Campervan hire in Auvergne

Campervan road trip among volcanoes, lakes and deep forests

They say Auvergne sits right in the middle of France’s “empty diagonal”. Which makes us wonder: what exactly do we mean by empty? If it refers to vast open spaces free from traffic jams and noise pollution, then yes, that’s pretty accurate. But according to our customers who’ve had the chance to hire a campervan in Auvergne, the region feels more like a full house.

Your road trip in Auvergne will probably begin near Clermont-Ferrand. Leave behind the impressive bell tower of the lava-stone cathedral Notre-Dame de l’Assomption. Head out of the city and straight into nature. Countryside or mountains? No need to choose — explore both. Thirty minutes are enough to find yourself in the heart of the great outdoors.

Puy Pariou, part of the Chaîne des Puys, is an excellent place to start. Fairly quiet even in high season, it offers unbeatable views of the legendary Puy de Dôme. Walks are endless here. Wander through the woods of Puy des Goules and reach Col de Ceyssat at sunrise or sunset, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne.

Continue south towards Mont-Dore. Time for your first easy hikes, under the tall fir trees, climbing wooden staircases and winding through forested valleys. In summer, the smell of mountain pastures fills the air. You’ll spot your first Salers cows, always happy to moo as your campervan hire in Auvergne drives past.

The higher you go, the more the shade disappears in favour of wind- or sun-swept ridges. If you like (reasonable) challenges — no need to be an ultra-trail champion — explore the Sancy massif. Two routes to the top:

• On foot, for those who enjoy a bit of effort
• By cable car, for a more relaxed ascent

Crossing the Chaudefour valley, drive to the village of Besse-et-Saint-Anastasie. Charming in summer, it becomes unmissable at Christmas time, during the winter sports season in Super-Besse, which is snowy enough to guarantee fun on the slopes.

Wherever your walks take you, take your time.
Scan the mountains with binoculars, looking for chamois or red kites. In summer, dip your feet in authorised streams. Thanks to your campervan hire in Auvergne, you can bivouac near one of the region’s 40 lakes or along the 25,000 km of rivers that weave through the valleys. Stop on a traditional farm to taste local cheeses. Fill your bottles at a village fountain or pick up fresh products at local markets. Even at the height of the school holidays, the region always offers you a corner of quiet away from the crowds.

When the temperature drops, it’s time to stop in a buron — a warm traditional mountain inn. Time to feast: melting Saint-Nectaire, endlessly stretchy aligot, vegetarian or meat-filled truffade, Puy lentils…

Head toward Cantal: grand panoramas & gourmet traditions
Around 100 km south of the Auvergne volcanoes, reach new heights. Welcome to the largest volcano in Europe, spanning over 2,700 km² — the perfect playground to put your campervan hire in Cantal to good use!

To discover depending on your mood:

• The summit of Puy Mary or Plomb du Cantal, for breathtaking views
• The Aubrac plateau, quieter but just as stunning
• Some of France’s most beautiful villages: Salers, Marcolès or Tournemire for an authentic break

The adventure doesn’t end there. From Auvergne, you’re only a few dozen kilometres from the Millevaches plateau in Limousin, with its moors, peat bogs and forests. Wherever you want to go, our WeVan experts can help you design your itinerary and choose the right vehicle. For a chilled getaway, a weekend with friends or a long family trip, we always have your back.