Travel by train across Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: ideas and practical advice

Auvergne is a region of vast volcanic landscapes, green pastures and the Massif Central... But it's also picturesque villages, generous culinary traditions, and a whole territory to discover. by train and without a car Auvergne, for a weekend or a longer stay! Introducing our guide to the Auvergne.

How to reach Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes by train?

Auvergne is well served by the French rail network. Several major towns and stations provide easy access from all over France:

• Clermont-Ferrand station about 3h30 from Paris by Intercités/TER.
• Vichy about 3h from Paris by Intercités/TER (via Saint-Germain-des-Fossés).
• Mills about 2h30 from Paris by Intercités train.
• Saint-Germain-des-Fossés A major rail hub for TER and Intercités services to various Auvergne destinations.

From these central stations, it is often possible to easily continue your journey by regional train (TER) to smaller towns and sites throughout the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Where to go by train from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?

What to do and discover in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?

Nature and gentle roaming: volcanoes, hiking and wide open spaces

The Auvergne is a land shaped by fire: it is home to a multitude of volcanic peaks, crater lakes and breathtaking panoramas:

• Chaîne des Puys - Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park UNESCO World Heritage Site: a chain of volcanic cones, craters and breathtaking landscapes.
• The Puy de Dôme the region's volcanic landmark, accessible on foot or by car. Panoramique des Dômes a electric rack-and-pinion train which leads to the summit for a spectacular view of the entire Chaîne des Puys.
• Auvergne Volcano Park A huge natural area for hiking, wildlife watching, mountain biking, kayaking or simply getting lost in nature.
• Volcanic lakes (such as Lac Pavin or Lac Chambon) to relax, swim or enjoy the shores in summer.

In the Auvergne, hiking is king: marked trails (including numerous GR) allow you to explore the diversity of our landscapes, from deep forests to volcanic ridges.

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But the region doesn't stop there. As you head towards the Alps, other playgrounds open up to you: alpine lakes, spectacular scenery and gentle itineraries between mountains and towns on a human scale. This is particularly true around Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, where you can enjoy a mix of lakeside walks, swimming and mountain panoramas.

Also worth discovering:

• Chambéry the former capital of the States of Savoy, with its colorful historic center, traboules and Piedmont atmosphere

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• Aix-les-Bains an elegant spa town on the shores of Lac du Bourget, perfect for a break between water and mountains.

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Culture and heritage: historic towns and picturesque villages

The Auvergne is full of towns and villages rich in history and traditional architecture:

• Clermont-Ferrand The region's volcanic capital, with its lava-black cathedral and historic quarters.
• Le Puy-en-Velay The town is a medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the starting point of one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.
• Salers (Cantal): one of France's most beautiful villages, in the heart of the Cantalien Massif.
• Vichy The famous spa town, one of France's former wellness capitals.

But the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region also boasts a unique diversity of Auvergne and Alpine influences: from historic cities like Chambéry to elegant spas like Aix-les-Bains, our heritage can be discovered in both stone and landscape.

Art & creativity

While the region is first and foremost a nature destination, it also offers a rich cultural heritage: local museums, music festivals and artistic events punctuate the year, often accessible from the regional TER and bus networks.

Flavours and traditions: gourmet Auvergne

The Auvergne is a land of rustic and generous gastronomy: cheeses like Saint-Nectaire cheese, Cantal or Fourme d'Ambert cheese typical dishes such as truffade (potatoes and melted cheese), not forgetting green Puy lentils or gentian, a local specialty.

Country markets, farm inns and local producers all over the region provide opportunities to sample these culinary traditions, often accompanied by a craft beer or a glass of local wine.

Deals and passes

Practical FAQ