📍 France

DÔME AND AUVERGNE: VOLCANIC PEAKS AND STONE SANCTUARIES

Black stone villages dot volcanic horizons. Lava fields, Romanesque domes, mountain silence. Auvergne's land hums quietly, fully customizable.

≈ 10
Days
205
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Clermont-Ferrand and its black lava cathedral, Orcival Romanesque church, La Bourboule spas, Saint-Nectaire cheese and church, Thiers cutlery. Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne volcanoes and Romanesque heritage.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Clermont Ferrand

basalt cathedral volcanic heart

Clermont Ferrand - Photo 1Clermont Ferrand - Photo 2Clermont Ferrand - Photo 3Clermont Ferrand - Photo 4Clermont Ferrand - Photo 5Clermont Ferrand - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Notre-Dame Cathedral (Volvic stone).
2
Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port (UNESCO).
🎯

Activities

→
Place de Jaude.
→
Bargoin Museum.
→
Michelin Adventure.
2
Day

Clermont Ferrand

basalt cathedral volcanic heart

Clermont Ferrand - Photo 1Clermont Ferrand - Photo 2Clermont Ferrand - Photo 3Clermont Ferrand - Photo 4Clermont Ferrand - Photo 5Clermont Ferrand - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Vulcania (volcanic park).
2
Puy de Dôme (panoramic train).
🎯

Activities

→
Temple of Mercury.
→
Puy de D.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27.8 km
Travel time: 56min
3
Day

Orcival

sanctuary shelters lava flanks

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

Discover

1
Notre-Dame Basilica (Auvergne Romanesque).
2
Fenestre Park.
🎯

Activities

→
Charlannes Cable Car.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17.7 km
Travel time: 35min
4
Day

La Bourboule

spa gardens pine mountain breath

La Bourboule - Photo 1La Bourboule - Photo 2La Bourboule - Photo 3La Bourboule - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Thermal spa and ski resort.
2
Capucin Funicular.
3
Lake Pavin (crater).
4
Saint-Nectaire Church (Auvergnat Romanesque).
+2 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Skiing (winter).
→
Sancy Hiking.
→
Puy de Sancy (highest point of the Massif Central).
+2 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22.2 km
Travel time: 44min
5
Day

Besse Et Saint Anastaise

winter snow summer pasture

Besse Et Saint Anastaise - Photo 1Besse Et Saint Anastaise - Photo 2Besse Et Saint Anastaise - Photo 3Besse Et Saint Anastaise - Photo 4Besse Et Saint Anastaise - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Richard-de-Bas Mill (paper).
2
Saint-Jean Church.
3
Circular town hall.
4
Medieval cutlery city.
🎯

Activities

→
Volcanic hiking.
→
Saint-Nectaire cheese (farms).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12.2 km
Travel time: 24min
6
Day

Saint Nectaire

church dome cheese valley

Saint Nectaire - Photo 1Saint Nectaire - Photo 2Saint Nectaire - Photo 3Saint Nectaire - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Cutlery Museum.
2
Valley of the Factories.
3
Cornadore Caves.
🎯

Activities

→
Saint-Nectaire House.
→
Romanesque art center.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 26.5 km
Travel time: 53min
7
Day

Issoire

romanesque marvel stone centuries

Issoire - Photo 1Issoire - Photo 2Issoire - Photo 3Issoire - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Austremoine Abbey Church (polychrome Romanesque).
2
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Banks of the Allier.
→
Fourme d'Ambert (cheese dairies).
→
Livradois Valleys.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 49.9 km
Travel time: 1h40
8
Day

Ambert

paper mills ancient craft

Ambert - Photo 1Ambert - Photo 2Ambert - Photo 3Ambert - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Richard-de-Bas Mill (paper).
2
Saint-Jean Church.
3
Circular town hall.
🎯

Activities

→
Artisan workshops.
→
Creux de l'Enfer (contemporary art).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 48.4 km
Travel time: 1h37
9
Day

Thiers

knife blades metalwork echo

Thiers - Photo 1Thiers - Photo 2Thiers - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval cutlery city.
2
Cutlery Museum.
3
Valley of the Factories.
🎯

Activities

→
Artisan workshops.
→
Creux de l'Enfer (contemporary art).

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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 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.