The Limousin and Auvergne.... one of France’s best kept secrets - see nature at its most magnificent - at one extreme high volcanic mountain ranges and extinct volcanic plugs (puys) and at the other, numerous river valleys and gorges like the ‘Causse Méjean’ limestone plateau which produces spectacular underground cave systems.

Many of France’s great rivers such as the Dordogne, the Loire, the Tarn and the river Lot have their source here.

This is a relatively unexplored part of France and yet for lovers of the outdoors it offers a plethora of delights from walking to parascending, from mountain biking to white water rafting.

There is also plenty to enthuse lovers of history and architecture, with numerous castles, Romanesque churches, spa towns and museums to visit.

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Parc Naturel des Volcan d'Auvergne  This fascinating national park is the result of volcanic activity, now dormant.  The result is a large area of France covered by conical shaped mountains, now mainly covered with woodland, coupled with deep lakes and thermal springs at Chaudes-Aigues and natural water sources at Volvic.  The Puy de Dôme is the most famous of the volcanic mountains, whilst the Puy de Sancy is the highest at 1886m above sea level.

Due to the height of the peaks there is the added benefit of skiing possible in the winter months, with cross country skiing being particularly popular.

Weather

The area experiences a classic ’mountain’ climate. Weather here is among the wettest and coldest in France with much of the winter precipitation in the form of snow. June and July are the driest months whilst August can be hot and humid leading to sudden intense thunder storms although the weather usually recovers rapidly afterwards!
 

For an up to date weather report see the panel on the right hand side.