📍 France

AUTHENTIC AUVERGNE: MEDIEVAL VILLAGES AND VOLCANIC VALLEYS

Medieval villages crowning volcanic cliffs, lava towers piercing the sky, deep silence of valleys. Auvergne, anchored in stone.

≈ 8
Days
248
Km
7
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore volcanic Auvergne and its perched villages. Approach Arlempdes commanding the Loire, cross Pradelles and its isolated plateaus, discover Saint-Floret and its medieval heritage, then reach Salers and its black stone architecture.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Arlempdes

clifftop medieval fortress impossible

Arlempdes - Photo 1Arlempdes - Photo 2Arlempdes - Photo 3Arlempdes - Photo 4Arlempdes - Photo 5Arlempdes - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Fortified village clinging to a basaltic spur above the nascent Loire; remains of the county castle.
2
Romanesque church and successive viewpoints over the deep gorges.
3
Route through paved alleyways revealing low walls and lava stone houses.
🎯

Activities

→
Arlempdes gorges loop (3-4 km, balcony passages).
→
Volcanic landscape reading from the summit esplanade.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 19 km
Travel time: 25min
2
Day

Pradelles

mountain village eternal solitude

Pradelles - Photo 1Pradelles - Photo 2Pradelles - Photo 3Pradelles - Photo 4Pradelles - Photo 5Pradelles - Photo 6Pradelles - Photo 7Pradelles - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Former stronghold of the Régordane at over 1,000 m; gates, ramparts and notable residences.
2
Windy small squares and views over the Devès plateau and Lake Naussac.
3
Medieval layout with narrow alleyways and basalt staircases.
🎯

Activities

→
Heritage walk within the walls and tour of the ramparts (2–3 km).
→
Panoramic round trip to a viewpoint overlooking the Margeride.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 82 km
Travel time: 1h35
3
Day

Saint Floret

medieval stone craftsmanship heritage

Saint Floret - Photo 1Saint Floret - Photo 2Saint Floret - Photo 3Saint Floret - Photo 4Saint Floret - Photo 5Saint Floret - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Village perched on the gorges of the Couze Pavin; castle and medieval paintings.
2
Wash houses, old bridge and cliff-top paths above the river.
3
Mineral spring and surrounding archaeological remains.
🎯

Activities

→
Couze gorges trail (3–5 km, moderate elevation change).
→
Observation route of volcanic architecture and corbelling.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 18 km
Travel time: 28min
4
Day

Saint Saturnin

Saint Saturnin - Photo 1Saint Saturnin - Photo 2Saint Saturnin - Photo 3Saint Saturnin - Photo 4Saint Saturnin - Photo 5Saint Saturnin - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Labeled town at the foot of a feudal castle; remarkable Auvergne Romanesque church.
2
Cobbled streets, winegrowers' houses and old gates.
3
Terraced gardens with views over the Monne valley.
🎯

Activities

→
Heritage loop castle–church–suburbs (2–3 km).
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Hillside path towards a wine-growing belvedere nearby.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 97 km
Travel time: 1h45
5
Day

Murat

Murat - Photo 1Murat - Photo 2Murat - Photo 3Murat - Photo 4Murat - Photo 5Murat - Photo 6Murat - Photo 7Murat - Photo 8Murat - Photo 9Murat - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Basalt town at the foot of the Bredons and Bonnevie rocks; stone slab houses and radiating alleyways.
2
Saint-Pierre de Bredons church perched, panorama over the Alagnon valley.
3
Place du Balat and medieval facades.
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent to Bredons rock via paved path (2 km round trip).
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Urban route of portals, shops and mascarons.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 18 km
Travel time: 25min
6
Day

Tournemire

Tournemire - Photo 1Tournemire - Photo 2Tournemire - Photo 3Tournemire - Photo 4Tournemire - Photo 5Tournemire - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Schist and lava village dominated by Anjony castle; housing clustered on spur.
2
Sunken alleyways and small squares on terraces.
3
Panoramas over the Cantal mountains and bocage valleys.
🎯

Activities

→
Loop of the viewpoints above the Doire (3–4 km).
→
Survey of traditional buildings: stone slab roofing, andesite frameworks.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 14 km
Travel time: 22min
7
Day

Salers

highland village stone tradition

Salers - Photo 1Salers - Photo 2Salers - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Perched village with dark lava stone houses, ramparts and gates; central square lined with mansions.
2
Saint-Mathieu Church and sloping streets toward the suburbs.
3
High points on the puys and pastures of the High Plateau.
🎯

Activities

→
Salers hill loop (3–5 km) with views over the Maronne valley.
→
Heritage route within the walls and reading of turrets and watchtowers.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

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