Regional Nature Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne (Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne)

Covering an area of more than 395,000 hectares (976,085 acres), the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne was created in 1977 and is home to four volcanic massifs: the Chaîne des Puys (Puy de Dôme, 1465m/4792ft high), Monts Dore (Puy de Sancy, 1886m/6188ft high), Monts du Cézalier (Signal du Luguet, 1551m/5089ft high) and Monts du Cantal (Plomb du Cantal, 1855m/6086 ft high). There are glaciers, lakes and peatland throughout the park, as well as numerous exhibitions of flora, fauna and traditional architecture. Activities include hiking, riding, cycling, hand-gliding and hot-air ballooning. There are numerous other educational centres located within the park.
Air: Clermont Ferrand Airport. Rail: Train: Clermont Ferrand Station. Road: Car: A71 (from Paris); A72 (from Lyon).