Camping Sauxillanges des Prairies D'Auvergne

Camping Sauxillanges des Prairies D'Auvergne is on the western edge of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, and about 20 kilometres to the east of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, the biggest in France. As you'd expect, outdoor days galore are all around here, and townie types are sorted too with beaut communes like Usson, Montpeyroux and Issoire within easy reach. A circular route around the Livradois-Forez park takes in urban areas including Billom, Thiers, Chateldon, Courpiere, Olliergues and Ambert. Montpeyroux, Usson and Issoire are all worth a day out each: Montpeyroux for its spectacular views and 13th-century tower, and Usson for its 12th-century church, volcano side setting and 'organ' cliffs (why they're called that will be a cinch to see when you get there). At Issoire, a few kilometres south of Usson, there's a 12th-century church, colourful buildings, and a belltower to climb up for town views. Totes worth the travel time at 63 kilometres is Puy-de-Dôme, the extinct volcano rising 1,464 metres to give spectacular views along the Chaine des Puys volcanic range.