The camp-site is situated within two Nature Reserves, namely the "Park des Vulcan's d'Auvergne" and the "Park Natural Regional Livradois Forest". The "Park des Vulcans", is the most famous due to the "Puy de Dome" known for the Tour de France. In this unique area with its almost 80 volcanoes, you will see craters, brooks, lakes, rivers and splendid views, Romanesque villages and many castles. This area is unique and you can take a lot of beautiful walks (± 600 miles of walks). It really is an Eldora do for the lovers of nature.

Most of the activities are situated near the camp-site. Within 50 meters from the camp-site you will find a big playground for little children, two tennis-courts, a jeu-de-boule lane and a paddling-pool for children. A little bit further at a range of 500 meters from the camp-site, you will find a fishing-lake. There is also the possibility of canoeing as well as hang-gliding and parachute-jumping. At the camp-site itself you will find a play-ground, a swimming-pool and ping-pong tables. We also often arrange activities ourselves for our guests.

We can provide you with information about the surroundings of the camp-site. Therefore we have already created several nice trips by car or on foot for you. As you see this can be the beginning of an unforgettable holiday. We see it as our duty to make you feel comfortable during your holiday.

You would be forgiven for thinking that the Auvergne region of France is tucked away in a corner of the country, quietly going about its business. But, quite the opposite is true. In fact it is hard to miss, right there in the middle of the country, a region which many British holiday makers will have travelled through on their way to the south coast without even realising it.

So, why go there? The answer is obvious. The Auvergne is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of France with a great variety of landscapes, demonstrated by the contrast between the dramatic volcanic uplands of the Puy de Dome and Cantal departments and the vast plains of the Allier river in the north.

High or Low Season - it's Still a Great Place to Discover   by Mary Smith

The Auvergne is home to the 'Monts Dome', a range of mountains located to the south west of Clermont Ferrand, made up of over 80 volcanoes which became extinct less than 4000 years ago. This stunning terrain has several high peaks (known as Puys) with the imposing Puy de Dome overlooking Clermont Ferrand reaching 1465m and the Puy de Sancy an impressive 1886m, the highest peak in France outside of the Alps and Pyrenees.
Most visitors enjoy the region in the high summer and winter (for skiing) but the area really does offer something for the tourist all year round.

Spring
Ahh... the melting snows slowly uncloak the landscape from its winter hibernation and the trees and fields begin to regain their healthier colours. The myriad of colours displayed as the trees blossom adds to the feeling of re-generation. Life is breathed back into the countryside and the terrain becomes a sea of green once more, enhancing the many panoramic views which greet you, seemingly at every turn.

This season is excellent for walking. From the casual ramble to the more serious hike the area provides a multitude of choice along the many marked tracks and paths. The weather is pleasant and generally warm although do not discount the possibility of the occasional thunderstorm on the higher ground where you may also find the last pockets of snow clinging to the hillsides. Cyclists are also well catered for. The variety of terrain, from the high mountain passes to the gentler plains of the Limagne offers a good choice for the road cyclist. For the off roader the choice of trails and tracks to traverse is plentiful and suitable for all standards of cyclist.

Summer
This is obviously the most popular season with holidaymakers and as such is the busiest time of the year. Despite the increased numbers it is still easy to get about, although parking at some of the more popular sites can be more difficult - but you must have a car.

With the summer foliage in full bloom the area plays host to a variety of tourists, not only the enthusiastic rambler or cyclist but also lovers of many other outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hang gliding, horse riding, fishing...the list is seemingly endless. Of course these activities are not limited to the summer alone and many outdoor pursuit enthusiasts prefer to visit in the spring or autumn when the climate is more suited to their sport, it is less crowded and the scenery is none the less stunning.

The camp sites in the region are all well equipped. The lack of a coastline is no barrier to sunbathing on a beach or swimming in the open air as many of the Auvergne lakes have beaches and swimming zones, all of which are patrolled by lifeguards. Apart from camp sites there is of course a good choice of hotels and rental accommodation to choose from. The value for money offered by much of the accommodation compared to many other areas of France is an important consideration, particularly in the current economic climate.

Autumn
There is no shortage of trees in the Auvergne. The Domainal Forest of Troncais in the Allier, covers over 27,000 acres and is the largest oak forest in Europe. But even this is dwarfed by the vast 'La Chataigneraie' area of the Cantal which boasts over 500,000 acres of chestnut trees. As you would expect, the abundance of deciduous trees makes the Auvergne a great place to experience the autumn leaf displays. You will know, of course, the rich diversity of colours which this season can display and the region is perfect to experience such arboreal beauty at this time of year. The climate is generally milder than the UK making conditions ideal for travelling by car, foot or bike to view this wonderful spectacle.

Winter
To the average ski enthusiast the Auvergne is not an area associated with skiing. However, although not anywhere near as vast as the Alps, the area does have three decent sized ski resorts with some very good facilities.

The two main classified ski-centres of Superbesse and Le Mont Dore are located on the south and north side of the Puy du Sancy respectively and are linked to form an overall ski terrain of 85km. In December 2008 a new cable car opened in Superbesse improving access to the summit; the Puy de la Perdix (1850m). The other major ski centre is Le Liorian in the Cantal which offers 40 downhill runs and several kilometres of cross country ski trails.

In total the 'Grands Espaces d'Auvergne' ski region offers over 200km of downhill pistes and 900km of cross country trails. If you are new to skiing then the Auvergne resorts are an ideal place to learn with ski schools in each of the main resorts.

The Auvergne, a place for all seasons with a surprising variety of landscape and activities in one place. Why not give it a try?