Visit Puy de Dôme (the department)

Visit Puy de Dôme (the department)located in the heart of theAuvergneis a land rich in history, breathtaking scenery and culinary traditions. This territory offers a multitude of tourist sites, picturesque towns and tasty gastronomy that will seduce travelers in search of authenticity.​

Must-see tourist sites

The Puy de Dôme

An emblematic symbol of the department, the puy de Dôme is a volcano culminating at an altitude of 1,465 metres. Accessible via the "Panoramique des Dômes" cog railway or hiking trails, its summit offers panoramic views of the Puys chain and surrounding countryside. The remains of the Temple of Mercury, dating back to Gallo-Roman times, can also be seen here. ​

Vulcania

Located near Clermont-Ferrand, Vulcania is a theme park dedicated to volcanism. It offers interactive exhibits, fun and educational attractions to help you understand how volcanoes work and the natural phenomena associated with them. ​

Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park

This vast protected area offers a mosaic of volcanic landscapes, lakes and forests. Hiking enthusiasts can explore marked trails leading to remarkable natural sites such as Lac Pavin and the Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central. ​

Murol castle

This medieval fortress, perched on a rocky promontory, offers an insight into the history of the Middle Ages. Activities and historical re-enactments allow visitors to relive the daily life of the lords of yesteryear.

The Orcival basilica

A masterpiece of Auvergne Romanesque art, the Notre-Dame d'Orcival basilica is a renowned place of pilgrimage. Its harmonious architecture and sculpted capitals make it a treasure trove of the region's religious heritage. ​

Landscapes and towns in Puy de Dôme

Clermont-Ferrand

Historic capital of Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand with its rich architectural heritage. The Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption cathedral, built of Volvic stone, dominates the town with its dark silhouette. The historic district of Montferrand reveals medieval alleyways and mansions bearing witness to the city's flourishing past.

Thiers

Renowned for its cutlery tradition, Thiers is known as the "cutlery capital of France". The steep streets of the old town are home to artisan workshops and the Musée de la Coutellerie, retracing the history of this ancestral skill.

Issoire

This charming town is famous for its Saint-Austremoine abbey church, one of the five major Romanesque churches in the Auvergne. Its colorful facades and lively markets reflect the art of living in Auvergne.

Ambert

Nestled in the heart of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, Ambert is famous for its gastronomy, in particular fourme d'Amberta PDO cheese appreciated by gourmets. The town is also home to the Richard de Bas mill, a historic paper museum. ​

The region and neighbouring departments

The Puy de Dôme is surrounded by other départements with a wealth of different features. To the north, theAllier offers landscapes of hedged farmland and spa towns such as Vichy. To the east, the Loire unveils the Forez mountains, ideal for outdoor activities. To the south, the Haute-Loire with its wild gorges and Romanesque heritage. To the west, the Cantal with its mountains and picturesque villages. ​

Gastronomy and specialities of Puy de Dôme

The gastronomy of the Puy de Dôme reflects the generosity of its terroir. Local specialities include Saint-Nectairea soft cheese with a subtle hazelnut flavour, is a must. Visit Cantalanother emblematic cheese, offers a more pronounced flavor depending on its maturation. Deli meats, such as cabbage sausage or the Auvergne hamThese products will delight fans of authentic products. Traditional dishes such as truffadewith potatoes and fresh tome cheese, or the potée auvergnatea meat and vegetable stew, are a testament to the conviviality of the local cuisine. The desserts are not to be outdone with the apple pumpa sweet apple pie, or the Murat corneta crisp pastry filled with cream. ​

Visit Puy de Dôme is a land of flavors, where gastronomy reflects the richness of its terroir. With its exceptional cheesesits traditional dishesand its typical dessertsThis Auvergne region is a magnet for gourmets in search of authenticity. Let's discover the specialties that have made the region's culinary reputation. Puy de Dôme.

The emblematic cheeses of Puy de Dôme

The département is part of the Auvergne region, famous for its five PDO cheeses. Three of them come directly from the Puy de Dôme and are the pride of local producers.

Saint-Nectaire cheese

Visit Saint-Nectaire is without doubt the department's most emblematic cheese. Soft with a bloomy rind, it has a subtle aroma of hazelnut and mushroom. This farmhouse or dairy cheese is the perfect accompaniment to a charcuterie platter or potato gratin.

Fourme d'Ambert

A blue-veined cow's milk cheese, the Fourme d'Ambert is softer than Roquefort and reveals creamy, slightly tangy flavors. Enjoy sliced or melted into dishes as a sauce to accompany meat or pasta.

Bleu d'Auvergne

Visit Bleu d'Auvergnealso a blue-veined cheese, has a powerful, melt-in-the-mouth flavor. It goes perfectly with nuts, honey or red wine for a well-balanced tasting experience.

Typical Puy de Dôme dishes

The cuisine of Puy de Dôme is a kitchen rustic and generousideal for coping with the region's harsh winters.

The truffle

This emblematic Auvergne dish is made with fried potatoes and fresh Cantal tome fondue. Served with local charcuterie and a green salad, it is often shared in mountain inns.

Auvergne stew

Visit potée auvergnate is a meat stew made with palette of pork, bacon and sausages simmered with seasonal vegetables, in particular cabbage, carrots and potatoes. This convivial dish is typical of winter family meals.

Stuffed cabbage

An emblematic local dish, the stuffed cabbage is a specialty that combines blanched cabbage leaves, minced pork and sometimes bread soaked in milk. It is then rolled into a ball and simmered for a long time.

Blond lentils from Planèze

Less well known than Le Puy lensesthe blond lentils grown in the Puy de Dôme region are tasty and the perfect accompaniment to local meats and cured meats.

The pounti

Visit pounti is a sweet and savoury flan made from flour, eggs, milk, chard, bacon and prunes. This astonishing blend gives a unique taste between sweet and savory. It is often enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish.

Local charcuterie and meats

Auvergne ham

Visit Auvergne ham is a dry-cured ham salted with sea salt and matured at altitude. It is generally eaten in thin slices as an aperitif or with cheese.

Cabbage sausage

Typical of the Puy de Dôme region, the cabbage sausage is a specialty that blends pork and cabbage. It is cooked in water and often served with potatoes.

A little salty from Auvergne

This speciality consists of pork meat that is salted and slow-cooked with blond lentilsa hearty, tasty dish.

Desserts and sweets from Puy de Dôme

The apple pump

Visit apple pump is a sweet pie filled with caramelized apples and flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. It's a traditional specialty of local pastry shops.

Murat's cornet

Originally from the neighbouring Cantal region, the Murat cornet is a pastry in the shape of a crispy cone filled with whipped cream.

Fruit jellies from Auvergne

Visit fruit pastes manufactured in the Puy de Dôme are made with local fruits such as the pear, raspberry or apricot. They are very popular at the end of a meal or as an accompaniment to coffee.

Household cake

A family specialty household cake is a brioche cake lightly scented with orange blossom or vanilla.

Typical Puy de Dôme drinks

La Verveine du Velay

Although more associated with the Haute-Loire region, the Velay verbena is a verbena-based liqueur, often consumed as an aperitif. digestive after a good meal.

Chanturgue wine

Visit Chanturgue wine is one of Auvergne winesfrom vineyards located around Clermont-Ferrand. Ideal with local cheeses.

Craft beers from Auvergne

The Puy de Dôme is home to many craft breweriesoffering beers with character, often brewed with thepure volcano water.