Characterised by its forested extinct volcanoes, medieval fortified castles, winding rivers and delicious regional produce, the Auvergne is an excellent choice for an active French holiday. With accommodation options ranging from simple B&Bs to indulgent restored châteaux, there’s something in the area for everyone. Peruse our list of the best places to stay in Auvergne as you start planning your trip!

The dramatic landscapes of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park, near the Cantal, are brilliant for keen hikers, horse riders, mountain bikers and kayakers. Clamber up extinct volcanoes to marvel at panoramic views, trek to waterfalls and gaze up at towering gorges from crystal-clear rivers. Long walks along the Allier or Loire Rivers also come highly recommended, as do explorations of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, part of the Haute-Loire area.

Culture aficionados will find craggy castles studding the landscape, as well as beautiful heritage towns, such as Vichy, Salers or the thermal spa community of Bourbon-l’Archambault. Thriving Clermont-Ferrand is the region’s main hub, and offers terrific museums, galleries, shops and eateries. The farmers’ markets showcase moreish cheeses, bread, fresh vegetables and wine, whilst some of the best places to stay in Auvergne boast top-notch restaurants for memorable, food-focused evenings with friends and family.

The Best Places to Stay in Auvergne

FOR An Intimate STAY

• 5 Chambres en Ville is a small B&B with five cosy guestrooms in Clermont-Ferrand. Feast on homemade pastries in the morning, before heading out to explore the city on foot. Affordable and well-located.
• La Tour Grégoire has four large guestrooms in Clermont-Ferrand's historic centre, close to restaurants and key attractions. A good-value choice for couples, solo travellers and those looking for somewhere characterful to stay whilst on business.
• Manoir de la Manantie features five characterful guestrooms in a historic manor house, 30 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. A restful rural choice for independent travellers or couples, this is a charming B&B with tranquil gardens, pétanque and billiards.

FOR ART DECO STYLE

• Hôtel Radio is a chic, 1930s-style hotel in Clermont-Ferrand's Chamalière district. Inspired by the advent of the radio, the hotel features wave patterns, beautiful wrought-iron decoration and a smart restaurant. A quirky, design-led hotel for couples or fans of Art Deco.

FOR FAMILIES OR GROUPS

• Villa Pradelle in central Clemont-Ferrand is ideal for families or friends travelling together. Book one or more rooms in this modern guesthouse and share access to the swimming pool and trendy bar. Breakfasts are served each morning, and the apartments also have their own kitchens. The family suite has space for four guests. Slick, contemporary and well-located.
• Château d'Ygrande is both a wonderful rural escape and a fantastic choice for families. Inviting guestrooms have space for extra beds, and there are 40 hectares of gournds to explore, including a swimming pool, fishing lake and equestrian centre with a pony club for little ones. Go canoeing and cycling, or kick back in the billiards room. For active families.
• Auberge de Concasty offers a collection of comfortable rooms in a stone farmhouse as well as multi-bedroom gîtes for families or groups. Guests share access to the swimming pool, gardens, billiards room and spa. Lovely.
• Grand Hôtel Montespan-Talleyrand offers simple rooms, studios and apartments for couples, friends and families. There's a swimming pool, garden, library and games room as well as an inviting restaurant. Spa treatments and meeting rooms make this a good spot for any occasion. Lovely and relaxed.
• Le Bailliage is a family-run establishment with an excellent restaurant and 22 attractive rooms in the pretty village of Salers. Unwind on the terrace as a couple or with family and friends after days of hiking, fishing, horse riding and moountain biking. Very convivial.

FOR A Château Escape

• Château du Bost offers chic rooms and suites set within leafy manicured gardens, slightly south of Vichy. Interiors are sleek and smart, with big windows, purple and cream textiles and high ceilings. Meeting spaces make this a great choice for events, and the gourmet restaurant serves delicious organic fare.
• Château de Champlong is a beautiful 16th-century manor house with chic, understated rooms and suites. Set within two hectares of mature gardens, it also offers a pool, spa treatments and excellent restaurant. Perfect for exploring Villerest or enjoying vineyard tours. Tranquil and romantic.
• Château d'Origny has five superb rooms and suites, filled with rich textiles and antique pieces. A wonderful couples' hideaway, the property also has an elegant gourmet restaurant. For romantics, foodies and history buffs. Near Roanne.
• Château de Vollore sits within the Regional Natural Park of Livradois-Forez. Dating back to the 12th Century, it's a favourite amongst history buffs as well as outdoorsy types. Unwind in the swimming pool before retreating to rooms with bold floral wallpapers and big four-posters.
• Château de Codignat promises sumptuous interiors with chandeliers, red and gold textiles and big beds in spacious rooms. A 15th-century gem with a terrific restaurant set under vaulted ceilings. Very romantic.

FOR FOODIES

• Troisgros is a gorgeous design hotel surrounded by vineyards. The big draw, however, is the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, where father and son team Michel and César Troisgros craft delectable dishes using local produce, including fresh oysters or duck with raspberries. Glorious.
• Hôtel Restaurant Le Pré is a foodie dream, with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative menus with foraged ingredients from the Auvergne hills. Light, airy rooms are chic and minimalistic, and the location is perfect for discovering the mountains and the city. An eco-focused hotel.
• Le Belle Meunière in Royat has four luxurious, individually decorated rooms. The big draw is Chef Laurent Jury's gastronomic restaurant. Sit beneath century-old stained glass windows and savour regional dishes from the 'Racines d'Auvergne' or 'Balade dans les Volcans' set menus, both championing local produce.
• Le Haut Allier offers seven traditionally decorated rooms and a terrific Michelin-starred restaurant in the Haute-Loire. Tuck in to elegant, inventive dishes created by Chefs Philippe et Clément Brun to showcase local ingredients. Regular wine tastings and mushroom foraging trips are highlights.

FOR ECO-LUXURY

• Instants d'Absolu Ecolodge & Spa is a beautiful lakeside lodge with elegant interiors featuring minimalist white and cream decor and mesmerising views. Explore the Auvergne Nature Park, enjoy restorative spa treatments with local botanicals, and dine on flavoursome fare crafted from seasonal produce. A gorgeous eco-minded escape.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport or to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport and travel by car, bus or train to your destination in Auvergne.
• The Auvergne region is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 25°C in June to August. May or September are ideal for quieter trips; expect summers to be busy.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Clermont-Ferrand.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Auvergne.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.