Page 158 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

156 BACK ROADS FRANCE

Volcanoes of the Auvergne 0 kilometres 10

Reminders of the Auvergne’s turbulent geological past are 0 miles 10
everywhere along this route, which travels north to south
through Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne.
Near the beginning and the end of the itinerary there are Pontaumur
spectacular ascents to the summits of Puy de Dôme and Puy
Mary. In between, the route climbs over several mountain
passes and runs past crags of solidified lava and glassy crater
lakes. The natural landscape is enlivened by medieval towns
and villages characterized by their castles and churches. Sauvagnat
When visitors stop for lunch, Cantal cheese, for which the
Herment
Auvergne is renowned, is sure to be on the menu.

Bourg-
Lastic
St-Sauves-
d'Auvergne
Messeix Dordogne

Tauves
La Tour-
Confolent- d'Auvergne
Port-Dieu
Bagnols

Veillac Lanobre
St-Julien-
Près-Bort Bort-les-
Orgues
Above Breathtaking view of the summit of Puy Mary, see p160 Below Dordogne
Rhue
right Doorway of the church in Salers, see p161 Below far right Fontaine Champagnac St-Amandin
d’Amboise in Clermont-Ferrand, see p158 Saignes
Bassignac Riom-ès-
Montagnes
ACTIVITIES
Trizac Apchon
Moussages
Put on tough boots and go hiking; there are CANTAL
well-marked trails at all levels of difficulty
Mauriac
Anglards- La Bade
Savour the renowned cheeses from the Cantal, de-Salers
and other parts of the Auvergne
Col de
Neronne
Explore the region’s heritage of exquisite
SALERS
Romanesque churches
St-Martin- Le Theil
Take a trial hang-gliding flight from the top Valmeroux PAS DE PEYROL
of a volcano Mandailles-
St-Julien
Go wild flower-spotting at high altitudes
St-Cernin Tournemire
Spend a day in Vulcania Theme Park and have fun
while learning about volcanoes