Volcanoes of the Auvergne Walking Holiday

Wooded hills and lunar lakes

The dramatic landscape is full of contrasts: barren yet lush, rolling yet rocky. You’ll be walking on a whole range of surfaces, from narrow woodland tracks to country lanes. We grade this walk as moderate.

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Walking Holiday
Moderate Grade
6 nights
6 days
Half-Board

Guide Price

£819

Prices per person (based on two sharing).

Holiday Summary
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Volcanoes of the Auvergne Walking Holiday

Auvergne, the Cevennes and the Alps

Route Map

Rail Travel

Outward: Depart St Pancras International station, change stations in Paris and trains at Clermont Ferrand, arrive Le Mont Dore station early evening. The hotel is close to the station.

Return: Depart le Mont Dore station, change trains at Clermont Ferrand and stations in Paris, arrive St Pancras International station late evening.

Day 1 Arrival Le Mont Dore
- The Romans discovered the springs in the 2nd century and the baths they built are still here today. The waters are famed in France for their apparent healing properties.The 2-star Hôtel Le Castelet has an art-deco theme, with a good restaurant and an indoor pool.
Day 2 Le Mont Dore to Murol - 12 miles (19.2km)
- Your walk starts with a steep climb, rewarded with views across the plains. You’ll wander up hillsides, through lush pine forests, past tumbling waterfalls, over the open slopes that form winter ski runs, down into the large open and green valley, home to Lac Chambon, and on to Murol. The pleasant and traditional 2-star Hôtel de Paris, which has been run by the Planeix family for decades, is right in the centre.
Day 3 Murol to Sauteyras - 10 miles (16km)
- An easy walk today, past ancient stone menhirs and tiny picturesque villages, switching between quiet country roads and remote farm tracks. Your hotel tonight is the modern Hôtel des Cygnes, with splendid views across Lac d’Aydat.
Day 4 Sauteyras to Orcival - 8-13 miles (12.8-20.8km)
- You have two choices today, with the longer route actually passing through the now extinct volcano cones. The countryside is extremely attractive and very peaceful. When you reach your destination you’re sure of a friendly welcome from Mme Bontemps at Hôtel Notre-Dame, in the shadow of the beautiful Basilica.
Day 5 Day trip from Orcival - 12 miles (19.2km)
- Orcival is worth exploring before leaving on today’s gentle walk. You’ll see that this whole town is built around the Basilica, and forms a real focal point, both spiritually and physically. The walk is a true blend of rural France, dotted with old farmsteads, fertile fields and intriguing hamlets.
Day 6 Orcival to Le Mont Dore - 12 miles (19.2km)
- There are points in this homeward leg that are quite remote and utterly beautiful. There are several short steep climbs and you pass many lakes, so swimming may help cool you off. You spend your final evening back in the lovely spa town of Le Mont Dore.

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Volcanoes of the Auvergne Location & Route

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Hotels you will be staying at:

Volcanoes of the Auvergne View Hotels & Cuisine

Hotel - Le Castelet - Le Mont Dore
- This is a friendly, intimate hotel situated just outside the town centre of Mont Dore. This small resort has flavours both of the old-time elegance of a spa town and also the zest of a ski resort, as it nestles far below the high pastures which surround this pretty valley.
  
  Hotel Facilities
  - Easy walk into the town centre.
  - Year-round covered pool.
  - Attractive dining room.
  - Friendly, intimate atmosphere.
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Hotel - Hotel De Paris - Murol
- This hotel is an absolute gem a step back in time to an era when hospitality was simple, embracing and heartfelt. You feel wholly welcomed by the two ladies who usher you to a seat, offering English tea in the sleepy heart of the Auvergne. The outside of the hotel could not look more quintessentially French.
  
  Hotel Facilities
  - Beautiful scenery on the doorstep, including Murol castle.
  - In the centre of Murol for pleasant strolls.
  - Specialises in authentic Auvergne cuisine.
  - You will receive a genuine and warm welcome.
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Hotel - Les Cygnes - Sauteyras
- This is a small but modern hotel above a friendly bar and restaurant in the heart of the little lakeside resort of Sauteyras. The hotel directly overlooks the large, peaceful Lac d´Ayat which sits in the dip formed by an old Volcano crater.
  
  Hotel Facilities
  - Centrally located in the small resort of Sauteyras.
  - Beautiful views across the lake.
  - Bright, fresh, modern rooms.
  - Very helpful young owners.
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Hotel - Hotel Notre-Dame
- Orcival is a very pretty, small village with an unusual number of hotels for its size, all attracted by the outstanding Romanesque Basilica in the centre of the village square. Hotel Notre Dame is a small, country hotel which stands proudly across the square from it, serving both the tourist and local communities with delicious food, refreshments and the open hospitality characteristic of this region.
  
  Hotel Facilities
  - Right opposite the village's famous Basilica.
  - Good, local cuisine.
  - Large, comfortable, traditional rooms.
  - Very warm hospitality.
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