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Do you want to visit the Auvergne region this weekend or this week? Le Puy-en-Velay, the Fortress of Polignac, Montpeyroux, the village of Besse… Discover in this article the itineraries for a stay in Auvergne.

1. Visit Puy-en-Velay

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The city of Puy-en-Velay is considered one of the most emblematic places in the region. If you have already explored Vézelay in Burgundy, you should know that Puy-en-Velay is much more impressive. When you contemplate it from a distance, the landscape is simply magnificent!

Indeed, one can observe the top of the cathedral Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation, the great statue of the Virgin Mary, as well as the great church Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe, rising towards the sky. Although it is a small town, it is still worth a visit.

2. Discover the Fortress of Polignac

The next destination is only a few kilometers from the city of Puy-en-Velay: the medieval fortress of Polignac. This one is located on a volcanic hillock of 700 m of altitude. Once up there, you can see the extent of the tower of the keep and the lands of the whole valley. It is simply sublime!

This fortress has existed and decorated the land for a very long time. As a result, most of its sections have almost disappeared. On the other hand, there are still vestiges that can be discovered. Indeed, their existence allows us to understand why this place was necessary at the time. Once you arrive at the place, you can have fun playing games of skill. Just to pass the dead time, as the 800 soldiers who guarded and protected this area once did.

3. Make a stop in the village of Montpeyroux

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If you take the road leading to Clermont-Ferrand, you will probably find a small village: Montpeyroux. This one is classified among France’s most famous and beautiful villages. This small village has a dungeon, offering a beautiful view of the whole region. Indeed, the bright colors of the doors and shutters, as well as the stones of the houses, will make you fall under its charm.

4. Visit the village of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

You won’t regret having passed through the village of Besse. Indeed, it is a small lively village where the atmosphere reigns. The color of the houses that you can see is simply attractive because they are made with stones of besse. These have a blue-mauve color, a bright hue. It is also ideal to buy groceries: cheeses, sausages, Auvergne ham, etc.

5. The volcano of Puy de Sancy

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Auvergne is famous for its volcanoes. One of them is the Puy de Sancy, located in the Monts Dore and has about 1885 m of altitude. To get to the top, you have to take a cable car. At the top, many activities are waiting for you, like hiking. Unlike other volcanoes, the Puy de Sancy is decorated with unique vegetation. Visiting the top of the Puy Sancy is simply magnificent!

6. Go to Salers

This small village is located in the south of the Cantal. It does not look like the ones we just mentioned. Indeed, this one is much more beautiful, even if you have to drive a few hours to get there. But the trip is really worth it!

Salers is a unique little village, thanks to its very strange architecture and its dark-colored volcanic stones. It’s like something out of a fairy tale because most houses look like witches’ houses. In other words, it is an obscure and attractive village.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about France‘s Auvergne region.

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