Discover Auvergne: France's Hidden Golf Region Among Ancient Volcanoes

While most golfing trips to France head straight for Paris, Bordeaux or the Riviera, Auvergne — a region shaped by dormant volcanoes in the heart of the Massif Central — remains one of the country's most overlooked golf destinations. It's an area where dramatic volcanic scenery, centuries-old gastronomy and genuinely local golf culture combine in a way you won't find on France's more heavily trafficked coasts.

Note: Auvergne (historic Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Allier and Haute-Loire) is distinct from the wider modern "Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes" administrative region, which also covers Lyon, Annecy and the Alps. This guide covers golf in Auvergne proper — the volcanic heartland around Clermont-Ferrand.

Golf Among Ancient Volcanoes

Auvergne's courses sit against the backdrop of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed chain of dormant volcanoes — a setting unlike anywhere else in French golf. A handful of courses stand out for golfers exploring the region:

   ▪️ Golf de Royat-Charade — A dramatic 9-hole course clinging to the hillside above Clermont-Ferrand, founded in 1930, with sweeping views over the city and the Chaîne des Puys.

   ▪️ Golf du Mont-Dore — Set above 1,100 metres in the Sancy massif, roughly 45 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, with wide fairways, well-defended greens and some of the highest-altitude golf in France.

   ▪️ Golf du Val d'Auzon — An 18-hole course south of Clermont-Ferrand, following the Auzon river, known for fast, technical play.

   ▪️ Golf de Vichy-Montpensier — An 18-hole parkland course near the historic spa town of Vichy, set within the Domaine de la Forêt de Montpensier.

What sets these courses apart isn't championship polish — it's authenticity. Visiting golfers are welcomed into local clubs where French golfing tradition runs deep, creating genuine interaction with local members rather than the more transactional feel of resort golf.

A Paradise for Food Lovers

Auvergne is one of France's great, and most underrated, gastronomic regions. Its reputation is built on cheese: Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne, Salers and Fourme d'Ambert are all produced here and recognised across France. Visiting local farms, cheese caves and village markets — and sampling fresh Saint-Nectaire overlooking volcanic pastureland — is one of the region's defining experiences.

The local table is equally shaped by hearty mountain cooking: truffade (potatoes cooked with melted cheese), aligot (creamy mashed potato blended with cheese), slow-cooked meats and rustic charcuterie all reflect the character of the surrounding landscape.

Wine and Local Beverages

Overshadowed by Bordeaux and Burgundy but with roots dating to Roman times, Auvergne's wine tradition is built on small, family-run vineyards that rarely export — meaning visitors can taste labels unavailable anywhere else. Volcanic soils give the wines a distinctive freshness that pairs naturally with the region's food.

The region is also known for the mineral-rich springs of Vichy, which have drawn visitors for centuries, along with a growing craft beer and fruit liqueur scene.

Rich Heritage and Authentic French Culture

Clermont-Ferrand, dominated by its Gothic cathedral built from black volcanic stone, is the cultural heart of the region, with a strong café culture and easy access to Romanesque churches and medieval villages nearby. Le Puy-en-Velay, a historic starting point of the Camino de Santiago, offers striking architecture and dramatic rock formations. Throughout the year, local festivals celebrate regional food, wine, music and folklore.

Why Golf Travellers Should Add Auvergne to Their French Itinerary

For golfers who've already played the Riviera or Bordeaux, Auvergne offers something genuinely different: volcanic scenery, unpretentious local clubs, exceptional food and wine, and a slower, more authentic pace of travel. It rewards curiosity rather than checklist tourism.

CGE Golf can build Auvergne into a wider French golf itinerary — pairing rounds at Royat-Charade, Mont-Dore, Val d'Auzon or Vichy-Montpensier with more familiar stops elsewhere in France, alongside curated food, wine and cultural experiences arranged by our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Auvergne, and is it different from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?

Auvergne is the historic volcanic region in the Massif Central, centred on Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal and Vichy. It's part of the larger modern administrative region "Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes," which also includes Lyon, Annecy and the Alps — a different landscape and golf offering entirely.

What golf courses are in Auvergne?

Notable courses include Golf de Royat-Charade (9 holes, Clermont-Ferrand), Golf du Mont-Dore (18 holes, high-altitude Sancy massif), Golf du Val d'Auzon (18 holes) and Golf de Vichy-Montpensier (18 holes, near Vichy).

What is Auvergne known for besides golf?

Volcanic scenery (the UNESCO-listed Chaîne des Puys), regional cheeses like Cantal and Saint-Nectaire, traditional dishes like aligot and truffade, small family-run wineries, and the historic spa town of Vichy.

Can I combine Auvergne golf with other regions of France on a tour? 

Yes — Auvergne pairs well as part of a broader French golf itinerary. CGE Golf can build it into a wider trip alongside other regions.

Plan a Golf Trip to France's Volcanic Heartland

Auvergne rewards golfers who want something beyond the obvious French golf trail — dramatic scenery, real local golf culture, and food and wine you won't find written up everywhere else. If you're planning a France golf trip and want Auvergne included, CGE Golf can build the itinerary around it.

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