Puy-de-Dôme

Overview

Key Facts

• Type of place: department.

• Location: in central France, in the Massif Central.

• Department code: 63.

• Bordering departments: Allier, Cantal, Corrèze, Creuse, Loire, and Haute-Loire.

• Prefecture: Clermont-Ferrand.

• Sub-prefectures: Ambert, Issoire, Riom, and Thiers.

• Number of communes: 467.

• Population: 653,742 inhabitants (2017).

• Area: 7,970 km².

• Density: 81 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Puy de Sancy (1,886 m).

• Lowest point:

• Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.

• Highlights (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★/ ★★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation-holidays ★/ ★★

• Website: http://www.planetepuydedome.com

History of Puy-de-Dôme

Geography and Environment

Culture and Economy

What to See in Puy-de-Dôme

• What to See in the Massif Central and in Puy-de-Dôme

This is the "land" of the Auvergne volcanoes, the Monts Dore, and several puys, along with numerous lakes and gorges like those of the Sioule. In short, the department is a nature destination par excellence, offering a wide range of outdoor activities in both summer and winter, with several ski resorts. Additionally, Puy-de-Dôme is home to beautiful medieval castles and villages to explore...

What to Do in Puy-de-Dôme

- Horseback riding: equestrian centers as well as opportunities for rides and hikes for all levels and durations. Don’t forget donkey treks (see details).

- Cycling and mountain biking: country trails or mountain routes—the region has plenty to offer cycling enthusiasts. Highlights include hundreds of kilometers of marked mountain bike trails, the ascent of Puy Mary (in Cantal), the Grande Traversée des Volcans, and the Véloroute 70 (see details).

- Whitewater and water sports: canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, canyoning, and whitewater swimming—the department’s rivers and lakes provide plenty of options for water sports enthusiasts. There are also opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and waterskiing on certain lakes, which are also great for swimming (see details).

- Fishing: thousands of kilometers of rivers and dozens of lakes make the region a favorite spot for anglers (see details).

- Hiking: in the Volcanoes of Auvergne Regional Nature Park, along lakes and rivers, or on the high plateaus around Aubrac—all levels of hiking are possible on the hundreds of kilometers of marked trails in Puy-de-Dôme (see details).

- Wellness: spas, balneotherapy, and especially thermal baths in Auvergne (see details).

- Winter sports: Puy-de-Dôme ("63") isn’t necessarily the first department that comes to mind for winter activities. Yet, it has around ten resorts (including Mont Dore and Super Besse), offering opportunities for ski touring, snowshoeing, or dog sledding (see details).

- From the sky: Auvergne and its volcanoes seen from above in a hot-air balloon, ultralight aircraft, paraglider, hang glider, parachute, or glider (see details).

Climate and Weather

Transport

Getting There

Getting Around

Accommodation

Food

Additional Information