Last summer, I explored the Parc naturel régional des volcans d’Auvergne with my brother and my best friend for a 100% outdoor and active trip. From the very first kilometres, the tone is set: soft yet powerful reliefs, shifting light across the ridgelines, and a lasting sense of open space.
Cantal reveals itself as a destination rooted in the great outdoors—accessible, yet preserved. It’s easy to move between Aurillac, Murat, Salers and Saint-Flour, crossing deep valleys and wide plateaus along the way. Here, the volcanoes are long extinct, but their presence shapes every landscape.
What stands out immediately is the diversity. Within a few hours, you move from cool forest undergrowth to open ridgelines, then to volcanic lakes nestled in natural hollows. This constant change of scenery gives rhythm to the journey and invites you to slow down and observe
Active experiences between biking, hiking and gastronomy
Our main goal was simple: make the most of outdoor activities. We started by testing downhill mountain biking trails in Super-Besse. The routes are well designed—technical but accessible—and offer wide views over the surrounding volcanoes.
Around the Sancy massif, enduro circuits combine steady climbs with more committed descents. Electric mountain biking makes perfect sense here, allowing you to explore further while still enjoying the physical effort.
But Cantal is not just about biking. Hiking is a natural fit. The ascent of Puy Mary, though busy in summer, remains a highlight. The path is well laid out, and the 360-degree views over the volcanic landscape fully justify the effort. For more tranquillity, it’s easy to head towards quieter ridgelines nearby.
Breaks are an essential part of the experience. In a buron or a village inn, local cuisine takes centre stage. Aligot with its long, silky texture, golden truffade, and cheeses such as Salers, Bleu d’Auvergne and aged Cantal pair naturally with active days outdoors
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Local encounters and a strong sense of place
Beyond the landscapes, it is the encounters that give depth to the journey. In villages like Salers or Murat, volcanic stone architecture reflects a long and coherent history. Locals readily share their connection to the region.
At local markets, conversations unfold with cheese producers, farmers and artisans. Exchanges are simple, grounded and direct, offering insight into the close relationship between agriculture and the landscape.
Burons—former shepherd shelters now repurposed—illustrate this continuity between tradition and adaptation. They offer a glimpse into a way of life shaped by altitude, seasons and livestock farming.
At night, far from urban light pollution, the sky becomes part of the experience. Watching the Perseids in the heart of the volcanoes reinforces the feeling of disconnection. Silence is almost complete, broken only by the wind or distant natural sounds.
A destination aligned with a slow travel approach
Cantal and the Auvergne volcanoes naturally align with a slow travel philosophy. Distances are manageable, roads are quiet, and every journey becomes part of the experience.
You take time to stop in a village, walk without a fixed goal, or extend a meal. Activities adapt easily to the rhythm of the group, whether travelling with friends or family.
The region also lends itself to softer experiences: thermal spa moments, swimming in volcanic lakes, or simple forest walks. This variety allows for a well-balanced stay, combining effort and recovery.
Local anchoring is strong. Accommodation is often small-scale, encouraging genuine exchanges. Most products consumed come from nearby. This coherence enhances the feeling of immersion.
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A destination to bring back into focus
This experience in Cantal and the Auvergne volcanoes confirmed one thing: this region fully deserves its place in active travel itineraries in France. It combines accessibility, diverse landscapes and a strong cultural identity.
Whether to try new outdoor activities, reconnect with friends, or share time as a family, the region offers a reliable and inspiring setting. Away from large crowds, yet never isolated, it allows for more meaningful travel.
What remains is a lasting impression: a living territory, consistent and deeply rooted in its landscapes. A destination I clearly want to bring back into focus in our itineraries, to design stays in the great outdoors that are balanced, immersive and grounded
