Just south of the spa town of Royat – which is itself more or less an extension of the regional capital of Clermont Ferrand – the Royat Huttopia Campsite is a beautiful woodland campsite of almost 150 flat and mostly shaded terraced pitches, and makes a wonderful spot from which to discover this amazing part of France.
The Auvergne is one of the country's most untouched and stunning regions, and the area around Puy de Dôme, where the site is situated, is truly unique. An originally volcanic region where the country's green heart has been moulded into a series of pristine peaks – what's left of now-dormant volcanoes – it's a place that makes a perfect playground for all kinds of outdoors activities: hiking, mountain-biking, horse-riding, paragliding, canoeing, swimming and more.
The campsite itself is well kitted out with pleasant and very comfortable shower blocks, and features accommodation options that have something for everyone. There are ordinary tent pitches for camping purists, spaces for campervans and caravans, along with ready-pitched wood and canvas tents and chalets for those who like a touch more comfort. It may not be the most intimate of camping spaces and is certainly on the more commercial end of the camping spectrum, but what it lacks in personality it makes up for with the location.
It couldn't be better situated if you're looking to climb Puy de Dome or explore any of the other volcanic 'puys' that make this area of France so distinctive. It's great for families, and you might want to give the nearby theme park of Vulcania a try. For grown-ups there are the spa delights of Royat at close hand, not to mention the old centre and cathedral of neighbouring Clermont Ferrand.