• Auvergne - Volcanic Odyssey

• 6 – 13 September

• £435 (Normal price £575)

• 8 days: 6 days multi-centre, guided walking. Altitude maximum 1886m, average 1500m.

• Three magnificent volcanic regions within the same upland massif
• A region of perfectly preserved volcanic domes
• The largest volcano in western Europe (now extinct)
• Dramatic waterfalls and rock formations
• Glaciated valleys, great views and abundant wildlife

• 7 nights accommodation in several 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. Services of guide for 6 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 in hotels and restaurants

Walks

This holiday in Auvergne is at the easier end of the Moderate /challenging grade. The walks alternate between long days and easier outings. The longer walks include 700 - 1000m of ascent and 6 - 8 hours walking. All the walks are on good paths on upland terrain, occasionally rugged and rocky.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome and pick up in Lyon and drive to Auvergne.

Day 2: A stroll amid the volcanoes

This circular walk explores 3 of 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 visit the Puy de Dome, the highest of the volcanoes at 1465m, which is also the site of a Roman Temple.

Day 3: Around Mont Dore

A number of possible walks to choose from near the town of Mont Dore, including a climb onto La Banne d’Ordanche, offering great views of the Puy de Sancy

Day 4: Tour of the Puy de Sancy

This is a classic horseshoe ridge walk which takes in a number of summits, including the Puy de Sancy itself, not only the highest point in the Auvergne, but in the whole of the Massif Central, reaching 1885m (6184ft). It also passes by the Grande Cascade waterfall, as well as a number of impressive geological formations associated with this volcanic mountain range. The Puy de Sancy is a large partially collapsed volcanic crater which has been stripped bare by glaciers to reveal rocky faces and dramatic waterfalls.

Day 5: High plateau

We have the choice of a number of circular walks on the vast Auvergne plateau south west of Sancy, allowing us to discover volcanic lakes and historic villages.

Days 6 & 7: The largest volcano in Western Europe

A two day circuit exploring the summits, ridges and valleys of the Cantal Massif in the southern Auvergne - a gigantic ancient volcano. Measuring more than 60km in diameter, the volcano would have been about 3000m high at the height of its activity. Glacial erosion has since created a wild upland region of ridges, valleys and domes. We will drop-off our luggage at our overnight stop so that only normal day sacks need be carried.

Day 8: Departure

Return to Lyon and transfer to UK