03340-01: A 17th century château for up to 12 people. 10km from Moulins where you can swim in the river Allier, canoe, kayak, hike or cycle. For golf lovers, there is a nine-hole golf course close by.

Camping Domaine de Sévenier
The ancient winery that once stood here has now been sympathetically transformed into a beautiful and peaceful parc nestled close to the village of Lagorce. The owner has created a small and tranquil parc with a range of high quality facilities including a terrace restaurant offering home cooked local cuisine, which overlooks both the wonderful swimming pool and rolling hills.

Les Tours Holiday Parc
On the shores of the beautiful Lac de la Selves, an impressive campsite in beautiful unspoilt countryside. It has a relaxing atmosphere, and lovely views from many pitches. Grassy slopes edge the shores of the lake, where you can sunbathe or hire a pedalo or canoe.
Close by are the stunning Truyère gorges and a number of reservoirs which allow watersports and fishing.

camping Clos_Balanede Holiday Parc, Auvergne

Camping Clos Balanède
Set on the edge of Des Volcans nature park, Camping Le Clos de Balanède lies some 20km north of Clermont-Ferrand. There are three swimming pools on the camp site including a shallow toddlers pool. This is a beautiful spot for a relaxed holiday or for the more active sporting activities in the area include horse riding, Mountain biking, paintballing and balloon trips.