Villas in Ardeche and Auvergne, France

Auvergne holidays are all about exploring the unique geological landscape. For a close-up look at a volcanic cone, head to the educational Vulcania amusement park and feel the might of nature first-hand. Thermal spas have long been an integral part of Auvergne’s cultural tapestry, and you can bathe in the mineral-rich waters at the iconic Thermes des Dômes Spa in Vichy. History buffs will love visiting the imposing Château de Pesteils in the Cère Valley, as well as Puy Cathedral, which is a UNESCO site dating back to 400 AD.

During your stay in one of our villas in Auvergne, you can keep active with the wide range of outdoor activities on offer. Practice your paddling skills by canoeing down the Ardèche river or try canyoning to get your heart pumping! Take to the skies for an aerial view of the national parks on a paragliding adventure or hit the trail and discover the backcountry on a horseback riding tour. For something more relaxing, hiking in Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park is a fun and more laidback way to explore.

A highlight of all Auvergne holidays is the local cuisine. In restaurants across the region, you’ll be treated to everything from wild boar to fresh river trout, with specialities like breaded pig’s feet for adventurous gourmets. Meals are hearty, with plenty of pork-based stews served with Puy lentils and stuffed cabbage. Medieval Salars is a foodie hotspot, renowned for its legendary cheeses and melt-in-the-mouth beef. Make sure you leave room for the famous cheesy potatoes known as “truffade”.

Immerse yourself in the essence of Auvergne by strolling around the historic towns and villages. You’ll discover classical architecture and cobbled streets, with window box flowers adding a pop of colour to the fairytale scenes. Gothic cathedrals and Romanesque churches keep watch over the ancient quarters, while elegant riverside mansions stand proudly in the sun. Traditional restaurants and wine bars overlook sleepy squares, where canopied pavement cafés rub shoulders with boutique art galleries.

• Climb the Puy-de-Dôme - the region’s most famous volcanic lava dome - and enjoy the far-reaching views as well as the Roman Temple of Mercury that sits on the summit.

• Visit the beguiling city of Clermont-Ferrand for red-rooftop panoramas, where you’ll see a Gothic cathedral crafted entirely from black lava stone.

• Our villas in Auvergne offer easy access to spa towns like Vichy and La Bourboule so you can enjoy a hot spring pampering session after a busy day of sightseeing.

• Enjoy a day out in the charming town of Issoire where colourful architecture, a rich cultural heritage, and the pretty Saint-Austremoine Abbey Church will have you grabbing for the camera.

• Pop into the L’Aventure Michelin museum in Clermont-Ferrand to discover behind-the-scenes secrets about the iconic tyre brand that was born and bred here in Auvergne.