100% nature road trip in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes with Worldelse

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region offers a postcard for nature lovers. From Lyon to the Cantal, via the Haute-Loire and the Puy-de-Dôme, I take you to some of the most beautiful corners of this region rich in discovery and adventure. A 100% natural itinerary to disconnect and enjoy.

Famous for its gastronomy and its famous bouchons, the city of Lyon is also crossed by the ViaRhona. This is a well-marked circuit, to let yourself be carried along by the swirls of the Rhône to the shady paths of the Grand Parc de Miribel Jonage. This greening continues a little further south with the Pilat Regional Park, in the foothills of the Massif Central. This is the ideal opportunity to swap the bike for a short tree walk. Sensation and wonder guaranteed!

Whether you are a nature lover or a lover of picturesque villages, there is no shortage of things to do here. You can walk through the department, passing by the Blue Lake and the beauty of its unique colour, without forgetting a stop in Le Puy-en-Velay. A town built in the heart of a volcanic landscape, where you can meander through its cobbled streets while admiring from the corner of your eye its famous rocky outcrop from which the church of Saint-Michel rises on one side, and the statue of Notre Dame de France on the other. The highlight of the show? Watching the sunrise at the Cirque des Boutières, also known as the Cirque Cuzet: without a doubt, my favourite part of this stay in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes. In less than 15 minutes of walking, you are at the top, ready to admire the beauty of this panorama which takes shape under your eyes. A moment as magical as it is unforgettable, to be done alone or accompanied by a nature guide.

The Cantal, a neighbouring department of the Haute-Loire, is a favourite destination for hiking enthusiasts. Excursions and trails abound, particularly thanks to the famous GR400, which offers an enchanting setting for criss-crossing the ridges of the Cantalien Massif. An introduction to this spectacular environment, before finishing by climbing to Puy Mary to enjoy a picnic at sunset. Classified as a Grand Site de France, it offers a magnificent 360 degree panorama. The perfect little reward that will make you quickly forget the many steps and the somewhat steep climb to get there. With a bit of luck and good weather, you can see the whole Puys chain, and even Mont Blanc.

The Puy de Dôme is an ideal place to enjoy the countryside with your family or friends, as the end of this 100% nature holiday in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The landscapes follow one another and the change of scenery does not stop. The roads of the Sancy massif, which is also part of the Auvergne Volcanoes chain, can be explored and the beauty of its preserved and authentic natural setting can be enjoyed. The road to the Col de la Croix Saint Robert, which winds up and down, offers a splendid view as you approach Lac Chambon and Lac de Guéry. A real haven of coolness surrounded by mountains, they are the perfect setting for a swim. Not forgetting a short stop at the Tulière and Sanadoire rocks.

The Puy de Dôme is an emblematic site for which the Massif Central is famous. It can be discovered on land, thanks to access to its summit and its 360-degree panoramic view, by hiking or by taking the ecological cogwheel panoramic train. But it can also be (re)discovered... in the air, thanks to a hot air balloon flight! A completely crazy experience that invites you to take a little height, to fly over the Volcanoes chain to observe a new facet of the region. The view is breathtaking and the memory memorable!