Holiday rentals Auvergne

Three iconic places to discover in Auvergne

Auvergne is home to a wealth of exceptional sites that embody the geological and historical richness of the Massif Central. These three standout destinations reveal landscapes shaped by volcanoes and architectural heritage spanning several centuries. A holiday in a holiday let allows you to explore them at your own pace, alternating between hikes and heritage visits.

1. Puy de Dôme

This iconic volcano rises to 1,465 metres and dominates the skyline from the north of Auvergne. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Chaîne des Puys, it offers much more than just a climb: at the summit, the remains of the Gallo-Roman Temple of Mercury serve as a reminder of the site’s spiritual significance in antiquity. Once at the summit, the 360° panorama takes in the entire volcanic massif, the distant mountain ranges and, on a clear day, as far as the Alps. Families appreciate the easy access and the variety of walking trails that wind around the dome.

2. Château d’Anjony

Standing in Tournemire in the Cantal, this 15th-century fortified castle epitomises the grandeur of French medieval architecture. Built by Louis II d’Anjony, the building retains its imposing curtain walls and remarkable integrity after five centuries. The interior features high-quality 16th-century frescoes depicting the Knights of Valour and episodes from the life of Christ. To visit Anjony is to step into the intimate world of a stately home where the stone tells the story of its lords’ ambitions and daily life.

3. Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral, Le Puy-en-Velay

In Le Puy-en-Velay, the cathedral overlooks the town from a volcanic neck, an 11th-century sanctuary listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Romanesque architecture is recognisable by its eastern domes and majestic proportions. The site exudes a spiritual aura: it is here that one of the oldest pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela begins. Pilgrims, both past and present, pass through its gates, steeped in a history stretching back a thousand years, whilst visitors discover Auvergne Romanesque art in all its splendour.

These three places embody the essence of Auvergne: volcanoes shaping the landscape, castles evoking feudal dynasties, and cathedrals keeping the faith of centuries past alive. A stay in a holiday rental allows you to incorporate them into a personalised itinerary, tailored to your own preferences.

The ideal season for booking a holiday rental in Auvergne

Each season transforms the landscapes of Auvergne and reshapes the holiday experience. The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for: high-altitude hikes, the gentle beauty of the valleys, the tranquillity of the villages or winter sports.

Spring. The Auvergne winters give way to an explosion of colour. The meadows are carpeted with wildflowers, the forests burst into leaf, and the peaks of Auvergne’s volcanoes rise against a consistently blue sky. Temperatures remain cool at higher altitudes, but pleasant in the valley floors. It’s the ideal time for walkers seeking snow-free trails and crystal-clear light. Holiday rentals welcome families looking for accessible nature and lively villages.

Summer. This is the peak tourist season. The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising (without becoming excessive), and the volcanic lakes are perfect for a swim. The mountain roads are fully open, the terraces of the small villages become the heart of local life, and orchids bloom along the paths. Holiday rentals fill up with holidaymakers who combine hiking, canoeing on the rivers and relaxation at the regional thermal springs. The nights remain cool, making for a pleasant night’s sleep in the mountains.

Autumn. The forests are decked out in gold and crimson. The short school holidays in October bring families back, whilst September offers a special kind of tranquillity. The weather generally remains stable, temperatures are mild, and tourist sites are less crowded than in summer. It’s harvest season: local markets are brimming with mushrooms, autumn fruit and farm produce. Holiday rentals welcome couples or groups of friends who enjoy long walks away from the crowds.

Winter. At higher altitudes, snow blankets the landscape and resorts offer downhill and cross-country skiing. Down in the valleys, winters remain mild and grey, ideal for exploring historic villages and indoor attractions. Holiday rentals become cosy retreats where you can spend time with your family. The festive season transforms the small towns into authentic Christmas markets.

