• Auvergne - Lakes, volcanoes and historic villages

• 26 May - 2 June

• £595

• 8 days: 6 days two-centre, guided walking. Altitude maximum 1886m, average 1200m.

• Varied spectacular volcanic landscapes
• A region of perfectly preserved volcanic domes easily accessible on foot
• Dramatic waterfalls, beautiful lakes and strange rock formations
• Historic villages with important romanesque churches built from the volcanic stone
• Great views and abundant wildlife
• Welcoming guest houses in historic buildings

• "Wonderful holiday, your knowledge of the geography and geology of the area added to the interest of the walks which were both varied and interesting. I appeciated the opportunity to see such a wide area of the Auvergne and would have a hard time deciding which of the walks I liked best." Ricki Bull

• 7 nights accommodation in two 2 and 3 star equivalent guest houses, double and twin rooms with own bathrooms. All breakfasts included, 6 packed lunches and 6 evening meals

1. Airport and station transfers from Lyon
2. Transport to and from the start of each walk
3. 7 nights' accommodation
4. Full Board. (with the exception of lunches on day of arrival and departure and one evening meal)
5. 6 guided walks

1. Travel between the UK and Lyon, France
2. Lunches on the day of arrival and departure
3. Transfers, other than those from Lyon
4. Any excursions or entrance fees
5. Drinks to accompany some meals

Walks

The walks on this guided walking holiday are graded moderate and explore the full range of landscapes found in the northern Auvergne. There is the option of making some walks longer and days out on the hills are interspresed with shorter easier days exploring the lakes and villages of the region. Ascents are generally no more than a couple of hundred metres at a time. Average length is about 14km. All the walks are on good paths. The upland terrain, is occasionally rocky and requires a small degree of surefootedness.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome and pick up in Lyon and drive to Auvergne.

Day 2: A stroll amid the volcanoes

This circular walk explores the most impressive volcanoes in the Puy de Dome area; a remarkable landscape found in the northern Auvergne which is unique in Europe. With some volcanoes as young as 7000 years old, this region of perfectly preserved volcanic cones lets you walk back in time to an era when lava and hot ash filled the skies. We will climb onto the Puy Pariou before completing a gentle traverse underneath a series of volcanoes. Afterwards we'll visit, by vehicule, the Puy de Dome, the highest of the volcanoes at 1465m, which is also the site of a 1st century Roman Temple.

Day 3: Around Orcival

Today we'll visit the pretty village of Orcival nestled in a secluded valley and its 12th century basilica. This is an easy walk that passes chateaux, chapels, historic villages and has lovely views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. If there's time we'll visit the Puy Vache whose red summit provides amazing views of the Puy de Dome.

Day 4: Descent from the Puy de Sancy

We'll take the cable car from Mont Dore to the top of the Puy de Sancy, a spectacular summit with amazing views, which is not only the highest point in the Auvergne, but in the whole of the Massif Central, reaching 1885m (6184ft). After taking in the views we have the choice of two walks leading back down the valley. The longer option follows the glacial u-shaped valley revealing a multitude of views of rocky faces, dramatic waterfalls and views over the surrounding hills and valleys.

Day 5: La Banne d'Ordanche

Near the town of Mont Dore, this moderate walk starts by the Col de Guéry where there are great views of two volcanic rock towers which stand like sentinels either side of a beautiful glaciated valley. We then pass by Lac Guéry to ascend by a gentle path to the Banne d'Ordanche, offering great views of the Puy de Sancy.

Day 6 Lac Pavin and Besse

Today we visit lac pavin, a remarkable circular volcanic lake, the youngest volcanic formation in France. A lovely walk around its rim is followed by a picturesque walk to the historic village of Besse en Chandesse with its town walls and pretty cottages built from volcanic rock.

Days 7 Murol and St Nectaire

Our last walk goes from the village of Murol with its medieval hilltop chateau to St Nectaire, known for its famous cheese (visit of cheese maker) and home of a remarkable 12th century church situated on Mont Cornadore.

Day 8: Departure

Return to Lyon and transfer to UK

Contact us about this guided walking holiday