Auvergne

Auvergne is in the centre of France but could be considered to be France’s best-kept secret. Apart from its famous spa town of Vichy– still popular with visitors keen to ‘take the waters’ - this region is relatively little known.

The Auvergne region is part of the Massif Central – France’s central plateau of granite and crystalline rock. Ancient volcanic activity is evident in the black rock and in the hot springs and crater lakes of the region.

Clermon-Ferrandis rightly known as the ville noire, with its buildings made of black volcanic rock - including its dramatic black cathedral. To complete your volcanic experience, you could head to the Vulcania theme park in Saint-Ours-les-Roches.

Head from there to the top of the Puy de Dome, which offers a magnificent view of the chain of volcanic cones that form the Chaine des Puys.