Puy-de-Dome is a region rich in variety, combining mountains, lakes and forests, spas, medieval villages and fine chateaux.
To the west are the extinct volcanoes, the puys (volcanic peaks) of Monts Dore and Monts Dome, mountain country which offers wonderful opportunities for walking and climbing and riding. To the south east are Monts du Livradois and Monts du Forez, a wild and remote region, one of least populated areas of France. In between these extremes are the gentle valleys of the Allier and the Dore, a fertile land of orchards, vineyards and farms, called the Grand Limagne, limagne being the word for valley in the Auvergne.
CRDT Auvergne / David Frobert
The oldest geological mountain range in France and part of France's largest national park, the Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d'Auvergne and the Parc Livradois-Forez. Ideal for sports enthusiasts.
The Puy-de-Dome is also popular for Romanesque churches and medieval castles. The elegant spa town and Le Mont Dore adds yet another dimension.
The capital of the department and the region is Clermont-Ferrand, a lively dynamic university town, home to the Michelin tyre and guidebook corporation.
