If you've never heard of Auvergne, you're in for a revelation. This volcanic plateau in central France feels like stepping into a landscape that few Brits bother exploring, which is precisely why we love it. Rugged peaks puncture a landscape scattered with medieval towns, ancient monasteries, and wine estates that rarely feature in the holiday brochures back home. The region rewards curious travellers with something genuinely different: untamed nature, genuine local culture, and the kind of quiet that makes city dwellers remember why they took a holiday in the first place.
What Makes Auvergne Special
- Volcanic geology dominates the landscape. The Chaîne des Puys mountains create a dramatic backdrop that shapes everything from local stone architecture to the cuisine itself.
- Wine culture runs deep here, but it's not the polished tourism of Bordeaux. You'll find family vignerons still using traditional methods, genuinely happy to chat over a glass.
- Medieval towns dot the region without overwhelming tour groups. Le Puy-en-Velay and Salers retain authentic charm (fewer visitors make the journey).
- The outdoor culture suits walkers and cyclists more than beach loungers. If hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking matters to your holiday, Auvergne delivers serious terrain.
Top Towns & Resorts in Auvergne
Le Puy-en-Velay
Built on volcanic peaks, Le Puy-en-Velay is one of those towns that photographs feel inadequate describing. The cathedral perches impossibly high; medieval lanes wind steeply between traditional stone buildings. It's a pilgrimage town (historically and still today), which means it has serious spiritual weight rather than artificial tourism polish. The local lentils are highly prized (dark green, peppery, and on every decent restaurant menu). Those steep cobbled streets punish flip-flops, and summer heat reflects hard off the stone, so bring water.
Find villas in Le Puy-en-Velay →
Salers
A fortified market town that feels frozen in time (genuinely, not artificially). Wander the main square and count the Renaissance fountains, 15th-century townhouses with slate roofs, and locals who clearly aren't performing for tourists. The famous Salers cattle graze in surrounding meadows, producing a rich AOC cheese, while the volcanic hills offer serious trekking. Winter here can feel isolating: the elevation means it gets cold, and not every restaurant stays open year-round.
Clermont-Ferrand
The region's capital, built from dark volcanic stone that gives it a sober, industrial character at first glance. But look closer: there's a lively student culture, solid restaurants, and the gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption is genuinely imposing. Use it as your base for exploring the region rather than expecting a postcard-perfect destination itself. Parking can be chaotic, and some neighbourhoods feel rough, but the nightlife and food scene outweigh the rough edges.
Find villas in Clermont-Ferrand →
Aurillac
A quieter alternative in the southern Cantal department, with a castle overlooking market squares and genuine local character. The town hosts an annual international street theatre festival (August) that transforms the whole place, but outside that window it's peacefully ordinary. Perfect if you want authentic France without the performance, though restaurants close early and choice narrows in shoulder seasons.