Auvergne's Volcanic Landscape Draws Motorcyclists and Pilgrims

The Auvergne region of south‑central France, centred around the city of Clermont‑Ferrand, is famed for its chain of dormant volcanoes, the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The volcanic terrain offers a popular destination for motorcyclists, with routes such as the D68 road looping around the Puy de Dôme and the col de Ceyssat, providing dramatic panoramas, winding curves and access to attractions like the Vulcania theme park.

Auvergne also attracts religious pilgrims. The town of Le Puy‑en‑Velay lies on the Chemin de Saint‑Jacques, featuring the UNESCO‑listed Cathédrale Notre‑Dame du Puy and the perched Chapelle Saint‑Michel de l’Aiguilhe, reached via 268 steps. These sites, together with the region’s thermal spas, cheese specialties and the presence of the Michelin tyre company in Clermont‑Ferrand, make Auvergna a diverse tourism hotspot for both adventure riders and cultural travelers.