

West of Clermont-Ferrand, the vast Volcanoes of Auvergne Natural Regional Park is Europe’s largest volcanic park, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride through ancient volcanic landscapes. Go canoeing or take a boat cruise around the crater lake, Lac Pavin, hike across the Massif du Sancy or the Monts du Cantal, then check into a campground or glamping spot around villages like Aydat, La Bourboule, and Saint-Nectaire.
East of Clermont-Ferrand, the sweeping moorlands and forested peaks of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park stretch across the Puy-de-Dôme, Haute-Loire, and Loire departments. Escape to a tranquil rural Hipcamp or rent a cozy chalet in the hills and discover scenic hiking trails, beginner-friendly ski resorts, and glittering mountain lakes.
Clermont-Ferrand sits at the heart of one of France’s most unique and underexplored wine regions, the Côtes d'Auvergne. Around 50 wineries dot the hillside within an hour’s drive of the centre-ville, where you can learn about the area’s unique volcanic terroir; sample red, white, and rosé wines; and camp with a view of the vineyards.
Summer is peak season in Clermont-Ferrand, and the small town fills up with tourists through July and August. For hiking and outdoor activities, the shoulder months of May to June or September provide the perfect compromise of good weather and fewer crowds. As in the rest of France, most campgrounds open from April through October only. However, you’ll still find a few campsites and Hipcamps that welcome campers year-round, and you might even benefit from special offers out-of-season.