Between nature and heritage: two ideas for getaways in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The arrival of spring is the perfect time to change things up, broaden your horizons, and explore nearby areas in a new light—where spectacular natural scenery and cultural discoveries come together. Discover two getaways, each revealing a different facet of the region: the volcanoes of Auvergne and Valence.

The Volcanoes of Auvergne: An Adventure Right at the Earth’s Core!

It’s impossible to remain indifferent to the rugged landscape of the Chaîne des Puys. Here, every hill tells the story of a past eruption, and every trail winds through millions of years of history.

Dive into a life-size volcano

How about a journey to the Earth’s core? At the Lemptégy Volcano, you literally step into the heart of a volcano… the experience is as spectacular as it is educational: in the open air, the site reveals its inner workings and offers a tangible glimpse of the geological forces that have shaped the entire region.

The tour, which lasts about 2.5 hours, offers a truly immersive experience. It begins with a fun introduction to the site’s history, before gradually descending into its depths, past solidified lava flows, volcanic vents, and landscapes sculpted by the Earth’s fire. Whether on a guided tour or by train, you’ll traverse a rugged and impressive landscape, all the way to the remnants of its industrial past, where old machinery tells the story of another era at the site.

The experience then takes on a more sensory dimension with attractions such as the Volcan Express and a 4D film that takes you back to the moment the Chaîne des Puys was formed. Everything is designed to give you the impression of traveling through time and space.

And to extend the experience, you can sit down for a meal featuring local specialties or browse the gift shop. In the summer, the site takes on a whole new atmosphere with the nighttime tour “Le Réveil du Volcan” (The Volcano’s Awakening), an almost dreamlike experience at the heart of a volcano that seems to be coming back to life.

A night in the heart of the volcanic landscape

To extend the experience, the Lemptégy Lodges offer the chance to sleep on the slopes of the site, with an exceptional view of the interior of the Lemptégy Volcano. These unique accommodations invite you to breathe deeply and reconnect with the surrounding nature.

Explore the area in a different way

The getaway can continue with more discoveries:

• The Volvic Stone Cave, where visitors can delve into the history of volcanic stone through a specially designed exhibition.

• Archipel Volcans, a welcoming guesthouse, perfect for exploring the region in an eco-friendly way.

Valence: A Cultural Getaway Along the Rhône

A change of atmosphere in Valence. Here, volcanic rock gives way to a relaxed way of life that invites contemplation. Valence is now part of the Network of Cities and Regions of Art and History, and the city charms visitors with its rich heritage and vibrant cultural scene. With its charming narrow streets, lively terraces, and iconic institutions like the Valence Museum, it offers the perfect getaway to combine artistic discovery with leisurely strolls. 

An art and archaeology museum

The Valence Museum, housed in a building steeped in history, features collections spanning the ages.

Its collections, comprising more than 20,000 works, trace the history of humanity and the arts, from prehistory to contemporary art. The exhibition combines archaeology (from the earliest settlements in the Drôme region to more recent periods) and the visual arts, with a particular focus on landscape.

Through June 21, 2026, the Musée de Valence offers a deep dive into the world of two major figures of the 18th century, Hubert Robert and Jean-Honoré Fragonard, through nearly 80 works brought together in the exhibition “Le sentiment de la nature”.

Here, the landscape becomes much more than just a backdrop: it comes to life. Ruins bathed in light, imaginary gardens, scenes of everyday life… the works invite you to step into a sensitive, sometimes theatrical, and always vibrant natural world.

Trained together in Rome, Hubert Robert and Fragonard each developed their own artistic vision: one explored the evocative power of ruins and architecture, while the other captured the spontaneity of life and the fleeting nature of moments. These two sensibilities complement each other and come together in a shared vision: that of a world where nature becomes an experience.

The exhibition invites visitors on a journey through the 18th century, where we begin to view the landscape in a new light—with greater intensity, freedom, and sensory awareness. One lesson resonates particularly strongly today, at a time when our relationship with nature is being questioned more than ever.

March 7–June 21, 2026
4 Place des Ormeaux, 26000 Valence

Strolling through an inspiring city

There’s more to Valencia than just museums:

• walks along the Rhône
• charming alleyways
• culinary breaks with a southern flair

An ideal destination to slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of its gardens and the canals that wind through it.

Enjoy your stay in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes!