Photo: David HENROT (https://www.davidhenrot.com)
Auvergne is located in the south-central part of France and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of this country, with a preserved nature and pure air! You will be impressed by the beauty of the flora and fauna, volcanoes, lakes, mountains and forests. With its many natural springs (including those of Volvic), nearly a hundred volcanoes and more than 20,000 kilometres of rivers, Auvergne is one of Europe's largest and best preserved natural reserves.
The Parc Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne in the department of Puy-de-Dôme is the largest regional park in Europe. The "Chaines des Puys" with the Puy de Dôme as the highest volcano (1465 m) and the Massif du Sancy are among them. From Besse, these beautiful regions are easy to explore. Whether it's spring, summer or fall, you can always have fun here!
Rivers, lakes, and waterfalls
In the Puy de Dome is the origin of the Dordogne (at Mont-Dore) and many other streams and rivers, such as the Couze Pavin, which flows through our garden and, as its name suggests, comes partly from Lac Pavin, one of Europe's deepest crater lakes.
Lake Pavin is located at an altitude of 1197 metres and has an almost perfectly round shape with a diameter of between 700 and 800 metres, an area of 44 hectares and a depth of 92 metres, making it the deepest crater lake in the Auvergne.
Lac Chambon was formed by the volcano LeTartaret which blocked the bed of the Couze Chambon river. The lake is shallow (4 m), but quite large (60 ha) and is at an altitude of 875 m. The shores are very steep, except in the east and northwest, where there are two beaches for water sports, including pedal boats. A wonderful place to swim! And, because the water is shallow, it is quickly at a good temperature.
The path on stilts
A path allows you to walk around the lake in about an hour. The other lakes are for example: Lake Aydat (you can swim there), Lake Guery, Lake de la Tour d'Auvergne (also a pleasant swimming spot) and Lake Bourdouze.
Waterfalls
Throughout the Puy de Dôme, you will find signs that refer to waterfalls, some even more beautiful than others. There are two waterfalls near Besse: the Vaucoux waterfall and the Chiloza waterfalls. Of course, we have walking books with descriptions of walks!
Volcanoes
The Parc Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, or Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, extends from the north of Clermont-Ferrand to the north of Aurillac and is the largest regional natural park in France. It covers 395,000 hectares, spread over five nature reserves.
The Puy de Dôme, the famous volcano of Auvergne, reaches a peak of 1465 metres. On this volcano, you have a breathtaking view of the Chaîne des Puys and the surrounding landscapes.
Volcanoes are perfect for unforgettable walks. Lovers of fauna and flora will appreciate the rare and wild plants and animal species.
At the southern limits of the nature reserve, you will again see volcanic peaks, the Cantal mountains, valleys surrounded by "basaltic plateaus". These typical landscapes are also home to remarkable fauna and flora, including kite, ermine and fario trout. Thanks to its large diameter, the Cantal Lead is the largest volcano in Europe. Le Puy Mary (1758m) is also one of the strong points of the French natural heritage.
Walking and cycling
Le Puy-de-Dôme is the hikers' department!
Majestic and varied landscapes, family outings or long hikes of several days... in the Puy-de-Dôme, hiking is a real art of living.
Discover breathtaking panoramas while walking in the Puy de Dôme and explore volcanoes such as those of the Chaîne des Puys or the Sancy massif or walk along volcanic lakes such as Lac Guéry or Lac Pavin! In total, more than 3,900 km of marked roads will take you through the department to enjoy a rich and varied nature.
Of course, we have maps and hiking booklets that you can use and: the first walks start at the gates of the Pont du Roy!
Mountain biking
Everywhere in Auvergne, you can make mountain bike excursions. Freeride, enduro, downhill: there are no restrictions for your mountain bike rides in the Auvergne mountains. In Super Besse, Le Lioran or La Bourboule, holiday resorts we have bicycle parks.
The highest mountains in this part of the Auvergne are nearly 1900 metres high. The difference in height to be filled is on average 300 to 400 metres and can be as much as 700 m. There is a vast network of trails on which you can enjoy fantastic mountain biking.
You can rent mountain bikes (mountain bikes = off-road bikes), among others, at Super Besse. (see the link)
Cycling (racing)
In the surroundings of the Pont du Roy, you will find all the elements for a varied racing bike holiday. At a distance of ten kilometres, you will find the ascents to the Col de la Croix-Morand, the Col de Guéry, the Col de la Croix-Saint-Robert and the ascent to La Stèle.
All this in a very varied landscape. From open and rugged plains, from volcano landscapes to forests with fast-flowing streams. Short and long cycling routes, many altimeters or less. Anything is possible.
We are happy to help you plan a beautiful itinerary!
Other sports
Motorcycle
Sinuous roads, a dream of road surfaces, magnificent landscapes, a warm welcome: Auvergne is really something for motorcyclists!
Swimming
- Lac des Hermines, Super Besse
- Lac Chambon
- Lac Aydat
- Lac van La Tour d’Auvergne
- Piscine: St Nectaire (centre Thermadore)
- Piscine: La Bourboule (Sancy’O Pôle Aquealudique)
Canoeing
- Lac Chambon
- Lac des Hermines
- Lac Aydat
- Le retenu de Bort Les Orgues (a little further but nice trip)
Canyoning
- De Mont Dore Adventures
Pedalos
- Lac des Hermines, Super Besse
- Lac Chambon
- Lac Aydat
- Le retenu de Bort les Orgues
Climbing and Hanging
- Royat (Escalade Gorges de Ceyrat)
- Le Mont Dore (Adventures Le Mont Dore)
Tyrolienne de Superbesse
A long fantastic descent! This gigantic zip line of 1600 meters long gives a vertiginous flight. This "Fantasticable" offers a height difference of 240 meters, the largest in France.
You can book this extraordinary descent, solo and in pairs, in all seasons!