Walking in the Auvergne

One of France's least visited and most geologically spectacular regions, the Auvergne sits at the heart of the Massif Central, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity that left behind a landscape of dramatic peaks, crater lakes, ancient lava flows, and some of the most unspoilt countryside in western Europe. From the famous Puy de Dôme and the high summits of the Cantal to the gorges of the Loire and the abbeys of the Haute-Loire, this is a walking destination of extraordinary variety and character. Written by Rachel Crolla and Carl McKeating, this guidebook describes 42 day walks ranging from 2 to 16km (1 to 10 miles) and taking 1 to 6 hours, organised across five distinct areas of the Auvergne. It combines clear route descriptions with detailed information on accommodation, public transport, and the region's volcanic history to help walkers of all abilities explore this remarkable corner of France with confidence. The 42 walks are graded 1 to 3 and spread across five areas, covering the Cantal, the Chaîne des Puys, the Monts Dore, the Haute-Loire, including the Livradois-Forez regional nature park, and the Montagne Bourbonnaise Highlights include volcanic summits Puy de Dôme, Puy Mary, Plomb du Cantal, and Puy de Sancy, alongside crater lakes Pavin and Guéry, magnificent abbeys at Chaise-Dieu and Lavaudieu, and the Volvic spring Sketch maps are included for every walk alongside detailed information on accommodation and public transport, with local points of interest featured throughout, including the Livradois-Forez and Auvergne Volcanoes regional nature parks Background sections cover the region's volcanic history, plants, wildlife, and food and drink, giving rich context for the landscapes and villages you encounter across all five areas Ideal bases include Le Puy-en-Velay and Vichy, with Murat for the Cantal, Orcival for the Monts Dore and Dômes, and Mayet-de-Montagne for the Montagne Bourbonnaise Forty-two walks through one of France's most geologically fascinating and least-explored walking regions. Discover the Auvergne's volcanoes, crater lakes, and medieval abbeys with confidence.