The Auvergne reveals castles, art museums, stunning natural beauty, and historical gems in Clermont, Vichy, and more.

AUVERGNE - EN

Basilique Notre-Dame appears to turn its back on the small village of 250 inhabitants in which it has stood since the 12th century. Could that be to showcase its most beautiful feature – the apse –, built in the purest Auvergnat Romanesque style?  The basilica stands on a site where pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin have always attracted crowds. Inside, its treasure, an enigmatic statue of Our Lady of Orcival, rises majestically behind the main altar. This “Mona Lisa of the Monts Dôme” has been the focus of a grand celebration on Ascension Thursday. Examine her smile… Inevitably enigmatic. 

A 35-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Clermont-Ferrand Centre Jaude. 

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Orcival

Set out for a telluric journey to the land of fire! Move through the depths of this volcano, which emerged just 30,000 years ago, at the heart of the Chaîne des Puys, listed with UNESCO since 2018. Lemptégy is one of the 80 volcanoes of the chain, and it is one of the most unique attractions in Auvergne. Until 2006, it was a mine for pozzolan, a type of volcanic residue used in road and construction work. You’ll go from suspended lava chimneys to magmatic formations in surprising shapes along the more than mile-long discovery circuit. For more information, please consult [auvergne-volcan.com](http://auvergne-volcan.com). 

Located 25 minutes from Hotel Mercure Clermont-Ferrand Centre Jaude. 

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Puy de Lemptégy

Lake Pavin abounds in legends. In the shape of a nearly perfect circle with a diameter of 2,625 ft, and located at 3,927 ft of altitude at the heart of the Monts Dore, it has a strange beauty that attracts some 200,000 hikers annually. You’ll understand why! Its icy emerald waters are stunningly still and smooth, bringing the place a special aura. The frigid lake has been a hotpot for legends since time immemorial. It is said that there is a sort of Atlantis under its surface that is home to two dragons and is indeed a hideout for the devil himself. Imagine that as you follow the path that circles it. 

A 25-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Saint-Nectaire. 

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Lake Pavin

The site of the memorable battle that Caesar recounted in his “Commentaries on the Gallic War” is worth a trip in itself. Not only for the wild beauty of this vast, verdant plateau where herds still graze, and where the panorama is absolutely breathtaking. The climb up from Clermont-Ferrand along the small Ceyrat road is quite spectacular. At the top, an enchanting walk awaits you, with the choice of several well-indicated itineraries. And don’t miss a tour of Musée archéologique de la bataille de Gergovie. For more information, please consult [musee-gergovie.fr](http://musee-gergovie.fr). 

A 30-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Clermont-Ferrand Centre Jaude.

 **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Musée de Gergovie

It’s hard to resist the former capital of Auvergne, where private mansions are carved into volcanic rock. While you’re here, don’t miss the incredible Musée Mandet. Two private mansions joined together are not too spacious to contain the surprisingly extensive collections of 16th- to 20th-century paintings and sculptures, as well as a profusion of decorative arts. Later, stop over at the Sainte-Chapelle. This chapel stands to one side of the courthouse. Like the Sainte-Chapelle of Paris, it is a masterpiece of the flamboyant Gothic style.

 For more information, please consult [musees-riom.com](http://musees-riom.com). 

A 20-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Clermont-Ferrand Centre Jaude. 

**©Istock by Gettyimages**

Musée Mandet

Nestled within the forest, Châtel-Guyon deserves a detour even more now that its historical center has just finished getting a facelift. This town of 6,000 inhabitants, modest in size, is surprisingly grandiose. Enjoy a walk that will draw you into the deliciously old-fashioned spirit of thermal springs. This resort was all the rage from 1850 to WWII, as demonstrated by its grandiloquent palaces and villas, not to mention its mosaic-adorned spa facilities. Located 25 minutes from Hotel Mercure Clermont-Ferrand Centre Jaude. 

**@CamilleVille63/Wikimedia Commons**