Holiday rentals in Auvergne are perfect for any time of year. You can choose the time that suits your preferences: active adventure, contemplative relaxation or seasonal immersion.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Auvergne

Auvergne is the perfect playground for nature lovers and foodies. With its volcanoes, rivers and cheese-making traditions, every holiday in a holiday let becomes an opportunity to explore the treasures that make the region so unique. Here are three unmissable experiences that are a highlight of any holiday in Auvergne.

1. Hiking on the Chaîne des Puys

The Chaîne des Puys is a range of rugged volcanoes that dominates the Auvergne landscape. Its hiking trails offer exceptional panoramic views of the plateaus and ridges. From short walks to more challenging treks, there’s something for everyone to explore this volcanic terrain, shaped by millennia of geological history.

Address: Chaîne des Puys, 63870 Orcines.

2. Canoeing and kayaking in the Truyère Gorges

The Truyère Gorges cut their way through a wild and unspoilt landscape. From a canoe or kayak, you’ll paddle alongside schist cliffs, pass under suspension bridges and discover picturesque villages clinging to the cliff faces. This descent is suitable for families as well as more experienced paddlers, depending on the sections chosen.

Address: Truyère Gorges, 15260 Garabit.

3. Tour of the maturing cellars for AOP Cantal cheese

In the heart of the Salers region, the maturing cellars preserve Cantal cheese under strict temperature and humidity conditions. Local producers open their doors to reveal the secrets behind the production of this pressed cheese, from milking right through to the wheels maturing in natural cellars. The tour usually concludes with a sensory immersion in the expertise of Auvergne’s farmers, followed by a tasting.

Address: Salers area, 15140 Salers.

Our travellers’ favourite facilities when booking a holiday rental in Auvergne

The comfort of a holiday rental depends as much on its facilities as on its location. In Auvergne, where holidays combine rural relaxation with exploring varied landscapes, travellers look for well-equipped accommodation to make the most of their free time. Essential facilities transform a simple place to stay into a proper holiday base, suitable for all types of holiday and all budgets.

• Efficient heating: essential in the Auvergne mountains, particularly during the shoulder seasons and winter.
• Fully equipped kitchen: allows you to prepare your own meals and sample local produce at your leisure.
• Wi-Fi access: essential for staying connected or for occasional remote working.
• Washing machine: handy for long stays with family or friends.
• Terrace or garden: an outdoor space to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
• Private parking: makes it easier to get around and explore the surrounding valleys and villages.
• Bed linen and towels provided: saves time and simplifies your preparations.
• Sitting area with television: a space to relax in the evenings, particularly in bad weather.
• Play area or garden furniture: popular with families, allowing everyone to do their own thing.

Choosing a holiday rental in Auvergne means striking a balance between authenticity and modern comfort. The best accommodation offers a range of facilities tailored to the number of guests and the season of your stay, ensuring every traveller enjoys the comfort they expect on holiday.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in Auvergne?

Prices for holiday rentals in Auvergne vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between 400 and 700 euros a week in the low season, and between 600 and 1,000 euros in the high season. A family property with three to four rooms tends to cost between 700 and 1,200 euros outside the summer season, and between 1,100 and 1,800 euros during the summer. More spacious or upmarket properties, featuring leisure facilities (private swimming pool, panoramic terrace), start at 1,500 euros per week as a baseline, and often exceed 2,000 euros in July and August.

Several factors influence these price ranges. Location plays a key role: a holiday let near the lakes or in the heart of a tourist resort costs more than a holiday cottage in a rural area. The length of stay also affects the price: weekly rentals benefit from lower rates per night compared to nightly rates. Access to amenities (nearby shops, unobstructed views, proximity to activities) also accounts for significant price differences.

Auvergne experiences two peak tourist seasons: summer (July–August) and the winter school holidays. Prices rise significantly during these periods. To find the best value for money, compare several listings for the same time periods, read reviews from previous guests, and book a few weeks before you set off, particularly during the low and mid seasons.