5 Good Reasons To Visit The Auvergne Volcanoes Park
The Auvergne Volcanoes Park, located in the heart of the Massif Central, is an immense volcanic territory, remarkable for its landscapes and numerous lakes. Its nature reserves are home to exceptional flora and fauna, while its villages showcase the region's craftsmanship and artisanal products. We have listed 5 good reasons to visit this volcanic territory.
1- Discover the largest regional natural park in France
The Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes covers 395,068 hectares in the departments of Puy-de-Dôme and Cantal. It is both the largest Regional Natural Park in metropolitan France and one of the first to have been created, in 1977.
This site, remarkable for its fauna and flora, is also characterized by preserved know-how, products, and culture that contribute to forging its strong identity. It has nearly 88,000 inhabitants spread across 153 municipalities, as well as 19 partner municipalities.
2- Admire a landscape born of volcanism
The Auvergne Volcanoes Park is characterized by a great diversity of reliefs, witnesses to the volcanic activity of the region.
In the north of the Park, the famous Monts Dôme present an alignment of 80 young volcanoes of various shapes, while the central part of the Park is occupied by the Cézallier, a rounded volcanic massif with high plateau reliefs.
The Monts du Cantal constitute a very important volcanic massif, despite its modest altitude (1855 m at Plomb du Cantal). Covering an area of 2500 km2, this massif is even the largest in Europe.
The fourth volcanic massif of the Park is formed by the Monts Dore, which culminate at Puy de Sancy, at an altitude of 1886 m.
The territory of the Park is also a region of thermal springs and lakes, remarkable for its many glacial (such as Lac-d'en-Bas) or volcanic (Lac Pavin, Lac Chambon, and Lac d'Aydat) lakes.
3- Discover a remarkable biodiversity
Auvergne is also a prime destination for nature lovers. The fauna and flora of this vast volcanic territory include numerous endemic species. The species sheltered by the park are mainly mountainous, such as the chamois, the Corsican mouflon, the peregrine falcon, and the otter.
The Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne has no fewer than three national nature reserves harboring remarkable fauna and flora in a unique environment. Thus, the Vallée de Chaudefour hosts the chamois and the Corsican mouflon, the wallcreeper, the peregrine falcon, as well as rare plants like the Alpine Snowbell or the herbaceous willow.
Les Sagnes de la Godivelle count more than 1500 faunal and floral species, over 80 of which are protected and/or listed on the Red Lists of threatened species.
Finally, Le Rocher de la Jaquette is a small 17-hectare reserve of remarkable natural wealth, especially in insects. It is home to nearly 70% of the known diurnal butterfly species in the Puy-de-Dôme department, including rare and emblematic species such as the Apollo (Parnassius apollo).
4- Engage in outdoor activities
With its preserved nature and colorful landscapes, the Auvergne Volcanoes Park is a magnificent playground for hikers.
Its volcanic massifs and natural reserves are crisscrossed by several hundred kilometers of marked trails, offering numerous routes for walkers of all levels. From short walks to day-long or multi-day hikes, the "puys" of Auvergne can also be explored on foot.
In the park, you can also book a horseback ride or engage in cycling and mountain biking.
5- Enjoy local specialties
As a regional natural park, the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne aims to promote and preserve the artisanal products of its terroir.
Among the products bearing the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne Brand, we can notably mention:
- Avèze, an aperitif made from yellow Gentian roots.
- The park's honey, available in three varieties: Auvergne mountain flower honey, dandelion honey, and chestnut honey.
- Salers beef.
Known for its cheeses, charcuterie, and quality meat, Auvergne is an authentic and gourmet destination. Sweet tooths will also find delight with mountain honey and local biscuits: Salers squares and croquants!
