• Amazing Auvergne

• Mid May - end of September

• Please contact us for a quote for your group

• + grade explained

• 8 days: 6 days two-centre, guided walking holiday.
• Discover more general information about our guided walking holidays

• Varied and interesting walking through unique and spectacular volcanic landscapes with breathtaking views
• A region of perfectly preserved volcanoes 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 serving great local cuisine

• "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 appreciated 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, UK More testimonials from the Auvergne

• 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 or Clermont Ferrand
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 to Lyon or Clermont Ferrand, France (see travel shop for transport operators)
2. Lunches on the day of arrival and departure and one evening meal
3. Transfers, other than those from Lyon
4. Any excursions or entrance fees
5. Drinks to accompany some meals
6. Travel insurance

Return to list of guided walking holidays

See travel diary from the Auvergne

Return to home page

Walking profile

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 or shorter depending on the group's abilities and the weather conditions. Longer days out on the hills are interspersed 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 of walk in a day on this walking holiday in France is about 14km and average ascent is about 370m. 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. Our walk climbs onto the Puy Pariou before completing a gentle traverse underneath a series of volcanoes. Afterwards we'll visit, the Puy de Dome by funiculaire train, the highest of the volcanoes at 1465m, which is also the site of a 1st century Roman Temple and provides amazing views over northern Auvergne.

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.

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.

Days 5: Murol and St Nectaire or Puy de Vache

A choice with either a partial rest day or Exploring two collapsed volcanoes with exposed red cinder. A partial rest day would have the chance to visit the medieval hilltop chateau of Murol and the village of Nectaire, known for its famous cheese (visit of cheese maker) and home of a remarkable 12th century basilica situated on Mont Cornadore. A picturesque small walk around Lake Chambon in the foothills of Puy de Sancy. Otherwise we can climb the volcano Puy Vache whose red summit provides amazing views of the Puy de Dome and is a great place to see the exposed volcanic rocks. Afterwards we'll summit Puy Lassolas before an enjoyable walk through mixed forest across the old lava flows.

Day 6: 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. After walking past Lac Guéry we'll ascend by a gentle path to the Banne d'Ordanche, offering great views of the Puy de Sancy.

Day 7: Lac Pavin and Besse

Today's guided walk starts with a visit of 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.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, return to Lyon

Contact us about this guided walking holiday