Camping Auvergne

Are you planning a camping trip in Auvergne? There are plenty of great ideas and tips for a stress-free vacation experience listed below. Auvergne's location in France is still relatively unknown to tourists, despite its abundance of wild nature charm, mountain tops, and dormant volcanoes. There is also a vibrant urban scene where you can eat delicious food, shop for local specialities, immerse yourself in culture, and have fun at various attractions.

Auvergne is a former administrative region in central France, comprising the four departments of Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal and Haute-Loire. 

The Auvergne region was named after the Arverni, a powerful Gallic tribe. It was made up of the Gabali, the Vellavi, and the Cadurci, and it ruled over the Languedoc and Aquitaine regions.

1.Puy-en-Velay

Strange volcanic peaks emerge in Puy-en-Velay, one topped by a massive statue of Notre-Dame-de-France, the other by a Romanesque chapel: Saint-Michel d'Anguilhe. Since the Middle Ages, this beautiful town of art and history has served as the starting point for one of the major pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.

2. Panoramic peaks

As a starting point, board the Panoramique des Dômes, an electric cog train that takes you in 15 minutes to the summit of Puy-du-Dôme. At 1,465 metres, the most emblematic of Auvergne's volcanoes offer a breathtaking panorama across the Chaîne des Puys: 80 UNESCO-classified extinct volcanoes.

Among the tours and excursions available in the region, some of the more unusual ones include multi-day drives around volcanoes or spa towns in a classic French car. This allows for a more authentic French experience as well as an exploration of the region.

The Auvergne cuisine is strongly intertwined with its agricultural traditions. Auvergne cuisine is rich and hearty, with ingredients such as pork, potatoes, and cheese. Potée auvergnate, a type of pot-au-feu with cabbage, potatoes, bacon, beans, and turnips, is the most well-known dish. Chou farci is stuffed cabbage with beef and pork. L'aligot, puréed potatoes mixed with cheese, is also filling.

Restaurant Bar Du Plan D Eau, located in Cournon-d'Auvergne, is one of the best restaurants in the area. They serve traditional French fare. Le Buron du Col de la Croix Morand in Chambon-sur-Lac is a simple restaurant that's worth a visit if you're hiking or biking through the area.

The Still Irish Bar in Clermont-Ferrand is one of the area's more notable bars, serving a variety of international beers and whiskeys as well as snacks.

Nothing allows familiarising with the local scene as well as visiting markets. Here are some suggested places. Provencal market in Nyons, Marche Alimentaire St Antoine Celestins in Lyon, Les Puces du canal in Villeurbanne, Halle Sainte-Claire in Grenoble or Marche du Samedi in Chambéry.

At a higher altitude, shopping does not become any less interesting, and here are some unique shops to discover. Chocolats Zugmeyer military and regular chocolates are available from this master chocolatier. Le Beaufort des Montagnes - Don't leave without stocking up on some of the delightful items in this shop, which includes unusual artisan cheeses, delicious noix de porce, and obscure Alpine liqueurs. Les Caves de la Chartreuse provide two services at the same time: a tour of the cellars and an on-site shop selling drinks made by the monks. La Forge des Halles is a true eclectic wonderland, a fantastic mishmash of vintage bits and bobs. Set in an old blacksmith's shop (the forge is still in the back), the store specialises in repurposed and upcycled items from a diverse range of creative creators and makers. Grenoble's old town streets are teeming with shops selling regional goods, specialities, and high-end fashion.

Parking lots with the prices listed should be available in each city. Another great option is to leave your vehicle or camping-car at the campsite where you're staying and explore by other means.

1. International short film festival

The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival is the world's largest event dedicated to short films. Animated masterpieces, documentaries, comedies, contemporary realities, genre films, or final projects from the world's best schools will transport you to a world where only young film creations hold the key.

2. Video and digital art festival

"Videoformes," an international event showcasing video art and new media, is an opportunity to discover digital art in all of its forms: multimedia installations, videos, performance art, and so on. "Videoformes" has established itself as the premier French event for international contemporary art over the last two decades.

3. Europavox

Europavox, a music festival focusing on the diversity of European creation, provides an overview of Europe's best music scene every year.

Festival-goers, music professionals, and journalists from all over Europe will congregate in Clermont-Ferrand for four days of discoveries, meetings, and exchanges.

4. Contre-Plongées

Circus, dance, street theatre, film screenings, concerts, lectures, and other events are planned. Contre-Plongées is an important part of Clermont's cultural landscape, engulfing the city each summer with a diverse and high-quality programme of events.

5. International Engraving Competition

The International Engraving Competition of Small-Format Prints in Chamalières brings together hundreds of contemporary and traditional engravers from all over the world. Come meet them at engraving demonstrations, conferences, and other events.

Many campsites in Auvergne are located near a lake, allowing campers to enjoy wild swimming and fishing. Farm camping, also known as agritourism, is available in this region and elevates camping to a whole new level. Camping in Auvergne should be enjoyed by friends or families, including dogs because campsites are pet-friendly.

RV camping sites in Auvergne are frequently located near lakes, on flat terrain, and on spacious plots that can be sunny or shaded. Other facilities and amenities may be nearby, and pitches are typically equipped with electricity, water, and wastewater connections, as well as WiFi.

Glamping campsites in Auvergne are well-equipped and provide the luxury of camping without negatively impacting the environment. These campsite lodges provide for your basic needs and allow you to enjoy your camping experience in comfort.

Auvergne holiday parks are 4-star and 5-star campsites that are fully equipped and have water parks with swimming pools and slides for your children. Adults will enjoy relaxing in the sun or participating in sports activities, while children will be kept entertained with entertainment programmes and workshops. Aside from the basic necessities, holiday parks can provide a complete package for the most convenient vacation in Auvergne.