Regional Nature Parks: preserved nature in the heart of Puy-de-Dôme
The Livradois-Forez and Volcans d'Auvergne Regional Nature Parks offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in exceptional landscapes, with their traditional crafts, iconic volcanoes and remarkable biodiversity.
Explore these areas where natural and human heritage come together to create authentic and memorable experiences.
Le Parc naturel régional Livradois-Forez : Tradition et innovation
Straddling the Puy-de-Dôme and Haute-Loire departments, the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park covers more than 320,000 hectares, bringing together 180 communes and 110,000 inhabitants.
This vast territory is renowned for the diversity of its landscapes, its age-old know-how and its inspiring energy.
A unique industrial and craft heritage
In this land of forests and rivers, the inhabitants have developed remarkable craft activities, driven by the natural energy of the waterways.
The capital of cutlery
In Thiers, the cutlery capital since the 14th century, 70% of the sharp objects produced in France come to life thanks to ancestral know-how perpetuated by passionate craftsmen.
The treasures of the Pays d'Ambert
In the Pays d'Ambert, the heritage of braid and lace manufacturers has evolved into an industry of world-class excellence, producing electrical sheaths, mountaineering ropes and much more.
An invitation to discover
The Route des Métiers, created in 2003, invites you to explore châteaux, museums, craftsmen and farm producers. You'll meet men and women who are proud to pass on their heritage and share their passion with curious visitors.
The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park: Between majesty and serenity
To the west of the département, the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park stretches from the Puy-de-Dôme to the Cantal, covering five natural regions with distinctive peaks, plateaux and valleys: the Artense, the Cézallier, the Monts du Cantal, the Monts Dôme and the Monts Dore. These fascinating landscapes bear witness to millions of years of geological activity.
À la découverte des monts emblématiques
The Chaîne des Puys
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chaîne des Puys - Limagne Fault features more than 80 domes and craters over 40 kilometres, dominated by the Puy de Dôme (1,465 m), a Grand Site de France®.
The Dore mountains
The Monts Dore, dominated by the Puy de Sancy (1,885 m), are an ancient volcanic massif at the heart of the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne. Sculpted by erosion and glaciers, they offer alpine landscapes, lakes and waterfalls. This region, rich in flora and fauna, is a magnet for outdoor activities and renowned spas.
Cantal and Cézallier
The Cézallier, a vast basalt plateau formed by ancient volcanic flows, alternates between lush green plateaux and rolling valleys, inviting you to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Cantal massif, Europe's largest volcano, was built around 13 million years ago before being sculpted by erosion and glaciers.
Welcome to the Cantal, where nature is grandiose and rural traditions are alive and well.
Nature reserves and biodiversity
Two exceptional nature reserves protect rare flora and fauna:
Practical information
To find out more about these parks and prepare your stay, visit the official websites:
- Livradois-Forez Park :
parc-livradois-forez.org - Parc des Volcans: parcdesvolcans.fr
