Kathryn & Thomas
Things To Do in Auvergne
Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is the largest city in Auvergne. It is historically a blue-collar town that became what it is today because of the multinational company Michelin. It is also famous for its notable inhabitants throughout the years such as the philosopher and physicist Blaise Pascal, the Gaulle’s chief of army Vercingetorix, and le Marquis de Lafayette who came to the US to fight for American Independence from the British Crown. Clermont is a unique city in France for having a lot of its historical downtown built using black lava stones. Clermont is surrounded by volcanoes which can be seen from the spectacular gothic cathedral near the center of town. Meander through the small streets of Clermont-Ferrand’s downtown and you will discover many hidden gems. And get yourself a “ASM” schwag and become a proud supporter of our local rugby team!
The Puy de Dôme
Le Puy de Dôme, crowned with its massive radio antenna, is one of the symbols of Auvergne. On a clear day, the view from the top is impressive and you might just catch a view of paragliders and other air balloons that frequent the volcanoes around. At the top, there are the remains of the Gallo-Roman temple of Mercury that was built in the 2nd century. It is also where the physicist Blaise Pascal discovered atmospheric pressure by comparing data from its laboratories in downtown Clermont-Ferrand and at the summit, noticing that atmospheric pressure changed with elevation and weather. To go to the top, you can drive to the base or take a bus from Clermont-Ferrand. Once at the base of the Puy, you can either take a trail to the top or a trolley.
Chaîne des Puys
A “puy” in Auvergne means a volcano, and you’ll see there are puys everywhere around! But don’t worry, they’re dormant! Because it is such an outstanding area and a beautiful example of plate tectonics in action and continental rifting, the Chaîne des Puys became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. There are plenty of trails crisscrossing the area and you can hike many of them for short escapades. A few to recommend would be the Puy de Pariou and the Puy de Côme with characteristic cones and craters, or you may want to explore the Puy de Clierzou and visit the caves at its top. All the Puys are accessible to a variety of people with differing abilities as they are not too tall and elevation gain remains moderate.
The cheese and charcuterie trail
Did I ever mention to you that we love cheese? And charcuterie? And that the best cheese and charcuterie in the world comes from Auvergne? ;) Ok, some other parts of France are not too bad either, but Auvergne is definitely one of the areas in France that produces some of the most renowned French cheese such as Saint-Nectaire, Blue d’Auvergne, Cantal & Salers, Fourme d’Ambert, and Gaperon. In some areas (mostly in the AOP Saint-Nectaire) you can visit cheese producers and see how cheese is made and aged. Similarly, you can stop and taste some Jambon d’Auvergne, which is an aged and cured pig leg that will literally melt in your mouth. I’m drooling while writing this.
The Massif du Mont-Dore
At its south end, the Chaîne des Puys finishes with the Massif du Mont-Dore, which is not extremely tall but resembles more alpine mountains compared to the roundness of the volcanoes. From the town of Le Mont-Dore, you can hike up to the summit or take a gondola and hike your way down. In summer, views are gorgeous and flowers are all around. Mountain bikes can be rented for exploring the area. For those of you who are more interested in relaxing, the city of le Mont-Dore, Saint-Nectaire, and the surrounding towns have several thermal places where you can catch a spa day in natural springs. You can also hike around and swim in many lakes such as the Lac Pavin or Lac de Servières, or visit the old alpine town of Besse-en-Chandesse, or see the cows happily frolicking around in their pastures.
The knife capital of Thiers
Most people don’t know that Thiers is one of the capitals for handmade knives in France. This town has traditionally produced knives for many other parts of France, and recently they developed their own unique style, “Le Thiers”. In Thiers you can visit museums about traditional knife making, meet current craftsman, and tour this quant town perched on the side of a hill with a river passing through. A great destination for bringing back your family and friends quality souvenirs.
Churches and castles
Auvergne is a very old region with plenty of monuments, churches, and castles to prove it. Apart from the gothic Cathedrale de Clermont-Ferrand, every town around will have a church likely classified as an architectural and historical site. Notably, the church in Saint-Nectaire, the church in Issoire, or the Abbaye de La Chaise Dieu. Castles are also scattered throughout the region, with many hills and Puy topped by one. Some are now just ruins but many have been restored and host visitors. Among them, the Château de Murol is a restored medieval castle that hosts tours in the summer with knights and kings acting around you.