Would you like to enjoy the splendors of the Auvergne on vacation? Hiking on trails that offer incredible views of volcanoes, strolling through Le Puy-en-Velay and Vichy, afternoons at Vulcania, moments around the table - there's so much to do for an exhilarating vacation in the area! Departing for a holiday in the Auvergne, a mid-range mountain region, requires scrupulous preparation to ensure you have a great time and don't miss a thing on the spot. Here are our top tips to help you make the most of your future vacation in the Auvergne.
Opt for an electronic toll tag and have your car serviced
Your driving license, vehicle documents and GPS are all essential for a vacation in the Auvergne? But it's time to think about a piece of equipment that will make your holiday easier: the electronic toll tag! Easy to install on the windscreen, the badge offers a host of advantages that are hard to do without when you're on the move. With Ulys Classic, whose current offer includes 14 months' free use, you can take advantage of the electronic tolltag to use the lane reserved for toll booths. In the height of summer, and with the start of the summer vacations, you'll be able to get on and off the freeways faster and more smoothly. The electronic toll tag is designed for all travelers, both frequent and occasional. What's more, you only pay for the badge when you pass a toll, even if it's only once a year. Bills arrive the following month, and that's one less thing to worry about when you go on vacation! Ulys also offers a single badge system for tolls and access to certain parking lots and electric rechargers. Handy when parking or recharging your electric car in towns like Vichy or Clermont-Ferrand. Note that you can subscribe to Ulys directly online, and receive your electronic toll tag at home.
People who travel to Auvergne by car - the best way to get around the region easily - should also think about having their vehicle serviced. Checking engine oil, windscreen washer, brake, transmission and cooling fluid levels is essential to ensure a safe journey. You should also check tire pressure, lights and wiper blades. And if you're in any doubt about a component, a trip to the garage is a must.
A well-equipped trip to discover the Auvergne
The Auvergne is a great place for hiking. Numerous trails allow you to enjoy the natural splendors of the Puy de Dôme and the Puy de Sancy. Walking in Auvergne means taking the time to contemplate a remarkable natural heritage, from the ancestral Cantalien massif to the young puys chain. You can also discover the Guéry plateau and picnic by its lake, explore the Chaudefour valley nature reserve, with its rare wealth of biodiversity, or find the best vantage point to photograph the Queuille meander. In short, there's no shortage of options for communing with nature.
You'll need good walking shoes, light cotton clothing to keep out the summer heat, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bag with snacks and a bottle of water. Even so, rain gear is always welcome. You're never safe from a thunder shower!
Hiking is one of the best ways to discover the Auvergne countryside. But the region also boasts a remarkable heritage. Take a stroll through Clermont-Ferrand, the medieval town of Salers or Le Puy-en-Velay. And what about the Château de Cordès, a sublime 15th-century edifice?
Visit the thermal springs in Vichy, enjoy volcano-themed attractions at Vulcania, or immerse yourself in the life of wolves at the Gévaudan wolf park - the Auvergne offers something for everyone. And there's something for the whole family.
Arriving in Auvergne and staying in a B&B for a more authentic stay
The remains the preferred means of to conquer Auvergne's volcanic landscapes, verdant meadows and most beautiful villages. Take the A1 and A71 from Lille, the A85 and A71 from Nantes, the A71 from Paris, the A36 from Strasbourg or the A89 from Lyon and Bordeaux.
Once you're there, there 's nothing like spending a night in a B&B to enjoy the splendors of the Auvergne, whether you're staying with a partner or a family. These accommodations offer a more authentic setting, and are often located in typical local dwellings. What's more, you'll benefit from the hosts' expert advice when it comes to sightseeing. They are always full of good recommendations for seeing the must-sees and getting off the beaten track.
Services may include access to the garden, or even a swimming pool in summer. And let's not forget the possibility of a table d'hôtes, a great opportunity to savor local produce and other local recipes. Saint-nectaire, cantal, charcuterie, aligot, potée auvergnate, fresh tome brioche... auvergne is always a feast for the palate!
