The Auvergne Volcanoes Park ("Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne ") stretches 120km from north to south and is a massive 395,000 hectares in size. It straddles two French départements - Cantal and Puy de Dôme and comprises three distinct extinct volcanic mountain chains and two volcanic plateaux.

The oldest of the volcanic areas in this amazing region is the Monts du Cantal (the highest point of which is Plomb du Cantal, 1855m) with the younger Monts Dore (highest point, Puy de Sancy, 1886ms) to the north. Between these two areas are two high volcanic plateaux, those of the Artense and the Cézallier. Heading north once more are the Monts Dômes range, known as the "Chaîne des Puys". Here the highest point is the famous Puy de Dôme, 1465m).

Each of the three areas are different in character, a result of their different ages and the long term effects of erosion and glaciation. The Monts Dômes is a chain of distinct volcanic craters and Monts Dore has many crater lakes. The huge Mont du Cantal is now characterised by its many and varied peaks and its 26 radial glacial valleys.

Given this unusual and spectacular setting the entire region is a walkers paradise. Roughly comparable in size to Snowdonia or the English Lake District it is far quieter, less inhabited and with scenery just as amazing. There are a number of major Grande Randonnée routes in the area plus many local tracks and paths that can be followed with a good map. Alternatively and highly popular self-guided and guided walks are offered by local travel experts.