AUVERGNE

The heart of southern France is made up of one vast upland region the size of Scotland, known as the Massif Central. At its core is Auvergne, where dramatic volcanic peaks dominate open plateaux and secluded valleys. Home to some of the finest mountains in France, the Auvergne offers a unique opportunity to voyage into the recent past. It also has some of the most varied walking you are likely to find, with lush green valleys sheltering beneath windswept upland ridges and peaks. There are deep gorges, dramatic ridges, moorland plateaux, volcanic domes, rocky cliffs and towers, lakes and waterfalls giving you breathtaking views in all directions. This landscape is a haven for wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, marmots and a host of wild flowers.

The Auvergne is home to three distinct mountainous areas. In the north a sea of perfectly formed volcanic cones pepper this extraordinary landscape. With some volcanoes as young as 7000 years old, this geologically unique site lets you walk back in time to an era when lava and hot ash filled the skies. The highest summit, Puy de Dome, is also the site of a Roman Temple. Its steep recognisable profile is visible from far and wide.

The Central Auvergne is home to some larger and slightly older volcanoes, where glacial erosion has laid bare their volcanic rocks to reveal amazing natural wonders, including strange rock towers and beautiful waterfalls. The main peak, Puy de Sancy, is also the highest point in the Massif Central, reaching 1885m (6184ft). The area also has a rich cultural and architectural legacy with picturesque villages such as Besse et Saint Anastaise. Situated at 1050m, the narrow streets of Besse are made up of remarkable houses from the 15th century, constructed from local volcanic stone, with magnificently sculpted doors, often blazoned by a coat of arms. 

In the southern Auvergne, the Cantal range forms a series of domed summits, ridges and valleys that belie their volcanic past. It is only by looking at a map that the origins of this range become apparent. The whole area is one gigantic ancient volcano rising from the plains below. Measuring more than 60km in diameter, the volcano would have been about 3000m high during its formation. Glacial erosion has since created a wild upland region of great beauty.
The Auvergne is also a fascinating region of traditions and culture, in part due to its remoteness and inaccessibility from the rest of France. They have their own language and dialects and a selection of specialist artisans, including sculptors using the local volcanic rock.
It is also an important region for cheese with numerous varieties specific to Auvergne including the Cantal, Saint-nectaire and Beu d’Auverge. Other local produce includes Auvergne ham and Green Puy lentils from the Haute Loire. Auvergne’s geographic and climatic characteristics have inspired the culinary specialities of the region. La potée auvergnate, la truffade (a typical mountain dish made from cheese, potatoes and bacon), and le pâté aux pommes de terre are some of the best examples.  In Auvergne your meal naturally finishes with a selection of fine cheeses and a delicious pompe aux pommes.

Guided walking holiday: Auvergne - Volcanic Odyssey