Discover the Auvergne
Nestled in the heart of France, the Auvergne is one of the country's best-kept secrets. Anchored by the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Massif Central, this remarkable region is beloved by the French, hikers, cyclists, and travelers seeking a quieter, more authentic side of France—yet it remains largely undiscovered by many international visitors.
Here, life moves at a gentler pace. Mornings begin with fresh croissants from the neighborhood boulangerie before setting out to explore medieval villages, lively weekly markets, volcanic landscapes, castles, artisan workshops, and scenic hiking trails. Pause for a leisurely lunch at a village restaurant, spend the afternoon discovering a hidden church or walking across ancient volcanic peaks, then return to Maison D'Ossandon for an evening of conversation, local wine, and dinner around the table with family and friends.
The Auvergne isn't about rushing from one famous landmark to the next. It's about slowing down, discovering places that feel genuinely lived in, and experiencing a part of France that has quietly preserved its history, traditions, and natural beauty.
Walk, Ride or Wander
The Auvergne is one of France's premier destinations for hiking and cycling, offering everything from leisurely village walks to challenging mountain adventures. More than 500 marked trails wind through volcanic landscapes, forests, waterfalls, and high mountain pastures, including several of France's renowned GR (Grande Randonnée) long-distance hiking routes.
For cyclists, the region is equally spectacular. The legendary Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC) stretches over 1,400 kilometers, crossing some of France's most dramatic scenery, while road cyclists can challenge themselves on the iconic climb to the summit of the Puy de Dôme, a regular feature of the Tour de France. The Auvergne has also welcomed pilgrims for centuries, with historic routes to Santiago de Compostela passing through the region.
Crafts and Living traditions
The Auvergne has long been a region shaped by skilled artisans. While every town was home to farmers, merchants, and craftsmen of all kinds, many communities also became renowned for a particular specialty, creating networks of expertise that flourished for centuries.
In Thiers, generations of families participated in every stage of knife making, earning the town its reputation as the cutlery capital of France. Nearby Ambert became known for paper making, Lezoux supplied finely crafted pottery across the Roman Empire, and Le Puy-en-Velay developed a lace-making tradition admired throughout Europe. Today, visitors can explore museums, working workshops, and artisan boutiques where many of these centuries-old traditions continue.
Food, Wine and Markets
The Auvergne is a region where food remains deeply connected to the land. Browse lively weekly markets filled with local cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal produce, fresh breads, and regional specialties. Then linger over lunch at a village café or family-run restaurant.
The volcanic pastures produce some of France's most celebrated cheeses—including Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne, Salers, and Fourme d'Ambert—while the historic vineyards of the Côtes d'Auvergne are quietly earning recognition for distinctive cool-climate wines. Whether you're assembling the perfect picnic or enjoying a leisurely multi-course meal, every day offers another opportunity to discover the flavors of the region.
Family Adventures
The Auvergne is wonderfully suited to families looking for a vacation that combines adventure, history, and the outdoors. Explore medieval castles, descend into fascinating caves, ride the panoramic train to the summit of the Puy de Dôme, or spend the day discovering volcanoes at Vulcania, one of France's most imaginative science parks.
Adventure parks, mountain lakes, horseback riding, scenic hikes, artisan workshops, and family-friendly museums ensure that every generation can discover something to enjoy—making it just as rewarding for grandparents and teenagers as it is for younger children.
- Medieval Towns and Castles
History isn't confined to museums in the Auvergne—it's woven into everyday life. Wander beautifully preserved medieval villages, explore hilltop castles, and discover one of Europe's richest collections of Romanesque churches, many of which have welcomed pilgrims for nearly a thousand years.
The region has witnessed every chapter of French history, from Roman settlements and medieval merchants to the papal schism, when nearby La Chaise-Dieu became closely associated with Pope Clement VI, whose influence helped shape one of Europe's most turbulent periods. Today, those same villages, abbeys, and historic streets remain wonderfully alive, inviting visitors to experience history not behind ropes, but as part of everyday life.
Volcanoes and Natural Wonders
The Auvergne is home to the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most remarkable volcanic landscapes. More than 80 extinct volcanoes rise across the horizon, creating a breathtaking landscape of rounded peaks, crater lakes, waterfalls, forests, and sweeping mountain vistas unlike anywhere else in France.
Millions of years after they last erupted, these ancient volcanoes continue to shape life in the region. Their fertile soils nourish the lush pastures that produce the Auvergne's celebrated cheeses, while the dramatic terrain provides exceptional hiking, cycling, and panoramic viewpoints.
Ride the panoramic train or hike to the summit of the iconic Puy de Dôme, where the entire volcanic chain stretches before you. Families will love exploring Vulcania, while photographers, hikers, and nature lovers will find endless opportunities to discover one of France's most extraordinary landscapes.
Museums and Culture
The museums of the Auvergne do more than preserve artifacts—they tell the story of the region itself. Discover how Michelin transformed Clermont-Ferrand, explore the centuries-old craft of knife making in Thiers, watch traditional paper being made by hand in Ambert, and uncover the remarkable history of Roman pottery at Lezoux.
Whether your interests lie in art, science, industry, archaeology, or local history, the region's museums bring to life the people, ideas, and traditions that have shaped the Auvergne for nearly two thousand years.
Day Trips and Discoveries
Maison D'Ossandon is ideally situated for exploring the many faces of the Auvergne. Within an easy drive, you can wander the volcanic streets of Clermont-Ferrand, discover the culinary delights of Lyon, visit the dramatic pilgrimage city of Le Puy-en-Velay, relax in the elegant spa town of Vichy, or spend the day discovering medieval villages, castles, gardens, and mountain landscapes.
One of the greatest pleasures of the region is its variety. Each day can take you somewhere completely different before returning home to Thiers for a relaxed evening around the table.
Soar or Gallop!
Some landscapes invite you to slow down and experience them rather than simply admire them from afar. Ride horseback through open mountain pastures, watch colorful paragliders drift silently above the volcanic peaks, paddle a quiet river, or simply find a hillside where the only sounds are birdsong and cowbells.
Whether your idea of adventure is taking to the skies or enjoying an unhurried afternoon in the countryside, the Auvergne offers countless ways to experience its remarkable landscape.