Where to go camping in Auvergne?
Located in the heart of France, Auvergne is a region with exceptional natural landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Bordered by the mountains of the Massif Central and dominated by majestic extinct volcanoes, Auvergne offers a diversity of panoramas that instantly captivate. Whether you are looking for serenity amidst the mountains, cultural discoveries, or sports activities, this region will meet all your expectations. Its vast protected spaces, rich heritage, and well-rooted traditions make Auvergne a unique destination for a successful camping holiday.
The diversity of campsites in Auvergne
The HPA Guide invites you to discover a selection of 191 campsites in Auvergne, suitable for all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for the comfort of a mobile home, the charm of a chalet, the simplicity of a tent, or the uniqueness of an unusual accommodation, Auvergne, with its numerous campsites, will meet your expectations.
The Auvergne campsites offer a wide variety of accommodations to meet every need and desire. You can choose to rent a mobile home, a chalet, a bungalow, a cottage, or a caravan, ensuring all the necessary comfort for a pleasant stay. If you want a more nature-oriented experience, opt for a tent, a caravan, or a camper van. For a unique and memorable adventure, let yourself be charmed by unusual accommodations such as a treehouse, a yurt, or a tipi.
The campsites in Auvergne are rated from 1 to 5 stars, depending on the quality of their facilities, services, and environment. For a simple and budget-friendly stay, a 1 or 2 star campsite will provide essential comfort. Campsites rated 3 or 4 stars are ideal for those seeking quality amenities, including a pool, restaurant, children's club, and various entertainment options. For maximum luxury, choose a 5-star campsite in Auvergne, offering an exceptional setting, tailored hospitality, a water park, spa, and high-end dining services.
Spread across the four departments of Auvergne - Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire, and Puy-de-Dôme - the campsites in Auvergne allow you to choose your ideal setting: by a lake, near a waterfall, at the foot of a volcano, or in a forest.
Essentials of Auvergne
Explore the Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes
The Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne is one of the jewels of the region. Covering nearly 400,000 hectares, it is home to some of the most beautiful volcanic landscapes in Europe. Among the iconic sites, we find the Puy de Dôme, a dormant volcano that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire chain of Puys. Accessible by cog railway or through a hiking trail, the summit of Puy de Dôme is a must-visit place for nature lovers.
The Puy de Sancy, the highest point in the Central Massif, is another exceptional site where wild nature stretches as far as the eye can see. Hiking enthusiasts can venture along the trails that wind through the volcanic ridges, offering breathtaking panoramas.
The Puy chain, recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a unique alignment of volcanoes that reflects the past volcanic activity of the region. This exceptional geological site is an ideal playground for hikers, aspiring geologists, or simply for those who wish to enjoy a stroll through spectacular landscapes.
The cultural and historical treasures of Auvergne
Auvergne is not just about its natural landscapes. The region is also rich in a fascinating cultural and historical heritage. Clermont-Ferrand, the regional capital, is a vibrant city where modernity and history coexist. The Cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand, built from black lava stone, dominates the city and provides a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Just a few steps away, the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Romanesque art.
Le Puy-en-Velay, another iconic city, is famous for being a starting point for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Its Notre-Dame Cathedral is an architectural gem that attracts many visitors and pilgrims each year. The city is also known for its festivals, such as the Renaissance Festivals of the King of the Bird, which immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the 16th century with historical reenactments and medieval performances.
Other towns such as Montluçon and Moulins have a rich medieval and Renaissance heritage, featuring castles, churches, and museums that are worth a visit. The Murol Castle, located in the heart of the volcanoes, is an excellent example of a medieval fortress and offers lively tours that will delight families.
Lakes and rivers for water activities
The Auvergne is also a region of water, with numerous lakes and rivers suitable for water activities. Lac Chambon, nestled in a green setting, is ideal for swimming, pedal boating, or simply relaxing on its landscaped beaches. Lac Pavin, of volcanic origin, is one of the deepest lakes in France, offering a beautiful setting for fishing or a stroll around its wooded shores.
Rivers like the Allier and the Sioule are ideal for white-water sports such as canoeing, rafting, or trout fishing. Water sports enthusiasts will also find their happiness on Lac d'Aydat, where they can enjoy sailing, paddleboarding, or windsurfing.
Charming Villages and Auvergne Traditions
The Auvergne is also a land of picturesque villages and deep-rooted traditions. Salers, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, is famous for its medieval architecture and lava stone houses. Blesle, nestled in a green valley, delights visitors with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses. Charroux, known for its craftsmen and shops, is another village to explore for its exceptional heritage.
The local traditions are also very much present in Auvergne. The gastronomy, featuring regional products such as Saint-Nectaire cheese, Cantal, and Bleu d’Auvergne, is celebrated in the many markets of the region. The folkloric festivals and artisan fairs will immerse you in the warm and authentic atmosphere of Auvergne.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation in Auvergne
Auvergne is a true playground for outdoor activity enthusiasts. The region offers numerous hiking trails for all levels, with marked paths that take you through diverse landscapes, from volcanoes to forests, lakes, and plateaus. Among the must-do routes are the GR30, which circles the volcanoes and lakes of Auvergne, and the Camino de Santiago paths, which traverse the region.
Families can also enjoy amusement parks such as Vulcania, which offers a fun and educational immersion into the world of volcanoes, or Parc Fenestre in La Bourboule, a leisure park perfect for children. The more adventurous can try paragliding from Puy de Dôme, tree climbing in the many adventure parks in the region, or horseback riding in the vast Auvergne meadows.
Thermalism and Natural Springs in Auvergne
The Auvergne is also known for its spa towns, which attract thousands of wellness seekers every year. Vichy, nicknamed the queen of spa towns, is the most famous of them all. Its thermal waters, renowned for their therapeutic properties, are used to treat various ailments, as well as for relaxation and well-being.
La Bourboule and Châtel-Guyon are other renowned spa towns, offering treatments suited to different needs. Enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters in a soothing setting while discovering the charms of the small spa towns in the region.
In addition to the sites, Auvergne is teeming with natural springs that are open to the public. The Volvic spring is one of the most famous, producing pure mineral water that is bottled directly at the source. The spring of the Goat Caves is another site worth visiting, known for its ferrous water with healing properties.
Tourist Routes and Circuits to Discover
Exploring Auvergne by motorhome also means discovering its scenic routes that will take you through breathtaking landscapes and remarkable historical sites. The Route of Auvergne Cheeses is a gourmet circuit that will introduce you to the region's iconic dairy products, such as Saint-Nectaire, Cantal, Bleu d’Auvergne, and Fourme d'Ambert. Visit the farms and aging cellars to taste these cheeses directly from the producers.
The route des châteaux invites you to explore the architectural heritage of the region, featuring medieval fortresses, Renaissance castles, and manors nestled in the Auvergne countryside. Don’t miss the château de Murol, the château de Val, or the château de Chavaniac-Lafayette, the birthplace of the famous Marquis de Lafayette.
For lovers of scenic hikes, the ridge routes and the volcano trails offer spectacular trails that will allow you to admire the typical volcanic landscapes of Auvergne.
Book your campsite in Auvergne
In conclusion, Auvergne is an ideal destination for a holiday close to nature, where you can discover a rich heritage while enjoying numerous outdoor activities. Whether you are seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural discoveries, the campsites in Auvergne will meet all your expectations. To fully enjoy your stay, do not hesitate to book your campsite in Auvergne in advance, and choose the one that best fits your desires, whether it's for a stay by a lake, at the foot of a volcano, or in the heart of a forest.