September 24, 2025, 6:55 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Always having your own four walls with you and waking up somewhere new every morning: For many, there’s nothing better than camping. In Europe, there are several regions particularly suited for this type of vacation. This includes the Auvergne, located in the heart of France. And TRAVELBOOK readers have decided: It secures the TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025 as the best European hidden gem region for campers. Find out here what makes the camping region so special and what you can see there.
Overview
In the Heart of France
The Auvergne is located in central France and does not border any coast. However, a large part of this region belongs to the Massif Central mountain range. The Auvergne also boasts a volcanic landscape, the oldest region in France, according to the official website of the National Tourism Agency. The region is home to a chain of 80 volcanoes, and the regional volcano park covers an area of nearly 400,000 hectares. Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, with natural lakes, forests, and peat bogs to explore on numerous hiking trails.
What to See and Experience in the Auvergne
Travelers drawn to the Auvergne have much to look forward to. A must-see is the volcanic landscape. You don’t have to climb the Puy de Dôme yourself; an electric cog railway takes you to the 1,465-meter summit in just 15 minutes. From there, you have a perfect view of the Chaîne des Puys volcanic chain, which includes 80 UNESCO-classified volcanoes. The Le Puy-de-Dôme is also located here, formed by successive volcanic eruptions. The Puy-de-Dôme has no crater, and its summit reaches a height of 1,465 meters, making it the highest in the volcanic chain.
A visit to Vulcania Park is also recommended. It showcases various natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and the deep-sea flora and fauna. In a 30,000-year-old lava flow, visitors can explore “volcanoes” using pyrotechnics.
Those interested in art and history should make a stop in the town of Le Puy-en-Velay during their trip through the Auvergne. Located at an elevation of 625 meters, it offers numerous attractions. The Notre Dame de Puy Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one such highlight. The Notre-Dame de France statue on the Corneille Rock is also a popular tourist spot. Another unique feature of the town is that it has been a starting point for one of the most important pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela since the Middle Ages.
For a unique view, visit the village of Polignac and its namesake fortress. It sits atop a volcanic hill and offers an ideal view of the entire region. The village of Saint-Floret also has historical sites to discover, including the last remnants of a 13th-century castle. The main building contains a few preserved murals illustrating the story of Tristan and Isolde.
For those who prefer a more active experience, the National Tourism Agency recommends a kayak trip on the Allier River. It is one of the last wild rivers in Europe, flowing through the extraordinary landscapes of the Val d’Allier nature reserve.
Crowned! These Are the Best Trend Travel Destinations Worldwide
7 Must-Visit Destinations for 2026!
Why the Auvergne is Worthwhile for Campers
Campers in this region can enjoy not only nature but also a wealth of cultural experiences. However, it’s important to note that camping in the wild in France is only allowed with the owner’s permission. Wild camping on public roads, by the sea, at tourist sites, or in nature and water protection areas is not permitted.
In regular parking lots, where the RV does not obstruct anyone, parking is allowed for up to seven days. However, tables and chairs cannot be set up there, as this would constitute camping, which is only permitted in designated areas.
Fortunately, France has a large number of campsites. There are about 11,000 in total, with more than 400 in the Auvergne region alone. These include simple pitches as well as facilities equipped with swimming pools, water parks, and many other amenities.
Methodology for the TRAVELBOOK AWARD
All nominated regions, countries, and others for the TRAVELBOOK AWARD are already winners, even if they didn’t achieve overall victory. Each country made it to the shortlist in advance, selected from a large number of contenders in a category.
The TRAVELBOOK editorial team sought help from the community on Facebook and Instagram and consulted experts from the travel industry to create the shortlist. TRAVELBOOK readers then cast nearly 150,000 votes to choose their trend travel destinations for 2026.